Nifraz meets... Noreen Mir


By PANGYAO_Official on 29th Jan 2022

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Our new columnist Nifraz Rifaz brings us The Hong Kong Profile, a regular column featuring interesting people who are shaping the world around them in Hong Kong.

 

Nifraz’s first guest is Noreen Mir, producer and presenter on RTHK Radio 3’s 123 Show. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Noreen is half-Chinese and half-Pakistani, and fluent in both Cantonese and English.

 

 

Tell us a bit about yourself: how was your childhood 

growing up in Hong Kong?

I come from a generation of strong and hard working women. My father died when I was still young, though my mum was an amazing single mother who worked really hard to provide for the family. While my mum worked, my grandma looked after me, and between them they taught me the importance of working hard, staying positive during hard times, and always being grateful for what you have.

 

I had a great childhood in Hong Kong, always exploring different places by taking the bus and tram. Growing up, I lived in a public housing estate with my grandparents, while also attending an international school which was very generously sponsored by my father’s eldest brother. It was like living in two worlds all the time – a more grassroots upbringing, with a glimpse into a more affluent way of life. I’m grateful that by having a good education and working hard towards my goals, I was able to become a radio presenter and have a platform to help others share their stories and make an impact.

 

 

What did you aspire to become when you were a child and why?

I wanted to be a doctor and a radio presenter! I was raised by my grandmother and she’s blind. I remember when I was young and we would just sit and listen to the radio together, giggling at the programmes of talk show hosts chatting away. I remember wishing I could do that too!

 

 

What do you like about Hong Kong?

 

Where do I even begin? I love Hong Kong – it’s my birthplace, it’s my home, it’s my children’s home. I love how vibrant it is and how everything is so efficient. I like that we can go hiking and get to the beach easily with our fantastic public transport system. I admire the “can-do” spirit of the people here and I love all the old parts of Hong Kong that tell a story. 

 

 

Any dislikes...?

 

In a city as rich as Hong Kong, it does make me angry and sad to know there is still so much inequality. I believe that collectively, there is so much more that can be done to make Hong Kong a better place for all.

 

 

Tell us about your RTHK radio show?

 

The 123 Show is a magazine-style programme where we cover different topics and issues, including social, environmental, health, gender, sexual, mental health, medical and education. We also feature authors, musicians, charities and NGOs, alongside interesting people who are doing good and interesting things in Hong Kong!

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received from anyone?

 

“Do it, it’s done and you’re happy” 

- From my mother-in-law

 

“There will always be people who have more than you, and there are people who have less. Always be grateful for what you have, and remember to be kind and forgiving” - From my grandma

 

“If it doesn’t matter in five years, it doesn’t matter” - Unknown

 

 

What do you like most about your role?

 

I like that everyday I get to interview different people and learn new things that I didn’t know before. I like sharing my platform with those who want to be heard and those who have a story to share, as well as highlighting important topics like mental health, domestic violence, and injustice faced by migrant workers. 

 

I especially enjoy interviewing people who are passionate about making Hong Kong a better place, such as charities that focus on people in need. It also gives me goosebumps and warms my heart every time I hear stories of people whose lives have been changed for the better.

 

 

Who were your most memorable guests on the show and why? 

Ohhhh it’s so difficult to pick just a few, I honestly cannot choose! There are just too many wonderful guests I’ve had the privilege of interviewing. Some interviews are more serious than others, and some guests are just funny, informative and have great stories to share.

 

 

Any challenges you’ve faced? How did you overcome them? 

When my youngest daughter was born, we found out she was deaf. It was really challenging at first, as we didn’t know anyone who was deaf, or otherwise know anything about it. We had no idea about sign language, or what sorts of therapies she might need. 

 

However, we soon found a lot of great support and early intervention for her speech. We met many children with hearing loss and deaf adults who act as fantastic role models for our daughter. 

 

We are all learning sign language as a family, as we want to learn as much as we can about the deaf culture. My husband and eldest daughter are fantastic at remembering all the sign language, and my eldest daughter is super helpful in supporting her little sister with practising her speech. We all want her to be proud of her identity, because we are!

 

I remember in those early days, I’d hold my daughter and feel sad about the uncertainty of it all, but I knew from the start I would do everything I could to be her best advocate. Every night I feel so grateful to have such a beautiful girl, and I know that her hearing loss will never hold her back. We are so blessed and so lucky indeed!

 

 

What else do you do apart from hosting the radio show?

I’m quite busy with work, or looking after my girls when I’m not at work. It’s tough being a working mum, as sometimes I feel guilty for not being around as much as I’d like to be. But one day I hope they will understand that I’m working to provide for a better life. 

 

When you have a child with extra needs, there are more classes and therapies to add to your schedule, but it’s important to remember that it’s OK not to be perfect. There are some days when I need a little help, and other days I need a lot. It’s OK to ask for help, because we all need it from time to time. 

 

Right now, I’m pregnant with number 3, so I’m just trying to slow down and enjoy things, like spending time with my family and friends. I really enjoy cooking, knitting and of course, learning sign language.

 

 

What are your plans for the future? 

 

I hope to continue to bring more great stories and programmes to the public.