Remembering
Professor
Leong Ching

Leong Ching and I first met when she was doing her PhD and I was working in the LKY School. Even though I have left the School many years ago, we stayed in touch. I’ll always remember the warmth of her smile, the pleasure of her conversation, and the grace and generosity she brought to all she did.

In 2018, my first semester at LKYSPP, I enrolled for the "Moral Reasoning" course by Prof Ching as one does when one is overwhelmed by all the quant we did in the first semester. She framed discussions explicitly around "money vs morals", the role of state in nudging policy making, and how understanding the moral implications lead to policymaking that can be better informed. As a young student, this still was too idealistic to me and I remember telling her how this is so hard to implement in the real world that funnily this is the premise of this new show called 'The Good Place.'. She was barely amused by me trying to draw parallels to the show, but true to how she was, she also did let me go down that rabbit hole. That course in LKY for me in terms of my love for learning, was a key motivator and over the next few semesters, a key pillar of how I tried to understand what optimal policy making looks like. Prof Ching and the moral reasoning course was one of the reasons for me somehow getting through the first semester. Throughout my time in NUS, she was kind, supportive and someone who would always smile at you with a little nod whenever you passed her. Her care was not only for her students, but how her students interacted with those around them. I remember her telling us as a matter of fact that the areas belong to the lizards as well as the other living creatures who are in and around College Green. Over the years, it has given me great joy to see how the larger NUS community was able to engage with her and be enveloped in the kind, big hearted personality she was. Her loss is indescribable and my condolences to her family, friends and the larger NUS family. Thank you for everything you did Prof Ching, you will be remembered fondly.

"One of the things I will always remember about Professor Leong Ching was her smile. Whenever I met her around campus and greeted her, she would return that greeting with such warmth and sincerity that it brightened my day. Even during the busiest of times, she always seemed willing to pause for a brief chat and make others feel seen and valued. I always regarded Professor Leong as someone who embodied both intellect and grace. She was exceptionally accomplished, yet carried herself with humility, elegance, and quiet confidence. There was a natural poise about her that earned the respect and admiration of all who knew her, while her warmth and kindness made everyone feel comfortable in her presence. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and her positive spirit left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to cross her path. Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity touched countless lives, and her contributions to the School and its community will not be forgotten. Although she is no longer with us, the memories she created and the lives she inspired will continue to live on. Professor Leong Ching, may you rest in peace. Thank you for your kindness, wisdom, and grace. You touched the lives of many, and your legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing you. You will be dearly missed and fondly remembered."

I spent one of the most cherishable times of my life in Singapore during my studies (MPM- LKYSPP), way back in 2016 -17. Despite my very limited interaction with her, I still remember Professor Leong Ching's kindness and her smile. It is sad to know that she passed away.....I express heartfelt condolences with her family and pray for her eternal peace....Amen.

I was a non-traditional student in the Ph.D. Program at LKY SPP with a half a career already under my belt. I was in awe of the quality of students, professors and discussions but simultaneously overwhelmed at the challenges in front of me. She gave me her ear and sage advice on how to effectively transition from a technocrat to a student. The interactions and advice were impactful then and still resonate with me now. Thank you for sharing yourself so widely. Your positive impact simply cannot be measured given its breadth.

Rest in peace. Thank you for making student life something I continue to miss throughout my life.

Prof Leong Ching, My heart feels heavy and deeply saddened. You always showed full care, empathy, and positivity. Your heart went out to everyone, supporting the growth of both students and colleagues—you are truly an inspiration to all. I may have met you a few times only, but I remember all our meetings. You always paid close attention to what I had to say, and I sensed a genuine care, concern, and encouragement from you in those meetings. You invited me for a few lunches, and the last time I met you was also for a lunch that you treated us to on the promotion of a few RC colleagues, including me. You gave us a handwritten card along with an antique coin that you had bought at an auction. I never knew that would be my last meeting with you. I always felt a sense of positivity after meeting you. You truly cared for everyone. This is a huge loss to everyone. Life is so fragile. You will be deeply missed, Prof Leong Ching. It is sad that I am unable to pay my last respects to you. May your soul rest in peace with God. I pray for your family to stay strong.

Dear Ching, It is heartbreaking to say goodbye. I will always remember your kindness, warmth, sense of humour and thoughtfulness. I still fondly remember the lovely lunch we had at College Green and the breakfast gathering you initiated with junior faculty. These little moments remind me of how caring you were. I wish we had more time to share such moments. Thank you, Ching, for the lovely memories. You will be dearly missed and always remembered. Rest in peace, Ching!

I first met Ching when I joined the Institute of Water Policy in 2014. At that time, our research interests did not overlap much, so we had relatively little interaction beyond the usual collegial conversations. That changed when she became Co-Director of the Institute and our work increasingly converged on issues related to Singapore. One memory that stands out is a day when she rented a van so that we could visit numerous ABC Waters sites across the island for a research project. It was typical of Ching's hands-on approach to research and her desire to understand a problem firsthand. One thing for which I will always be grateful is that Ching invited me to return to the Institute of Water Policy after I had spent a year working in industry. At the time, she was taking up a position in the University administration, and I was able to support the continuation of the Smart Shower project. Her confidence in me came at an important moment in my career, and I have never forgotten that kindness. More recently, we had been discussing working together again. In fact, I was supposed to meet her last week when I received the shocking news. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that we will never be able to meet again in this life. Ching is one of the most supportive people I have known professionally. She was generous with her time, encouragement, and trust in others. She had a sincere interest in people’s lives and remembered what mattered to them. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. Ching will be remembered fondly by all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.

I came to know about her as a panelist and one of the moderators for the talks in the recent BISHAC conference. In that short period of time, I enjoyed her amiable presence and dry wit. She will be dearly missed by her students and members of the faculty.

Prof Leong, you will be deeply missed! Reading the many heartfelt tributes shared by students, alumni and colleagues over the past couple of days, I am reminded of just how many lives you have touched within NUS and beyond. Despite our limited interactions, you always remembered my name. It may have seemed like a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me. I will always remember your warm eyes, gentle smile and soothing voice. Whether we crossed paths at meetings, events or simply by the lift, you would always greet me by name and ask how I was doing. Somehow, your warmth and kindness never failed to put me at ease. You had such a brilliant mind, yet you remained so humble and unassuming. You had a heart of gold, and it showed in the way you treated everyone, regardless of who they were. Your contributions to NUS will continue to shape and transform lives for generations to come. But beyond your remarkable achievements, I believe it is your kindness, humility and humanity that so many of us will remember most. Thank you, Prof Leong, for showing us that even the smallest gestures of kindness can leave the deepest impressions. I will always remember you with warmth, admiration and gratitude. Rest in peace, Prof Leong. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this very difficult time.

In the whole of NUS, I count myself as one of the few that Prof Leong had spent the most time with, and therefore, one of the few most richly blessed by her generosity. She gave good gifts with intentionality, because the value of those gifts appreciates with time (literally). She shared great meals that nourished not just the body, but also the soul, because through those moments, she shared thoughts on many issues that mattered. And most of all, she always made time for me, even though she had little. And in each of those conversations, she gave me the best of her attention, and she multiplied them with astute insights and clear principles to follow. I am indebted to Prof Leong and am profoundly grateful. My deepest condolences to the whole family.

I had the privilege of meeting Prof Leong Ching twice at the IBPPW workshops in 2025 and 2026. She was always full of energy, warmth, and kindness. I was deeply impressed by her passion for research and the genuine encouragement and generosity she showed to junior researchers like myself. Her kindness and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on me. I am sorry to hear of her sudden passing. May she rest in peace.

Prof Leong Ching taught us "Moral Reasoning" in 2018. I most remember her for her encouragement to us students to think and opine on many fundamental philosophical ideas. I even had discussions over emails with her about author Ta-Nehisi Coates' work on race in America. She was extremely open to discussing critical literature beyond the listed syllabus. I also remember the admiration we felt for the way she always dressed aesthetically, bringing out many Peranakan and Chinese influences. Prof Leong Ching, you will be remembered and admired forever.

My heartfelt condolences to Professor Leong's family and loved ones. Thank you for your contributions to academia, and the profound impact that you have made on many people.

She was one of the most selfless persons I ever met in Singapore. She always stood by students. My request to change my hostel from College Green to UTown was taken by her. She took personal interest and allowed me to shift to UTown even though I was an MPA student of LKYSPP. She was extraordinarily supportive and helpful. Her demise is a severe loss for entire NUS community.

It was a special experience working with Prof Leong, one that I cannot describe in a few simple words. There are some memories beyond work that make her more vivid to me. I will always remember shaking her hand in the office on my last day at work. May she rest in peace.

You have made an impactful mark on everyone you interacted with. Gone too soon.

I will always remember Ching for her friendly and approachable demeanor as colleagues at the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT). She was a gracious soul, easy to talk to and a true educator. She will truly be missed. My heartfelt condolences to Ching's family.

At NUS, the academics was quite overwhelming, especially as an international student. I had signed up for an LKY class on Moral Reasoning in Policy Process, taught by Professor Leong. She was the first chill Singaporean professor that I came across! One of her first few classes was dedicated towards teaching us common Singapore language, how to get our coffee order right and recommending the best eating joints near campus. While the subject matter of the class was tough in itself, her relaxed attitude and conversational/discussion based teaching method made it very easy to learn in class. I'm saddened to hear about her passing and offer my sincerest condolences to her loved ones.