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

Three-year-old Anaqy stood before a coffin and looked at Dr Wong Kar Lin, whom he affectionately called "Gong Gong". The grandfather he loved was no longer with them, for the man in the coffin was the 73-year-old Dr Wong, a friend and former colleague who had helped Anaqy's parents, Azly Ahmad and Eliana Abdullah, conceive after a decade of trying.

Dr Wong, an occupational health doctor and expert in his field, had also assisted couples struggling with fertility for free, except for blood tests. Anaqy's father, Azly, a safety and health officer at a semiconductor company, had known Wong for over 15 years. Wong was always willing to teach and was humble despite his expertise.

It was only in 2021 that Azly learned of Wong's fertility assistance. Wong was the first person outside the couple to learn of their successful pregnancy, which followed a year later. Azly discovered Wong's kindness at his wake, where he learned that his friend had kept his good deeds secret from his widow, Chang Mei Nuo.

Dr Lek-Lim Chan, a longtime friend of Wong, remembered his humility and generosity. Despite being a successful doctor, Wong never asked for help and continued his work into his 70s. He assisted elderly people in care homes without boasting about his actions. Azly hopes that Anaqy will inherit Wong's sincerity, love, and generosity, not just become a great doctor, but also someone who can give others hope, help them heal, and leave something good in their lives.