Remembering
Professor
Leong Ching

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!

Prof Ching is one of those with a gentle soul and a kind heart. Her presence calms you and reassures you, even without saying much. I looked forward to classes because of Prof Ching. I am grateful to have been taught by her, and to have been at the receiving end of her kindness. Prof Ching, your absence will be felt deeply. I recently came across Minister Desmond Lee’s post about Prof Ching’s passing, where she reminded him of William Ernest Henley’s poem, Invictus: “Out of the night that covers me Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” I do not know if Prof Ching saw herself in the words of this poem, but I hope she knew how much she meant to the people whose lives she touched. Some people leave an impression not through grand gestures or loud words, but through the quiet kindness they extend to others. Prof Ching was one of those people. I will miss her dearly. Rest peacefully, Prof.

A fierce advocate for students, not to mollycoddle them but to teach them, in the most eloquent and unforgettable way, how to live in an upright and passionate way. It has been my utmost privilege to have worked for Prof Leong. I will always take from her the lessons not to punch down and to speak and write with utmost care and precision. RIP Prof Leong.

Dear Ching, I will always cherish the memory of having worked with you, a wise university leader, wonderful colleague, friend: one who combined a deeply caring heart with an unwavering commitment to careful thought and plain speaking. You left behind big shoes to fill and a hole in the community's heart. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. May they find comfort in knowing how much you meant to so many, and how fondly you will be remembered!

In Loving Memory of Prof. Leong Ching A mentor whose kindness changed the course of my life. Some people enter our lives as teachers and remain with us long after we leave the classroom. Prof. Leong Ching was one of those rare people. During my graduate studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, she became more than a professor. She believed in me, challenged my thinking, and cared about where life would take me. She taught me to write better, appreciate Singapore’s many sides, and understand the Philippines’ water challenges. She often quoted Prof. Tommy Koh in her lectures, always with admiration. She questioned my plans after graduation and worried when I chose Japan. But even when she disagreed, she believed in me. She taught me that caring doesn’t always mean agreeing. She nominated me for the Dean’s Leadership Award at NUS, during Dean Kishore’s time. We won it. That recognition opened doors after graduation and still gives me courage nine years later. When I graduated, she gave me a beautiful ruby necklace for courage and protection. Knowing Singapore’s strict gift declaration rules, I jokingly asked whether I needed to declare it at Singapore Customs. I remember the laughter, but more importantly, the thought behind her gift. She wanted me to be brave wherever life took me. Generous, thoughtful, and effortlessly classy. That was Prof. Ching. Recently, I was honored to be selected as one of the 50 Leading Lights Asia Pacific 2026, recognizing kindness in leadership. I had almost missed the ceremony because of work commitments. But after learning of her passing, I remembered the award she once nominated me for. I could almost hear her telling me to go. So I changed my plans. I dedicate this recognition to Prof. Leong Ching. Not because I have mastered kindness or leadership. I’m still learning and making mistakes. But because she showed me what kindness in leadership looks like. She challenged without discouraging, guided without controlling, and believed in her students long after they left her classroom. The older I get, the more I realize that very little of what we accomplish is ours alone. Someone opened a door. Someone believed in us when we were still finding our way. For me, that person was Prof. Ching. Thank you for believing in me, for the lessons, laughter, and beautiful memories. I hope to become the kind of mentor to others that you were to me. Whenever I need courage, I’ll remember that ruby necklace and the wonderful woman who gave it to me. With love and a lifetime of gratitude. Rest peacefully, dear Prof. Ching. 💛

Prof Leong is a great professor and I got to know her when I was at LKYSPP. She’s friendly, nice and patient. Deepest condolences to her family.

I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Professor Leong Ching. It is truly difficult to believe that such a kind, warm-hearted and inspiring person has left us so soon. I fondly remember Prof Leong visiting me, together with other colleagues, during one of my surgical workshops. I also had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with her on several occasions during academic sharing sessions. Although our interactions were relatively brief, I was always impressed by her warmth, humility, kindness and genuine interest in the work of her colleagues. Prof Leong was not only a highly respected academic and an inspiring leader but also a wonderful human being who touched the lives of many through her generosity, encouragement and dedication to education. Her untimely passing is a tremendous loss to the NUS community and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Rest in peace, Prof Leong. You will always be remembered with great respect and affection.

Prof. Ching was an embodiment of academic and moral excellence. Despite her great achievements professionally and academically, she was down-to-earth and kind-hearted, always caring and looking out for our welfare while I was at College Green Hostel. Personally, I consider her my benefactor as she was among my interviewers when I applied for study and scholarship at LKYSPP. I remember her checking on me from time to time during my stay in Singapore, just to be sure I was fine and adjusting well to life far away from my home country Nigeria. I was glad to hear about her promotion few years back and I reached out for congratulatory messages, because she deserved that and more. It is very sad to see her leave this world so soon. I pray for fortitude to bear this great loss for all family and loved ones. May God strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Prof. Ching! You will surely be missed.