Veteran Singapore singer Ling Xiao passed away on Dec. 13 at the age of 75.
More than 50 family members, friends, fans and students gathered on Wednesday morning (Dec. 17) to send him off at a Buddhist farewell ceremony.
The farewell ceremony commenced at 9:00 am. Speaking to Lianhe Zaobao at the venue, Ling Xiao’s sister, Jeci, became visibly emotional as she shared memories of her brother. She said her emotions had been swinging over the past few days, laughing at times and crying at others.
“When I think of the good memories, I can’t help but smile. But when I think of my brother’s passing, the sadness becomes overwhelming. Fifty-eight years of siblinghood is very hard to put into words…” she said, before breaking down in tears. A reporter handed her a tissue to comfort her, and she repeatedly apologised, saying she was still unable to calm herself.
After Ling Xiao fell ill, he was cared for by Jeci. The two were not related by blood. Jeci and her sister had been “sent” to the Tan family when they were still infants. Ling Xiao’s birth name was Tan Choon Huat.
Jenny Foo, the eldest of the Foo sisters in the local music scene, also attended the wake to send Ling Xiao off on his final journey. She had been introduced to him through Jeci, and as the two families grew closer, she followed Jeci in addressing Ling Xiao as “big brother”.
Foo described Ling Xiao as a cheerful person who enjoyed joking. Recalling the past, she became teary-eyed.
“He was the kind of person who quietly took care of others. Once, he recommended me to be a guest performer at his concert. He was a king of singers, while I was just a small star. Although the performance did not happen in the end, I was already very grateful that he even mentioned me.”
She also shared that she had accompanied Ling Xiao on many visits to nursing homes to perform and take part in charity events.
Former television host Chen Mingpei (transliterated), who had known Ling Xiao for 35 years, said the farewell felt like sending off “Singapore’s contemporary pretty boy”. She said she had not been in a good state over the past few days.
“His songs were not played at the wake. If they were, I would definitely have broken down after hearing them. But since they were not played, it also feels a little regrettable,” she said.
A woman in her 70s, Chen Yaoqing (transliterated), who had supported Ling Xiao for more than 50 years, attended the farewell on behalf of the Hong Kong fan club.
Speaking with a choked voice and reddened eyes, she said Ling Xiao had always treated his loyal fans like younger sisters.
Explaining why she represented the Hong Kong fans, she said,
“I’ve known the Hong Kong fans for many years. Some of them are already quite old and have mobility issues, so I came as their representative. When everyone heard the news of his passing, they were truly very heartbroken.”
Chen Meiyu (transliterated), a writer for Golden Years: Singing Duels, was also present to pay her respects. She shared that the programme’s team had visited Ling Xiao during his illness.
“Everyone can rest assured that he was not alone in the final stage of his life.”
Ling Xiao’s farewell ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere that morning. At around 9:15 am, chanting began in the hall. At 9:45 am, the coffin was lifted, and the hearse departed for Mandai Crematorium. At 10:45 am, the cremation ceremony was held, as family and friends quietly sent off the final journey of the Singapore singer.
