Breaking Barriers from the Start
Born with congenital glaucoma, Amanda Kong Hwei Zhen lost her sight at six. But the darkness never dulled her ambition. Today, she stands as Malaysia’s first blind woman to be admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, a distinction she earned in 2019 after graduating with first-class honours from the University of Liverpool.
Amanda’s journey through the education system was marked by resistance and stigma. Teachers found her Braille typewriter disruptive. Friends distanced themselves. She had to memorise textbook content dictated by her mother because Braille versions arrived a year late. Yet, she persevered.
Amanda said that the biggest risk she took was pursuing law, a path rarely taken by Malaysia’s blind community. She believes the legal profession offers a powerful platform to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, helping to create a fairer and more inclusive society.
From Courtrooms to Classrooms
Rebuffed by several Malaysian colleges who doubted her ability to study law, Amanda found support at Brickfields Asia College. Lecturers sent her slides in advance and accommodated her with audio-friendly materials.
Her determination paid off: Amanda won the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award in 2013 for being the world’s top A-Level law student.
At Liverpool, she had access to reading assistants and audio-converted materials. That scaffolding empowered her to thrive.
Post-graduation, however, legal firms were hesitant to hire her due to “practical inconveniences.” Undeterred, she pivoted to advocacy, joining the Make It Right Movement (MIRM), the CSR arm of BAC, where she is now Community Development Manager.
Championing Rights, Changing Minds
In her role at MIRM, Amanda designs workshops on disability inclusion, digital literacy, and capacity building for people with disabilities (PWDs). She also co-heads the Bar Council’s Disability Working Group, contributing to the redrafting of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.
Amanda often notices that people talk to her colleagues instead of directly engaging with her, likely assuming that her blindness limits her ability to respond. She stresses that the real issue is not a lack of ability but the absence of opportunities.
She explains that while equality means treating everyone the same, true fairness—equity—requires recognising individual challenges and providing the right support and resources to overcome them. Without this tailored approach, people with disabilities risk being left behind.
Her advocacy extends into public spaces too. Amanda has lobbied for accessible sidewalks and public transport. When catching a movie, she relies on a friend for whispered audio descriptions due to the lack of assistive tech in local cinemas.
Living Fully, Advocating Fiercely
Amanda refuses to be boxed in by expectations. She hikes, goes to the gym, and travels widely—capturing photos for her Instagram with the hashtag #purelyfortheview.
“People ask, why would a blind person take photos?” she said. “I tell them: the pictures aren’t for me, they’re for you.”
Her smartphone, equipped with a screen reader, allows her to navigate the digital world with speed many sighted users can’t match.
Amanda explained that technology has transformed her daily life, enabling her to order meals, stay connected on social media, and take photos—with just a bit of assistive support.
The Woman Behind the Vision
Amanda credits her mother, Allison Won, as her greatest role model.
“She insisted I attend integrated schools. She learned Braille just to teach me. She was my strength and my ‘eyes.’”
She also highlights the influence of MIRM CEO Brian Lariche, who encouraged her to turn advocacy work into tangible community impact.
His guidance, she said, helped her grow as a leader and communicator. Now, Amanda is using her voice to drive inclusion not through sympathy, but empowerment.
Amanda emphasized that disability rights progress most effectively when driven by the community itself, reminding us, “After all, if we don’t help ourselves, who will?”—highlighting the importance of self-advocacy from within.
Sources: Facebook, WikiImpact, Enable, CodeBlue, FMT, The Star
Watch a video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Meet Lorraine Geraldine Especkerman: Malaysia’s First Blade Runner
The Shepherd CEO: How a Singaporean Built a S$43M Farm Network From His Backyard
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
