DESPITE living with low vision, 14-year-old Tang Tze Yu did not let her disability stand in the way of expressing her love for her father in visual media.
Channelling her emotions, creativity and determination into a heartfelt short video, the teenager captures the close bond she shares with her dad and mum, an effort that has earned her first prize in Category 3 (13 to 18 years old) of a Fathers Day short video competition.
Tze Yu, who has had the impairment since primary school, produced a video showcasing how her parents lovingly raised her and organised family holidays since she was a toddler.
“It is my way of showing appreciation not only to my father, but also to my mother,” she said, dedicating the win to dad Tang Kah Hean.
She had earlier made a card to express her gratitude and love.
“I also hugged him,” said the soft-spoken student from St George’s Girls’ School.
Her touching effort filled her dad with pride.
“As a parent I am proud, and even more so because she dedicated this win to me,” said the 46-year-old businessman.
Neoh Enn Shen, 11, from SJK (C) Union, also dedicated his first-place win in Category 2 (age 10 to 12) to his dad.
The youngster said he expressed his appreciation for his father by helping with household chores and making cards.
“It is one of my ways of showing gratitude. Winning the competition is a bonus.”
In his winning video, Enn Shen highlighted the sacrifices and love of his parents.
His father Sunny Neoh, 46, a factory manager, said he was touched by his son’s gesture and proud to see his efforts get recognised.
“I did not expect him to dedicate the win to me.
“Watching the video makes me realise how much attention he pays to the little things we do as parents.
“This recognition means a lot and will encourage us to continue supporting him in whatever he chooses to pursue,” he said.
In Category 1 (age seven to nine), nine-year-old Cheng Jing Yu, also from SJK (C) Union, won with her tribute to her parents.
In her video, Jing Yu shared how she showed gratitude through simple gestures.
“I give my father ang pow and massage him after he comes home from work,” she said.
She also saves money every year to buy gifts on special occasions like Fathers and Mothers Day.
The elder of two siblings said the video was inspired by her parents’ love and support.
Her father Cheng Poh Ban, 43, a teacher, said he was touched by his daughter’s gesture and proud to see her express appreciation in her own way.
“Every year she gives an ang pow not only to me, but to her mother too.”
Loh Wee Han, 21, who lost her sight when she was 19, won the competition’s open category.
“The video featured a compilation of my photos with my siblings and parents.
“It was about our daily lives as a family,” she said.
Her mother Lim Lean Yee, 43, an admin executive, said Loh just finished her Form Six and scored a 3.84 CGPA in her Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.
The competition featured four age categories, with trophies, certificates, electronic gadgets, and hampers on offer.
Winners received their prizes from Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife Tan Lean Kee, during a Parents Day celebration at Lee Kongsi Hall in George Town.
The event was organised by the Padang Kota assemblyman’s service centre and Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang.
