Iconic S’pore Singer Who Sang With Andy Lau and Kit Chan Passes Away

2019-03-12 , 8:00 pm

“What do you want to be remembered for?”

I recall seeing this question a few years back but till today, I have difficulties answering it.

What about “Do you know what others remember you by?”

Just as deep, but I guess the closest answer you’ll get is via birthday wishes from friends and family.

Tong Yek Suan

A local busker, musician and vocal coach by the name of Tong Yek Suan (Yu Xuan) has passed away on 10 March 2019, Sunday at home.

Fans can send Mdm Tong off at her memorial service which will be held till 14 March (Thursday) at Blk 105 Aljunied Crescent from 6 pm. She will be cremated at Mandai Crematorium Service Hall 3 on 14 March. You can refer to her band’s Facebook page for more information.

Admitted to Hospital After Fainting Spells

Reports stated that Mdm Tong was admitted to the hospital on 8 March 2019 (Friday) after fainting thrice before she was discharged the next day.

Mdm Tong was part of a band called The ETC, which comprises members who are no stranger to busking. They were often seen performing in the heartland for loyal fans consisting of the elderly, families and teenagers.

I first heard of her when a video was taken of her busking in Chinatown and circulated online by Melvin Yeung which you may wish to view below.

Mdm Tong perfectly belted out “海闊天空”, a famous song by Hong Kong rock band, Beyond. The video has 284K views to date.

At 48 years old, she has had many accomplishments under her belt.

Her Accomplishments

With a voice as beautiful as hers, Mdm Tong has worked as a backup singer for famed artists such as Andy Lau, Stephanie Sun and Kit Chan.

She first gained popularity after singing a remake of “Xi Shui Chang Liu” (Friendship Forever) alongside local singers Joi Chua and Chua Lee Lian for National Day in 1998, which is part of a local genre called Xinyao.

Have a listen below:

Mdm Tong had a passion for singing since young but before going into music full-time, she was an accountant and a spastic children’s teacher before settling down as a vocal coach.

Tributes

As one that was always down to earth, Mdm Tong has brought joy to many she crossed paths with, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng, her students and fans.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Mdm Tong Yek Xuan (唐玉璇), also known by her stage name Yu Xuan. I had…

Posted by Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday, 10 March 2019

PM Lee posted his tribute via his personal Facebook page on 10 March 2019 (Sunday), in which he recalled their recent encounter where she performed and further talked about her endless love for music. He also included a photo taken together with her band, The ETC, at a recent dinner where they first met.

Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng

[ We lost a Singaporean with a beautiful voice and big ❤️ ]Rest in peace Yuxuan. We will miss your beautiful voice….

Posted by Louis Ng Kok Kwang on Saturday, 9 March 2019

In a Facebook post published on 10 March, Mr Ng showed his appreciation for Mdm Tong along with a video of her performing the well-known Cantonese favourite “海闊天空” in Chinatown.

Students

Having worked with Mdm Tong closely, many of her students, both past and present, wrote about their encounter with the iconic singer and expressed their gratitude for being a great teacher.

Fans

A netizen by the name of Cheesey74 recounted her experience with Mdm Tong: “Very good local singer, heard her few times outside HG mall. May u continue to sing in heaven n thanks for blessing us with ur beautiful voice while u r here.”

Other fans wrote about how Mdm Tong left an impact on their lives and thanked her for sharing her love for music with them.

Mdm Tong may have left us, but her legacy lives on.

With that, I leave you with a question – How do you want to be remembered?