Page 11 - Berita Sunway - Issue 67

A FIGHTER AND PARALYMPIAN WITH

A HEART OF GOLD Assistant manager by day and athlete by night, HEROES OF SUWNAY

there is more to Tan Kok Ming than meets the eye

Tan Kok Ming was only five years old when he discovered he ”So it wasn’t surprising when Kok Ming also reminded the writer
was different from his peers. that despite his situation, more people in the world had it worse.
Born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder triggered by Kok Ming is also appreciative of Sunway, which he feels
a congenital brain defect, Kok Ming’s condition meant he lacked provides the disabled with proper resources and facilities. “Sunway
strength and control on the left side of his body. “I realised early on has provided people with disability the right opportunities,” said
that I could only use one side of my body,” he said. Kok Ming, who has been with the group for 13 years.
Cerebral palsy also affects a person’s posture, balance and His Buddhist belief also shapes a large part of his identity
ability to move, communicate, eat, sleep and learn. It can be found and personality. He dedicates time cleaning up sacred spaces at
in one to two of every 2,000 babies born, and is 10 times more religious institutions he’s affiliated with. BERITA SUNWAY | JAN—MAR 2020
frequent in babies who are born premature as well as babies of It may sound simple, but disability awareness starts with
low birth weight, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). acceptance. Kok Ming feels the best way for others to be more
But it’s clear that Kok Ming hasn’t let his condition stop him appreciative of those with disability is simply by creating an
from pursuing the things he loves. Besides successfully climbing inclusive and safe space for them.
Mount Kinabalu, the 42-year-old, Group Corporate Sustainability
& Events Assistant Manager is also an award-winning athlete, LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
winning medals at the 19 Para Sukma Games in 2018. He is
th
actively involved in various charity and volunteering efforts and sits
on the committee of Kelab Sosial Sunway. 1. Para Badminton Malaysia 4. SUNWAY Badminton
When he was younger, inadequate medical technology meant SIRKIT 2, 2019 Competition 2018
treatment was not readily available to aid Kok Ming’s disorder. – Bronze in Men’s Single – Men’s Doubles
So, to cope with his condition, he had to use his right side more and Men’s Doubles 2nd Runner-up
frequently than his left, to build muscle strength. “I dedicated 2. Para Badminton Malaysia 5. SUKMA Paralympic 2018
more time and effort into each move to perfect my overall SIRKIT 1, 2019 – Bronze in Men’s Single &
movement,” he said. – Silver in Men’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
If you bumped into the father of two, you wouldn’t have
guessed he has cerebral palsy, partly due to how seamlessly 3. MBPJ Para Carnival 2019 6. SUNWAY Badminton
he moves about. But he admits that his speech disorder is still – Silver in Men’s Single Competition 2017
something he needs to improve on. There is currently no cure for and Men’s Doubles for – Champion in Men’s
cerebral palsy, which is categorised as a lifelong disorder by MOH. Badminton, Gold in Doubles
Kok Ming wouldn’t be where he is today, a successful Football
badminton athlete, if he had not endured the long, grueling hours
of training. At the age of 13, he started dedicating five out of seven
days to hone his badminton techniques. “I had to put in extra effort
as compared to those non-disabled.” Today, he continues to train “We’d like to be treated normally. We
regularly — two days a week at Pusat Kecemerlangan Sukan have our own strengths and abilities,
Paralimpik Malaysia. too. My left side may be weak but my
Humility flows in his DNA. Being a modest person, he is quick memory recall is good,” says Kok Ming.
to shrug off compliments on how inspiring his tale is. Instead, “It’s all part of God’s gift — to lose
insists that the support of his family and friends have been key to
his success and perseverance. “They had sacrificed a lot for me,” something and to gain something else.” 11
he said. “Life is beautiful, so I believe it’s important to focus on
yourself and don’t always compare yourself with other people.