For Adam Kong, journalism means thinking about every step

Walking into a crowded room is part of the job for most reporters, but for 38-year-old Adam Kong, even that familiar act can require a little extra thought.

Born with a limb disability, Kong has used a prosthetic right leg since he was eight. Although he has lived with it for most of his life, he admits there are still moments when he feels self-conscious, especially when meeting people for the first time.

“I have always been aware that I am physically different from other people. Even today, there are times when I still feel embarrassed and self-conscious,” he told Bernama.

Journalism, however, leaves little room for hiding. His work requires him to approach strangers, attend public events, ask questions and move from one assignment to another.

“I cannot hide myself or avoid people just because I feel embarrassed. I have to approach them, introduce myself, ask questions and carry out my responsibility as a reporter.”

Born and raised in Labuan, Kong graduated with an advanced diploma in media studies from Tunku Abdul Rahman College before completing a bachelor’s degree in mass communication at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK in 2012.

After several years working in administration, he made the switch to journalism three years ago, returning to the field he had long wanted to pursue. He is now attached to Sabah-based Asia Times and stationed in his hometown.

His career choice brings physical demands that can be easy for others to overlook. Field assignments may involve long periods of standing, uneven ground and constant movement between locations, so Kong often has to think ahead about whether a venue will be manageable.

“I have to consider whether the ground surface is suitable for me to walk on and whether I can stand for that length of time. But the assignment still has to be completed,” he stressed.

Over the past three years, Kong has learnt to adapt to those demands. “I would be lying if I said I never feel ashamed or uncomfortable. But journalism is the profession I chose and I still want to continue pursuing it.”

The more immediate concern now is the prosthetic leg he has been using for more than seven years. Made from a wood-based material, it is not waterproof and can be easily damaged in wet conditions.

Kong has been saving towards a replacement fitted with a flexible foot, which costs more than RM15,000. Earlier this year, he received some financial assistance through Tabung Kasih @ Hawana in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day.

The Labuan Media Practitioners Association, of which he is a member, has also been helping him explore further support.

For Kong, a safe, properly fitted prosthesis would allow him to keep driving, moving around with confidence, and earning a living. The cost also reflects a wider reality faced by many people with disabilities, for whom assistive devices are essential for work and everyday life but may be expensive to maintain or replace.

Kong has changed his prosthesis several times over the years, each replacement helping him preserve the independence he values.

“I have come this far with a prosthetic leg. I just want to continue moving forward with one that is safe for me,” he concluded.

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