Cover image via K.E.Ooi/Malay MailSome more than 5 years ago, in the wee hours of 24 October 2009, 23-year-old Tan Hui Linn, who back then was barely 18, was sleeping with her mum in their house in Jalan Batu Lanchang, Penang, when she was jolted out of her sleep, feeling her skin burn
Image via KE Ooi
However, after opening her eyes, Linn could not see a thing. She heard her mum ask, "Why are you doing this?" but had no idea what was going on. Later, she would find out that her own father had attacked her and her mother with acid while they were fast asleep.
The brutal acid attack left her blind in her right eye and killed her 50-year-old mum. It also left her in tremendous pain and emotionally traumatised to the point that she refused to leave the confines of her home.
Then, when she saw all the people surrounding her — her relatives, her brother, friends and teachers — who gave her their full support, she says she felt she had to stand up again. She rebuilt her confidence.
Fast forward to 2015, after undergoing numerous facial reconstruction surgeries in South Korea, the 23-year-old graduated from Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence in April, rising from the incident a stronger, more confident, and a happier individual. She also has no qualms telling people about her past.
Image via The Star
Today, the acid attack survivor draws strength from her friends and relatives and is enjoying her work as an auditor in an accounting firm in Penang, which she joined two months ago. Linn says she was touched when her colleagues welcomed her with open arms.
After her graduation, when asked if there was anything she wanted, Linn said that her wish was for her mum to "share this moment" with her. "I studied hard and really wanted to graduate because of her."
Hui Linn (third from left) with (back row, from left) her brother Jun Hong, Teo, uncles Chong Hai Eng and Koay Cheng Ui, Ooi and (bottom row, from left) nephew Ng Yu Rou and niece Ng Yu Bin following her graduation ceremony.
Image via The Star
