It was a Chinese New Year greeting video with a twist.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) lined up some of its key staff to say a few words in a video produced recently in conjunction with the Lunar New Year. And then came Jamie Nazmi’s turn – and he made a happy new year and ‘I love you’ greeting in sign language.
Ucapan Selamat Tahun Baharu Cina daripada kakitangan FAM termasuk penampilan khas ketua jurulatih kebangsaan,Tan Cheng Hoe dan ketua jurulatih B-22 kebangsaan, Datuk Ong Kim Swee
Gong Xi Fa Cai!#FAM #HarimauMalaya pic.twitter.com/izKQsQh55m
— FA Malaysia (@FAM_Malaysia) February 4, 2019
A member of the media communication department, Jamie’s role in the national body comes as a pleasant surprise. The designer, who is unable to listen and talk, has been attached to the organisation since 2015.
Many may wonder how does a gifted individual like Jamie communicate.
“Pen and paper. I write things down,” the 41-year-old replied in writing.
“My colleagues do the same too. They need me to do things, they just write on paper, phone message or email.”
Jamie said he handles most of the visual work at FAM and also takes photographs for the national body during its events.
He added his wife and three sons aged 14, 11 and five – are proud of him working for FAM.
“They are happy to see me work here because I’m a football fan and working here makes me happy. In fact, some of my friends were surprised I was able to secure a job as a graphic designer for such a big organisation.”
His colleagues have been supportive as some have developed their own communication mode with Jamie.
FAM’s IT executive Mohd Hasrol Ismail, who sits next to Jamie in the office, admitted it was a challenge to communicate in the beginning.
“I don’t know sign language and Jamie can only read lips provided the speaker speaks very slowly. But we started ‘building our own language’ and now, we seem to understand each other perfectly fine.
“He has good ideas and is creative,” added Nasrol, 34.
Jamie, a Selangor fan who adores national player Syahmi Safari, believes there are opportunities for the physically challenged community.
“I may have faced many difficulties but there are opportunities for us. We just have to be brave and explore,” he added.
