Deaf Arts & Music Practitioner-Artiste. Singapore Sign Language Teacher-Facilitator.

Lily Goh is a highly accomplished and inspirational Deaf arts and music practitioner-artiste. Renowned for her engaging live sessions on TikTok, Lily utilizes this platform to not only teach Singapore Sign Language but also to share the beauty of Deaf music with her enthusiastic viewers and subscribers.

Lily’s extraordinary journey began as a voluntary sign language instructor at the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), where she dedicated her time and passion from 2002 to 2010. During this period, she played a pivotal role in educating the public about sign language, fostering inclusivity, and promoting understanding of the Deaf community in Singapore. It was through these experiences that Lily recognized the power of music as a universal language and a means to bridge gaps between different cultures and abilities.

As the founder of ExtraOrdinary Horizons, Lily continues to be an unwavering advocate for Deaf rights and opportunities. Her organization focuses on empowering the Deaf community, facilitating access to education, employment, and artistic endeavors. Through innovative programs, workshops, and collaborations, ExtraOrdinary Horizons aims to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society.

Lily’s musical talents extend far beyond her sign language instruction. She is a seasoned mallet percussionist who discovered her passion at the tender age of 10. Over the years, she has honed her skills through formal training, obtaining impressive certifications such as Grade 8 in Percussion with Merit (2007), Grade 6 in Percussion with Merit (2007), Grade 5 in Music Theory with Distinction (2001), and Grade 5 in Piano (1999). Her dedication to her craft has been evident since her school days when she was a member of the Canossian School Percussion Band as well as the Concert Band of St. Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School.

Not only has Lily excelled as a musician, but she has also assumed mentoring and teaching roles, sharing her expertise with others. For several years, she assisted in teaching percussion music at Canossian School, shaping the musical journeys of aspiring students and inspiring them to pursue their own artistic passions.

Lily’s incredible journey took an exciting turn when she participated in the Singapore Idol Season 1 competition in 2004. Despite being the first deaf participant, she impressed both the judges and the public, advancing through two rounds and leaving an indelible mark on the show’s history. Her courage, resilience, and exceptional talent garnered widespread admiration, leading to appearances on various media platforms such as Channel 5’s “The Unsung Heroes” (2004) and Channel U’s “The Youth Decode” (2005). These opportunities allowed Lily to showcase her musical abilities and convey her unique perspective as a Deaf artist.

In recognition of her remarkable achievements and dedication, Lily was honored with a marimba through the Talent Development Programme by the Very Special Arts (Singapore) in 2007. Sponsored by Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (Tiger Beer), this award presented her with a new avenue to explore and expand her skills and techniques in percussion. Lily’s deep-rooted passion for music is not only a personal pursuit but also a means to inspire and empower other Deaf youths to lead meaningful lives.

Beyond her proficiency as a mallet percussionist, one of Lily’s specialties lies in the realm of Deaf music, previously known as song-signing. This captivating art form beautifully blends sign language and music while incorporating elements unique to the Deaf culture. Lily’s introduction to this expressive medium came during her involvement with Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s HI! Club in 1998, where she not only immersed herself in the art of song-signing but also assumed the role of HI! Club President in 1999/2000. With her profound knowledge and mastery of Deaf music, Lily strives to celebrate the richness of Deaf culture and inspire others to embrace inclusivity.

Since 1998, she has performed at countless events, representing NP HI! Club (1998-2001) and Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) (2000-2008). Her performances have captivated audiences both locally and internationally, transcending language barriers and fostering appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Deaf culture. Lily has also ventured overseas, enchanting audiences with her musical talents and spreading awareness about the Deaf community. In 2008, she was invited to perform at SPOTLIGHT – an Asian Festival of Inclusive Arts in Cambodia. This opportunity allowed her to touch the hearts of many through her Deaf music, leaving a lasting impact on both performers and spectators.

Over time, Lily expanded her repertoire as a seasoned performing artiste, specializing in Deaf music and percussion. She continually seeks new ways to express her unique perspective and push the boundaries of artistic communication. Lily’s musical journey has been punctuated by notable achievements, such as co-writing the song “If You Were In My Shoes” with a hearing singer, Audris Ho. This powerful composition emerged as a semi-finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest 2015 (Music Video Category), further solidifying Lily’s status as a talented and versatile artist.

Lily’s dedication to supporting the Deaf community goes beyond her artistic pursuits. During her time at the Singapore Association for the Deaf, she contributed to the development of the beginners’ course curriculum in Signing Exact English (SEE2). This valuable contribution has helped numerous individuals learn and communicate effectively through sign language. In recognition of her efforts, Lily received a certificate of participation in Basic Linguistics in Sign Language in 2007, further enhancing her understanding and expertise in the field.

In addition to her artistic endeavours, Lily has been an active volunteer and contributor to various organizations. She volunteers with H3 World TV, an international charitable Deaf media organization, where she produces monthly news reports focusing on stories in Asia. This endeavour allowed Lily to utilize her communication skills and contribute to the global Deaf community, fostering greater awareness and understanding.

Having completed her undergraduate degree program in Sociology with Communication at Singapore University of Social Sciences in 2020, Lily became a trailblazer as the first Deaf student to major in Sociology. This achievement showcases her determination to break barriers and pursue her academic interests while paving the way for future Deaf students to follow in her footsteps.

Lily’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society has not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the Singapore Woman Award in 2014, organized by MediaCorp. This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to society and have tirelessly helped others. Lily was acknowledged under the Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership category, celebrating her dedication and her continuous efforts to better the lives of others.

Furthermore, Lily was acknowledged for her remarkable achievements and leadership as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World in 2017. Presented by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Singapore, this prestigious award highlights the exceptional contributions of young individuals who have positively impacted their communities and the world at large. Lily’s recognition in this category demonstrates her unwavering commitment to inspire others and create a more inclusive society.

Lily Goh continues to be a beacon of inspiration, using her artistic talents, advocacy, and leadership to promote Deaf culture, inclusivity, and social change. Her dedication to empowering the Deaf community through music and sign language instruction has touched the lives of countless individuals, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the importance of embracing diversity. Lily’s extraordinary journey serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that exist when passion meets purpose, and when barriers are broken down in the pursuit of a more inclusive and harmonious world.

To learn more about Lily Goh and her impactful work, you can visit her LinkedIn profile.