Breaking the Silence: My Journey in Conversations on Death, Love, and Legacy

Talking about death has always been difficult. In many cultures, it’s an unspoken taboo—something we push aside until it becomes unavoidable. But over the years, I’ve come to believe that planning for a good farewell is one of the greatest gifts of love we can give our family.

Recently, I had the opportunity to explore this idea further through three meaningful experiences that reinforced why these conversations matter.

1. Bringing Funeral Conversations to the Singapore Cancer Society

When the Singapore Cancer Society invited me to participate in their exhibition, I knew it was an opportunity to introduce the topic of funeral planning to a wider audience. The event took place in a cozy café, a safe space for cancer survivors and their loved ones to gather and reflect on life.

One of the most powerful messages I shared was this: "A good farewell is a gift of love."

It’s about having the courage to make your wishes known—the kind of service you’d like, the music that brings you peace, the flowers that hold meaning for you. These details may seem small, but they provide clarity and comfort to grieving families, allowing them to focus on honoring a life well-lived rather than making difficult decisions in a time of grief.

Being part of this panel discussion reminded me that legacy planning isn’t just for the elderly or the terminally ill—it’s for everyone. Death is an inevitable part of life, and talking about it doesn’t invite misfortune. Instead, it empowers us to live with intention.

2. Sharing My Story on CNA’s ‘Daily Cuts’

Another milestone in my journey was being featured in CNA’s ‘Daily Cuts’ interview: "A Letter to Myself: From Loss to Legacy."

I never expected to enter the funeral industry. But when my father passed away, I wanted to ensure he had a meaningful and dignified farewell. What started as a personal mission evolved into a larger vision: to reshape the way we approach funerals in Singapore.

Stepping into a male-dominated and tradition-bound industry wasn’t easy. Many saw funerals as strictly ritualistic, often overlooking the emotional needs of grieving families. I wanted to change that—shifting the focus from loss to legacy, from mourning to meaningful remembrance.

I hope this interview inspires others to see that death care isn’t just about logistics—it’s about creating ceremonies that truly reflect a person’s life, values, and impact.

3. Exploring AI & Grief at Tembusu College

For the fifth time, I was invited to Tembusu College to speak on a topic that’s both timely and thought-provoking: "Living and Dying in the Internet Age."

AI has changed how we work, communicate, and now—even how we grieve. From live-streamed funerals for families abroad to AI-generated memorial pages, technology is reshaping our farewell traditions.

One of the most fascinating discussions centered around AI avatars that "preserve" a person’s presence after they pass. Imagine being able to "talk" to a loved one through AI, hearing their voice and even receiving responses based on past recordings. While this offers comfort, it also raises ethical questions: Is it truly them, or just a simulation? Does it help with grief, or does it prolong denial?

As a funeral director, my stance is this: If AI helps families find closure, I support it. But if it monetizes grief or prevents people from moving forward, we need to rethink its role.

Final Thoughts: Death is Not the End—It’s a Conversation We Need to Have

Through these experiences, I’m reminded of why I do what I do. Funerals aren’t just ceremonies—they are reflections of a life lived, a final act of love, and a chance for closure.

If there’s one message I want to leave behind, it’s this: Start the conversation. Talk about your wishes, your legacy, and how you’d like to be remembered. Because when the time comes, those who love you will find comfort in knowing they are carrying out your farewell, just as you intended.

?? How do you feel about discussing death and funeral planning? Have you ever thought about your own farewell? Let’s talk.