Bawang Assan rep remembers late son as ‘man of vision, public purpose’

SIBU (Jan 7): Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said he was deeply moved by the tributes honouring the memory of his son, the late Dato Andrew Wong.

He described them as ‘faithfully reflecting the values, vision and public purpose’ that had guided Andrew.

“He was a man of vision and public purpose.

“He believed firmly that education was the foundation of society, and that Sarawak – especially Sibu and central Sarawak, must have its own institutions to nurture talents and secure its fu-ture,” said Soon Koh in a statement.

He said this conviction shaped Andrew’s contributions to the establishment and development of United College Sarawak, Kolej Laila Taib, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and the Sarawak Maritime Academy.

“These efforts that were driven not by personal ambition, but by a strong sense of responsibil-ity to the community.”

Soon Koh also recalled his son’s role as deputy chairman of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), where in every role he held, he was always ready to help those in need.

“Andrew listened carefully, acted decisively, and believed that leadership meant service.”

Reflecting on his personal loss and the wider loss to the community, Soon Koh spoke with quiet emotion.

“On a personal level, I lost a capable partner.

“In many ways, he was more capable than me, and I had relied greatly on his judgment, energy and commitment.

“Sibu, too, lost a capable son.

“Andrew had many plans for Sibu: plans to strengthen education, develop human capital, and prepare the town for the future.

“His vision was interrupted far too soon.”

Nevertheless, Soon Koh held on to the belief that Andrew’s legacy would continue to endure.

“A vision may be interrupted, but a legacy endures.

“Andrew’s legacy lives on through the institutions that he helped build, and the many lives shaped by the opportunities that he helped create,” said Soon Koh.