Be strong & courageous - In the memory of Wil Sern Ong

Over the past 4 days, many of my circle of friends and associates, have been trying to recover from the shock after learning on the sudden death of my former student cum Boys' Brigade member. My former student Sarah sent the news at midnight MY time but I only saw it in the morning. I couldn't believe my eyes reading such a heavy news on the Monday morning. It was (and still is) unreal to me. Wil Sern would be celebrating his 21st birthday this October! Such bright future and great life opportunities and challenges lie ahead of him - but now he is gone.

I first met him in 2012 in a BB Leadership Camp (known as BNTS then) where I was the camp commandant who punished him for his mischievous act. Willingly he apologised and did his 'special activity'. One year later, I met him again when I joined his school as a new teacher on-board. Surprisingly, he was glad to meet me again - as his new teacher cum BB officer. Over the years, we became close not just as student-teacher but as friends as well.

Eventually, he took on more responsibilities when he progressed over to Form 4. He was active in Christian Fellowship (CF), Chapel on top of Boys' Brigade (BB). He was well liked by teachers and friends that he was appointed as school prefect subsequently. Recognising his leadership charisma, he was promoted to SGT to lead his juniors in handling BB operation.

He always told me that I inspired him to serve. I smiled and replied, "You are an inspiration to me as much as you are to your friends and juniors." I was truly humbled to witness him rising above every obstacle; challenging himself to have personal breakthrough constantly. He was known to be polite, helpful and caring; a joy to have him around.

You didn't finish the half-marathon but you definitely had finished the race of life well; leaving behind a legacy. We all will miss you dearly. Rest in peace, my brother in Christ.