Remembering
Professor
Leong Ching

In remembrance When I joined the LKY School of Public Policy in 2011, Ching was finishing the PhD. Over the next fourteen years that I was at the School, she was Senior Fellow at the Institute of Water Policy and later a faculty colleague. I remember vividly her lively and engaging job talk, her promotion to Associate Professor with tenure, and then her move into administration at the university level. This is how I got to know her and came to respect her intellect and commitment to NUS over a decade and a half. My enduring image of Ching was as a sophisticated, courteous, and unobtrusively knowledgeable presence – in the hallways, in meetings, on social occasions. She was a go-to person on anything to do with Singapore and a great promoter of Singapore studies and of the city and its culture. When she was Resident Advisor of College Green, she brought Singapore content to the talks and cultural festivities which was much appreciated by the foreign students under her care. (She also gave Donald Low and me a fine wine-tasting dinner in her College Green house!) Academically, I admired Ching’s work on water, especially her analysis of Singapore water issues and how Singaporeans had overcome the initial feeling of “yuck” associated with high-grade recycled water – for me, as a foreigner, it was a revelation. I recall too her work on vaccine hesitancy which she coolly addressed. Her mix of methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, was illuminating in both these streams of work – I particularly liked her insistence on emotions and narrativity in public policy. In my field, International Relations, research on emotions is growing – Ching’s work in public policy, it seems to me, was ahead of the curve in acknowledging the important influence of emotions in collective life. At the School, we certainly missed Ching all those years that she was in NUS administration. She was a valued teacher, and I wish she had had more time with our students. I remember her wistfully talking about teaching days and hoping to return to the classroom fulltime. Sadly, that was not to be. But our loss was NUS’ gain as she went on to helm student affairs at the university level. She often recounted that it was challenging work but that she enjoyed making a difference – and you could see in her eyes the satisfaction she felt. Before I left Singapore in June 2025, Ching very kindly organized a farewell dinner for me with select colleagues. We had a rambunctious and robust discussion about our days at the School and NUS. There was wonderful food and wine, and she was gracious in curating the full flow of candid conversation and in giving us a sense of the larger picture that university administrations must have as they steer the ship. The university has posted a lovely picture of Ching – it so-well captures her spirit and persona. We will miss both. To her family, deepest condolences and all strength in these difficult days.

Dear Ching, you helped me unconditionally when I was in most need, and without even me asking for it. I will forever remember your kindness. I will miss you very dearly.

It was a privilege to have known Prof Ching during my time at College Green. I will always remember the extraordinary kindness she and her family showed me during a particularly difficult time in my life. She went out of her way to make so many students feel supported and cared for. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

Rest in Peace, dear Prof Leong Ching. You were very devoted scholar and the most welcoming teacher. I still clearly recall the moment when you invited us - your MPA students - to your home in College Green for a lunch with your family. We love you ❤️

Ching first approached me to share about my constituency work and my project on Kampong Lorong Buangkok, with one of her classes at LKYSPP, back in 2018. That was the start of a wonderful professional relationship between Ching and I. As fellow academics, our paths crossed on many occasions and each one was always a great catch-up, filled with warmth and laughter. Ching is gone too soon, and the academic fraternity in Singapore has lost an established academic and a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Ching. You will be dearly missed.

Prof Leong Ching was someone I held in great reverence. I came to know her as someone deeply kind and compassionate, who held herself and those around her to high standards. Her legacy and dedication to student life will live on through the many lives she has touched. She will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Prof Leong.

Remember when Prof. Leong first came to OSA as Dean of Students in 2019, it was a difficult year as COVID struck, she was everywhere to take care of students who came back from overseas, taking care of them, delivering food to each and everyone at the hostels. She leads the whole OSA team to providing care for the students with her wonderful leadership. So deeply shocked and saddened by her passing. Dear Prof., you will always be remembered for your kindness and positive attitude towards people around you. RIP.

As I reflect and pray for Ching's family, I am reminded of the last thing that Ching said to me over the summer: "lots to learn!" We can all emulate her attention to personal growth and innovation.

Ching and I first met when we were graduate students, both of us in the process of making a career transition - she from journalism and me from government. I was back in Singapore for the holidays and I remember as clearly as if it was yesterday when I was first introduced to her. Two things about Ching stood out for me - her commitment and loyalty to Singapore and NUS, and her indomitable will and unwavering conviction in her pursuits. Deeply saddened by her sudden departure and wishing she had more time to enjoy the fruits of her labor. May she rest in peace and may God bring much comfort and consolation to her children and family.

Although she wasn't my direct professor, I remember our warm exchange outside the faculty lounge. She wasn't my direct professor, but I had the privilege of following her updates on Facebook and occasionally reacting to her posts via messages. She was clearly a learned, hardworking and gracious soul. It is sad to know she is no longer with us. May she rest in peace.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Prof Leong Ching. Memories come flooding back of how she mentored us as residents of College Green. As our live-in Resident Advisor, she was also our close neighbour, someone we could always count on if anything went wrong. Many of us were lucky enough to enjoy her wonderful cooking. She will be remembered as intellectually provocative and generous with her time, and she sharpened our policy minds in ways that have stayed with us. Her passing is a great loss to the School, and to the many alumni who benefited so much from our time together on campus.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague Ching. I will always treasure our conversations on Singapore's policymaking and inside stories she shared with me from which I learned and benefitted a lot. Ching was a very active instructor in our School's Executive Education programmes. Her knowledge on behavioral economics, water policy, strategic communication, and insights on how narratives and perceptions shape public policy have inspired hundreds of professionals who attended our courses. She was a dedicated educator, an effective communicator, and an engaging speaker. Despite her demanding job as Vice Provost of Student Life at National University of Singapore, she continued to contribute to our programmes and told me she always enjoyed her class engagements. Her energy and commitment to our students and to education will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you have done and rest in peace, Dear Ching.

I wish I could have had more opportunities to learn from and get to know a great mind like yours. Reading the tributes from so many whose lives were touched and inspired by you, I know your legacy will live on. Though I only met you a few times, I will always remember your warm smile. Thank you, and rest in peace, Prof Leong Ching.

I had the privilege of living at College Green, where Prof Leong Ching kindly gave me the opportunity to serve as a Residential Assistant for two years. This opportunity not only allowed me to contribute to the College Green community, but also helped ease my financial burden during my studies. Beyond her generosity, Prof Ching was a warm and caring mentor who offered me invaluable advice on my academic journey, career decisions, and personal conduct. I will always cherish the time I spent working with her and the many conversations we shared. I am deeply grateful for her kindness and guidance, and she will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace.

Dear Family of Professor Leong Ching, I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Professor Ching. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Although I only had the opportunity to meet Professor Ching briefly, I will always remember our encounter during the LKYSPP Cultural Night, when she was serving as Acting Dean. As one of the students representing Cambodia at our cultural booth, I had the privilege of personally greeting her and introducing her to our Cambodian culture with warm hospitality. It was a short but meaningful encounter that I will always cherish. Beyond this personal memory, Professor Ching was an outstanding academic whose dedication and contributions to Singapore and society as a whole will continue to be remembered and appreciated. Once again, I would like to express my deepest sorrow and sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. May her legacy continue to inspire future generations, and may she rest in peace. With deepest sympathy, Khat Sereirith, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy National University of Singapore

I'm deeply saddened and shocked by Ching's sudden passing. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, she always left such a wonderful impression on me. I had tremendous admiration for her scholarship and her dedication to NUS and the wider community. I last saw her at a meeting in July, when she seemed perfectly well. Never did I imagine that it would be the last time I would see her. Life can be so fragile and unpredictable. Her passing is a tremendous loss to NUS and the wider Singapore community. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.

I met Prof. Ching when we were both students at LKYSPP and had the privilege of seeing her move from strength to strength. Her work and sense of duty will remain an inspiration to me. She was a dedicated and conscientious scholar and gave freely of her time. RIP you will be missed.

Dear Ching, I can hardly believe the sad news. It was a privilege to have worked with you at the Institute of Water Policy ten years ago. I will always remember your incredible dedication and hard work. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Ching. You will be missed.

Saddened to learn of Prof Ching's passing. I will always remember her insightful lessons on moral reasoning in policymaking, and how encouraging and engaging she was, both in and outside the classroom. Thank you, Prof, for the wisdom and inspiration. Rest in peace. 🕊️

Will miss Ching's warm friendship and cheerful smile. Was happy to see her carve another career in academia. Wish her family strength. Thanks for the memories, Ching!