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A chance encounter with a deaf patient in 2023 inspired SP Diploma in Banking and Finance student Kua Ying En, then a dental assistant, to learn sign language. The 20-year-old is now the president of SP’s sign language club, which promotes inclusivity through non-verbal communication. She can now hold full conversations in sign language. Founded in 2012, the SP sign language club is guided by long-time volunteer Ms Pet Tan, who has worked with The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) for over 27 years. Most club members start with no prior knowledge and progress through levels by demonstrating proficiency, though the certificates awarded are for participation rather than formal accreditation. Other SP students include Fin Loh, a second-year Diploma in Media, Arts & Design student currently at the advanced level, and Yue En Qi, a third-year Diploma in Applied AI and Analytics student who joined the club in 2023. Advanced students are trained to interpret between sign language and spoken or written communication, enabling better interaction with the deaf community.  

[The Straits Times]