Tracy

When I am on stage, I feel free and at ease. I can’t hear the music, but I can feel it, which helps me perform smoothly and naturally.

I lost my hearing due to high fever when I was six months old. I relied on lip-reading until I graduated from high school. It was then that I connected with the deaf community and learnt sign language for the first time.

Seeing the audience applaud after my first Cantonese opera performance made me happy and I felt like I had accomplished something great. It showed me that deaf people can do it too.

When you’re deaf, everyday tasks can be particularly challenging.

Before the days of digital accessibility and online banking, I found it difficult to manage my finances. The only way I could complete simple banking transactions was by visiting my local branch in Hong Kong.

I always had to take a trusted friend or family member with me to help – and I had to communicate with branch staff in person, but in writing. The whole process would make me feel quite uncomfortable, as I had to share personal information that I wanted to keep to myself.

When the HSBC mobile app launched, I did not know how to use it, but the bank staff helped.

They patiently demonstrated it to me, step by step. I am now able to handle my banking needs independently. It feels good having more privacy and I am less reliant on other people.

It is also saving me a lot of time, which helps me to focus on the things I love. I’m currently learning more about Cantonese opera, clay figurines and Korean.