Family remembers late Dr Yong Sau Kan as devoted mother, pioneering doctor

KUCHING (April 25): The late Dato Sri Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Dr Yong Sau Kan, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100, is being fondly remembered by her family as a devoted mother, pioneering medical practitioner and a woman of quiet strength and compassion.

Her children said she breathed her last at 7.51am at her home, surrounded by loved ones.

In the days leading up to her passing, she had remained relatively stable and was still able to walk and eat, with family recalling that she was able to move about on her own just a day earlier.

Born in Ipoh with ancestral roots in Guangdong Province, China, Dr Yong was among the early generation of medical practitioners in Sarawak and one of the earliest female doctors in Sibu.

She established her private clinic in the 1950s and earned wide respect for her dedication to patients and service to the community.

At the family residence here, her children shared heartfelt memories of a mother who balanced a demanding medical career with raising a family and serving society.

Her son, Dr Wong Chee Liang, described her as disciplined and hardworking, noting that her strictness in education came from a deep desire for her children’s future success.

“She was very strict with our studies, but it was all because she wanted the best for us,” he said.

He said she worked almost continuously throughout the year, seeing patients six and a half days a week and remaining open even on Sundays and public holidays for half a day, taking only one day off annually during Chinese New Year.

Wong said she was also the backbone of the family, managing both the household and finances, particularly after her husband, the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Wong Soon Kai, entered politics.

“She was the pillar of the family,” he said, adding that she also quietly supported relatives and others by helping them pursue education overseas and contributing to charitable causes without seeking recognition.

Her daughter, Dr Wong Chee May, said both parents played complementary roles in shaping their upbringing.

“Our father focused more on character, while our mother was stricter on studies. Together, they shaped how we grew up,” she said.

She recalled her mother as firm, especially in academic discipline and piano practice, but said both parents never forced their children into specific career paths.

“She worked tirelessly to support us studying overseas, even working seven days a week,” she said emotionally.

Despite her busy career, Chee May said her mother remained active in later years, enjoying travel and time with friends after her father retired from politics in 1996.

She added that Dr Yong was known for her quiet generosity, often helping others behind the scenes without drawing attention to herself.

Both siblings described their parents as devout Christians who led by example, instilling values of kindness, integrity and faith.

Dr Yong is survived by three children and six grandchildren.

Her youngest daughter, Wong Chee Lin, is expected to return from Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon, with other family members also arriving to pay their final respects.

The wake will be held at the family residence at 7pm on Monday (April 27), followed by the encoffining service at 7.30am and a memorial service at 8am the next day.