S'pore secondary school teacher dies at 55, never gave up on 'problem students' & touched lives of countless students

Lau Chu Beng, a physics teacher at Yusof Ishak Secondary School (YISS), passed away at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and encouragement. The school announced his death on August 7 via their Facebook page, expressing deep sadness and acknowledging Lau's lasting impact on the YISS community.

Lau was known for establishing the Centre for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), a hub for teacher development, and for his tireless efforts in making physics an engaging subject for his students. Many students, including future data engineer Chen Minghui, remember Lau's unwavering support during their academic struggles. Despite them initially being perceived as "problem students," Lau never gave up on them, often going above and beyond by tutoring them individually, arriving early, or staying late.

Chen credits Lau's unique teaching methods, incorporating humor and social media elements, for transforming his own academic standing, achieving top results in his O-Level exams.

Lau's commitment to teaching remained steadfast, even as the school relocated from Bukit Batok to Punggol. He endured lengthy commutes, daily traffic, and challenging circumstances, yet remained in his beloved school. His final birthday party, held just a month before his death, was a testament to his popularity, as numerous students, parents, and colleagues gathered to pay their respects and express their heartfelt condolences.

In the wake of Lau's passing, the school community has been inundated with messages of sympathy and remembrance. Students, parents, and fellow educators have taken to social media to share their memories and express their gratitude for Lau's profound influence. The school's Principal, in a statement, called Lau a "decent and jolly person," emphasizing his selfless dedication to his students' success and well-being.

MP Liang Eng Hwa also paid tribute to Lau, describing him as a "dear and caring individual" whose impact on the school and its students will never be forgotten.