A toddler’s farewell to doctor who helped bring him to life

Azly Ahmad stood before the coffin of Dr Wong Kar Lin, his eyes filled with grief as he gazed upon the man he had affectionately called "Gong Gong", or grandfather. Dr Wong, a 73-year-old former colleague and friend, had helped Azly and his wife, Eliana Abdullah, conceive after years of struggle for a child. The doctor, who had passed away on October 25 from a landslide, was an expert in occupational health and a generous soul who was always willing to share his knowledge.

Azly, a safety and health officer at a semiconductor company, had learned about Dr Wong's fertility expertise only in 2021, and they eventually sought his help. Dr Wong had recommended a fertility method that resulted in Eliana's pregnancy a year later, and he was the first person outside the couple to learn the happy news. Dr Wong's widow, Chang Mei Nuo, was unaware of the help she had received from her late husband.

Azly hoped that their son, Anaqy, would grow up understanding the kindness and generosity of "Gong Gong" and would one day bring hope to others, just as his grandfather had done for their family.