Remembering
Professor
Leong Ching

I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Prof Leong twice in 2025 while providing IT support, including troubleshooting her system and carrying out IT patches and software updates. Despite her busy schedule, she was always friendly, patient and humble. Even when I needed more time to troubleshoot her system or complete IT patches and software updates, she remained patient and understanding. She was always approachable and polite. Although our interactions were brief, her kindness and the way she treated me left a lasting impression. I was truly shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. My heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Rest in peace, Professor Leong. You will be remembered for your kindness and humility.

Dear Ching, last month you taught in a program and the participants said that you had been the most inspirational of all, because of your energy, passion and ideas. They shared that you influenced their views and attitudes about water conservation, and I felt so happy. We had first met during the research methods course for your PhD program, and you have been shining since then. I remember when you won the best PhD dissertation prize, so inspirational… Later I saw you teaching several times and remember how engaging you were, how charismatic. Let us remember this amazing energy, power and eagerness to learn and to teach, which brought those smiles all around you in class. Our thoughts now are with your family, may they find the courage and strength to go through one day at a time, and feel all the love from everyone who knew Ching.

Prof Leong, Words cannot express the profound sense of loss when I heard about your passing, especially since I just met you in the past month. Although I had the opportunity to know you within this short period of time, you have left an everlasting impact on my life. Thank you for being the inspiring Professor that so many look up to - someone full of kindness, generosity, wisdom, and respect for all. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as one of your Research Assistants, especially when I did not expect to have the chance to ever work for you. Being in your team has been my utmost privilege. Your legacy will live on through the many people you have made an impact on. Farewell, Prof. -- My deepest condolences goes to Prof Leong's family and her loved ones.

Our family is deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of Professor Leong Ching. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Beyond being an old family friend, I had the distinct privilege of having her be my private English tutor for a few lessons when I was just in primary one many years ago. I recall the lessons very fondly and she was an exceptional teacher that nurtured my love for reading and writing. During these lessons she shared some short stories she enjoyed with me and together we wrote some fun poems. I will always be grateful for her time, kindness, and her wonderful gift with words. Her influence and kindness have stayed with me all these years, even from those few lessons we shared. The memories of these childhood lessons will always remain close to my heart, just as I am sure the lessons she imparted will remain with the many students whose lives she went on to touch. Professor Leong Ching you will be deeply missed, may you rest in peace.

Dear Prof Leong, We first met when I was a journalist at ST, you gave me a book when first met in person at your office at BTC. It sat on my office desk and now on my study desk. I will treasure it forever. We reconnected when I entered NUS, you asked me to do research for you. I gladly accepted and was shocked that you remembered me. I should’ve known - you are so intelligent and intentional with everything you do. It was a pleasure to have known you and work for you - even just for a little bit. I am honoured to have witnessed your brilliance and to have learnt from it. You will be greatly missed, Prof Leong. I will always remember you.

Thank you for everything, Prof. Leong. You challenged us to look beneath the surface and find our own answers, in our own way. You listened, you welcomed a good debate, you invited us into your home, and you were ready to sing with us in a Jakarta karaoke joint. You will not be forgotten!

Remembering Professor Leong Ching Professor Leong was undoubtedly one of the most well-loved and popular professors at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). Although I never had the privilege of attending her classes, her reputation, warmth and popularity among students were widely known. I first had the opportunity to interact with her in my capacity as an Advisory Board Member of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board. What struck me most was her genuine heart for students. Despite her demanding schedule and many responsibilities, she was always approachable, warm and generous with her time. I remember one particular conversation when she was Acting Dean of LKYSPP. I mentioned the need to have the campus premises repainted. She mentioned that she was already working on it, even though it was no easy undertaking given the heritage constraints of the campus. When I met her again this year, I was pleasantly surprised that she remembered our conversation. She shared that the repainting had been completed during her tenure. It may have seemed like a small matter to some, but to me, it spoke volumes about her leadership. She listened, remembered and, most importantly, followed through on her commitments. She also asked me to send her regards to our class. That was Professor Leong — thoughtful, sincere, approachable and someone who genuinely cared. These qualities are what made her such a remarkable leader, and why I hold her in such deep admiration and respect. We are deeply saddened by her sudden passing. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Professor Leong leaves behind more than a legacy of leadership and service. She leaves behind people whose lives she has touched, often in ways she may not even have realised. She will be remembered with great fondness and will forever live in our hearts.

Still can't believe Prof Leong passed away. She was always ready to extend her helping hand during our study in LKY SPP. It's a pity that I was not able to join her module on Indonesia economic study, but the whole class were facinated about the study and the way Prof Leong guided the MPAs and MPPs. She is a great one-of-a-kind scholar, charismatic and energetic. Her kindness will be remembered forever, by students like me.

I have known Ching as a senior during PhD and as a colleague. In the last few years in particular I have valued her quiet and steady support, through advice and encouragement. All we had to do was ask, and there she was, doing whatever she could to support you. I have been in awe of her commitment and loyalty to NUS, LKYSPP & above all, Singapore. You will be deeply missed, Ching. My prayers are with your children and family. May God grant them the strength they need in this difficult time.

In remembrance of Prof Leong Ching During my bachelor's degree, I completed an internship at the Water Policy Institute, where I met Prof. Leong Ching. I subsequently reached out to ask whether I could work with her as a part-time research assistant, and she kindly gave me the opportunity, despite my limited experience in qualitative research at the time. Later on when I expressed an interest in returning to the institute for another internship, she went out of her way to help make it possible. I am grateful for the trust she placed in me as an undergraduate, and for the opportunity to learn more about qualitative research in behavioural water policy. I remember her as a very generous and cool person. She invited us to join her for after-work yoga, organized a movie night at The Projector, always made sure that interns didn't have to pay for lunch whenever she invited us along, and occasionally brought us food. She was also an avid reader, often seen walking around with a book in her hand during lunchtime. Her passion for reading was also reflected in her writing, which was always thoughtful and thought-provoking. I will always remember her generosity, kindness, and the opportunities she gave to young researchers like myself which paved the way for my academic career. Prof Leong Ching will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences go out to her family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace. 🕊️ Kang Leng Ho Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Psychology, University of Zurich

May Professor Leong rest in peace

I had the privilege of being at one of Prof's last workshops on Communications in Public Life and her zeal was simply one of a kind. Even though we interacted minimally, every moment was an immense blessing and the news of her passing was beyond heartbreaking. Prof Ching was such a spectacular catalyst for conversations and constructive efforts towards engendering a renewed societal compact that better embodied the heart and soul of Singapore, and her sudden departure has plunged those whose lives she touched in indescribable anguish. I sincerely manifest that her profound impact and the unparalleled radiance she emanated lives on unabated for long to come, and pray for all the strength her grieving family and friends need to overcome this inordinately excruciating loss.

Dear Ching, we haven't interacted much during Student Life lunches, meetings and events, but I have always admired your wisdom and clarity when it comes to student matters, as well as your strong commitment towards student wellness. Thank you for providing your advice and encouragement on occasions when we had to manage student cases in the past few years. Rest in peace. Your legacy will live on in the NUS community and beyond. Shu Sin

Prof Ching, You were such an important part of our shared time at LKYSPP. You lived a meaningful life and contributed greatly to the causes you believed in. Everyone who met you, at whatever point in their lives, will remember your kindness and generous spirit. May your soul rest in peace. My prayers are with your bereaved family.

We remember her as a guiding light, always there with a warm smile whenever we needed her. No task was ever too much for her, and her kindness touched everyone around her. She will be deeply missed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, Prof, and may you and your family find comfort in the memories you shared with her.

Prof Leong, Thanks for taking us to Indonesia on a charter flight through the Seletar Airport. It was a fun and memorable trip just like the way you believe in. May your soul be liberated by God Almighty.

Professor Leong Ching is one of the few professors I remained in close touch with, years after leaving the school. Her course, Water Governance, evoked my undying interest in behavioral public policy. She, without hesitation, wrote a glowing recommendation for me when I asked for one, for a programme I was going for. This loss is personal. Prof. Ching will forever be remembered as an important part of my Singapore experience. She will be sorely missed.

I had the privilege of seeing her in action as a moderator at KRMF last year, alongside SM Lee Hsien Loong. A remarkable presence and a memorable occasion. Rest in Peace, Prof Leong. You will be missed.

I just visited Prof Ching at her home around 2 weeks ago. Just so recently, she was so lively and energetic, and it was a profound shock to find out that she had passed away suddenly. I first met Prof Ching around 7 years ago, when I was applying to be a Resident Assistant at College Green. I come from a financially and emotionally abusive family, and with COVID happening, I was struggling just to stay afloat even as the circuit breaker Prof understood my situation (and I never knew how well she understood it until she told me 2 weeks back she had helped put in a word with LKYSPP management for me, after all these years). I got the RA role, Prof entrusted me with the CG community. I managed to move out and have a fresh start. Prof also ensured I attended counselling. My mental well being improved significantly. I have always been grateful for the fresh start in life. We kept in touch after I graduated from LKYSPP and after my CG days, and I visited her regularly over the years. Just 2 weeks back, I told Prof, I have finally transitioned to self employment! My time is now more flexible, and I can finally spend a bit more time with people I care about, so I can visit her a bit more often. She told me how proud she was of me for building something to be proud of, and welcomed my suggestion to visit her more. She started called me "Boss!". But sadly, that was her very last words to me. That night, I wanted to pick up my phone to text her and thank her again for helping me find a new start in life, both in CG and helping me to heal through counselling. I put it off as I felt it would be awkward to spam her with messages. I did regret it since, I should have sent the message while I had the chance. Thank you, Prof.

I am in sorrow and deep shock to learn of the sudden passing of Prof. Leong Ching. My heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones and to the NUS community. Prof. Leong was a special person who touched those whom she engaged with. I witnessed how as NUS Vice Provost she cared for our students and our Residential Colleges. In her role as Acting Dean of the LKYSPP, I remember with deep appreciation her generous citation of me at the Special NUS Commencement Ceremony in 2025. We had many warm and joyful interactions including professionally. She impressed me with her wide interest on so many topics and we shared discussions from peace to sustainability, and multilateral governance. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. She will always be remembered and honoured for her goodness, her grace and the knowledge she bought into our world. May she rest in eternal peace. Noeleen Heyzer. Rector, Ridge View Residential College, NUS.