This blind Malaysian student is overcoming barriers to build better technology

The Star

28-05-2025

Since young, Kenzon Yeoh, who was born blind, has had a clear vision of his future – even when he couldn't grasp the hurdles awaiting him, nor the challenges he had to overcome.
'I have always wanted to be an inventor or a scientist of some kind,' says the 24-year-old Penangite. 'I want to create solutions and solve problems for as many people as I possibly can.'
This early ambition, undimmed by the challenges he had faced and is still facing, made this young man determined to achieve his goals, despite not ­having the sense of sight.
But navigating the world without being able to see wasn't his only early lesson in perseverance. Yeoh and his three siblings were raised in a modest family, living a humble lifestyle.
'My siblings and I were always told that we need to work hard to succeed in life. I took that advice to heart,' he recalls.
So instead of giving in to hardship, Yeoh used his shortcomings to fuel his determination. 'I knew I needed to excel, to show that I am capable of achieving my goals despite my disability. There were many ups and downs in my life and sometimes my visual impairment felt like an insurmountable barrier, but where there's a will, there's a way,' he says.
For Yeoh, technology is not a tool but a lifeline. Photo: KENZON YEOH
Finding his calling
Yeoh is now a final year Bachelor of Computing (Cybersecurity) student at Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, Sarawak.
His passion for technology, he says, is sparked by his childhood dream of invention and problem-­solving, which brought him to the world of computing, specifically cybersecurity.
'My disability had forced me to deviate from my intended path of pursuing chemistry and other ­science fields,' he says.
However, the widespread use of computer and digital devices has created a new vista for him. 'I realised that this opened up another avenue for me to explore and somewhat rekindled my interest in scientific and technical pursuits,' he explains.
His journey to complete his diploma in computer science became a crucial stepping stone that firmly reaffirmed his ­passion in cybersecurity.
Still, navigating university life as a visually-impaired student comes with its unique set of ­hurdles.
'Access to reading materials, assignments and navigating ­unfamiliar environments were major challenges,' Yeoh admits. His reliance on technology became paramount.
'I relied heavily on screen ­reader software, assistive technologies and a strong network of very supportive friends and ­lecturers.'
Yeoh (seated, second from left) with the YTL Foundation team. Photo: KENZON YEOH
Technology became his lifeline. 'Screen reader software and assistive technologies are ever-­present in my daily life; they help me with my studies and daily activities,' says Yeoh, who enjoys reading fantasy and non-fiction materials, and ­browsing the Internet.
He uses Non-Visual Desktop Access software on his computer that has Apple's VoiceOver in-built screen-reading feature for everything from coding to leisure.
This is on top of innovative apps like Be My Eyes and Seeing AI that help him to read documents, identify objects and even troubleshoot technical issues.
Beyond software, physical aids like his Braille display, which translates text and mathematical notations and a lecturer's creative use of a 3D pen to render diagrams are some of the diverse ways he accesses information.
Yeoh says a significant turning point in his academic journey was becoming YTL Foundation's first visually impaired scholar.
'It was a mix of disbelief, ­gratitude and motivation when a foundation doesn't see my ­disability, but look at my potential instead.'
The scholarship allows him to pursue his dreams without the stress of financial limitations for both his diploma and bachelor's degree.
'It gives me the courage to step into spaces I once felt excluded from. It is still unusual for visually impaired students in Malaysia to obtain formal education in such a technically demanding field,' he adds.
Yeoh (standing, second from right) with his family. Photo: KENZON YEOH
A step into the working world
His recent internship with YTL Construction marked another milestone. For him, it was more than just work experience; it was validation, although it came with its own set of anxieties.
'I was initially nervous due to uncertainties about what I could contribute to the company, how I would be treated and the possible difficulties of having to move to an unfamiliar environment during on-site duties,' Yeoh admits.
As part of the cybersecurity team, he worked on data analysis automation and brought unique insights to the table – insights shaped by a lifetime of navigating the world without sight.
'My perspective as a visually impaired individual allowed me to focus my attention on non-visual details, and due to my exposure to varied technologies, I was occasionally able to provide alternatives to fulfilling some of the company's needs that ended up being faster or easier to deploy,' he adds.
Despite his initial fear, Yeoh found his internship experience positive. The foundation, he says, provided support in navigating the new living environment, while his colleagues assigned him challenging tasks.
'They didn't make a big deal out of my visual impairment, ­giving me meaningful tasks that were at once challenging and rewarding,' Yeoh says, adding that emotional support came from his family, friends and ­lecturers.
'I've gained many skills during my studies and internship that will help me in my future career, including soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills and teamwork, as well as technical skills such as system security, programming, testing and a basic understanding of various technology-related fields,' he continues.
Yeoh is positive about his future. 'Professionally, my goals have always been rooted in the same childhood passion of solving problems, breaking ­barriers and helping shape ­technology that's inclusive and empowering,' he says.
His internship experience has strengthened his desire to contribute to a world where progress embraces everyone.
'While I'm still discovering if cybersecurity will be my long-term path, I'm committed to making a meaningful impact, especially for the visually impaired community, but also for anyone who feels unseen,' he says.
Yeoh sees his journey as part of a larger movement towards inclusivity: 'In many ways, I hope to carry forward the spirit that real progress includes everyone.'
'That's the legacy I aspire to build, and on a personal level, I just want to live life fully, do my best and hopefully, inspire others along the way,' he says.