“I would not dare to expect more,” said a boy with a calm voice. “My opportunity will come when it is time.” He was sitting in a café and ordered a cup of cold coffee with a drinking straw as usual.

Romeu Chao Assis, 21, Macanese, has a congenital defect and was born without arms. He lives with his mother and is now working as an intern in the Macau Talent Academy Education Centre. He learned swimming when he was young and used to be a member of the Macao Disabled Swimming Team. Around the age of 15 and 16, he came into contact with band and music which aroused his interest. Now he is the vocal singer of a band called “Conts”. Assis joined many local singing contests although he did not get any prize. Yet, the experience has motivated him to make more improvements and great advances. His dream is to be a singer and has some achievements in a music career.

During the period of high school, Assis did not make many friends because he did not have much confidence until he began to sing in a band and developed a passion for music. Although he has given up swimming, his coach, Mr. Mak, exercised a great influence on him. He taught him lots of things about how to become independent and communicate with other people. Now Assis could take care of himself independently and learned some skills that could be useful in his daily life. For example, he learned how to type with his foot and touch the screen of his iPhone with the lips.

Assis’ best memory on the stage was singing in Eason Chan’s concert on December 20, 2012 at the Macao Olympic Sport Centre. Chan, a well-known Hong Kong singer is his idol. Assis was very moved when Chan invited him to be his guest after leaving a comment on Assis’ demo in YouTube. Assis likes to record some demos and make videos of his performances. He uploaded some of them to YouTube for others’ comments. He was pleased to read the comments which helped him improving the singing skills and techniques. He could not have imagined that this chance would fall on him and finally he had an opportunity to realize his dream of singing with his idol on the big stage. Later they may still have a chance working together, and Assis said it was a miracle for him.

“I would not think too much about whether it will succeed or fail,” Assis said, “At least I have tried.” For him, every try was a rare experience in his life. He also encouraged those people, who also have their own dreams like him, not to give up easily.