From The Straits Times    |

An outpouring of grief flooded social media last night, after news broke that actor Aloysius Pang died four days after sustaining serious injuries during military training in New Zealand. He was carrying out repair works inside a self-propelled howitzer and sustained the injuries “when the gun barrel was lowered”, according to the Ministry of Defence. Aloysius underwent a number of surgeries and was put on life support. He eventually succumbed to the injuries.

The loss was felt keenly among many. Devastated family, friends and fans expressed their shock and mourned the 28-year-old’s passing, saying he was a kind, talented and sweet person who made an impact to their lives.

He was a precocious child star, beginning his acting journey at the age of nine. He quit at age 14, but returned at 22 and was subsequently crowned one of the “8 Dukes of Caldecott Hill” which comprised eight promising young Chinese Mediacorp actors. He was named Best Newcomer at Star Awards 2015 and was slated to be the male lead in upcoming Channel 8 drama My One in a Million.

We take a look at some of the tributes he received.

 

1. Jayley Woo

Photo: Instagram/ jiaqiwoo

Grief-stricken actress Jayley Woo, who’s Aloysius’ girlfriend, posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram.

 27-year-old Woo wrote in Chinese: “Aug 24 is your birthday, Jan 4 is a special day of ours, and on Jan 24 you left me without a word. All that is left is your cold and hard hands.”

One of the photos in the post shows her holding Mr Pang’s hand in the hospital.

“Why is it such a coincidence that my favourite number is four? Why have you heartlessly left me behind? How could you bear to leave this world? Why do you treat me this way?” Ms Woo said.

“I did not have the fortune of being your wife in this lifetime. We must definitely get married in the next. I love you, I really love you. Thank you for taking care of me all these years. I love you forever. Please leave in peace. Appear in my dreams often, understand? Also, I will never forgive you in this lifetime.”

“You’ll always be a part of me, my man. Till death do us apart, baby boy.”

She added in a Chinese hashtag: “My world is gone.”

2. Hayley Woo

Jayley’s twin sister Hayley thanked Aloysius for celebrating their birthdays on Dec 27 and recounted how Aloysius and her had a heart-to-heart talk after her sister fell asleep.

He told her that he was working hard to earn money, and was hoping to marry Jayley when he was around 31 years old. “I don’t have the fortune of having you as my brother-in-law in this life,” she said in Mandarin. “Please visit Jayley’s dreams and let her know what you didn’t get a chance to say to her.”

 

3. Carrie Wong

Actress Carrie Wong, who frequently collaborated with Aloysius, said in Mandarin: “”I always say to you, ‘Why is it you again?’, but really, I want to say that it was my good fortune to have worked with you so many times.

Thank you for always bringing sunshine to others. I’ll always remember you. I’ll see you next time.”

 

4. Xu Bin

Fellow Noon Talk Media artiste and good pal said in his Instagram Story that he still could not believe it has happened. In an Instagram post, he added: “As brothers, you’ve done so much for me. I haven’t even gotten the chance to do anything for you and you left without a word. I will miss you, brothers forever.”

 

5. Zoe Tay

Photo: Instagram/ zoetay10

Her heart hurts, said Ah Jie Zoe Tay in Mandarin. While they only worked together for one show, but she remembered how he offered to give her a lift to the TV studio even though it was out of the way.

“You said you seldom get to speak with me so that was a rare chance to do so. You shared with me about your earlier rebellious days and how Dasmond Koh (his manager) guided you and eventually signed you to his agency,” she recalled.

“From the conversation, I felt you were mature, kind and sweet, very sensible for a 25 year-old. I really liked you. You were serious about your work, acted well, and had a great attitude. Everyone had nothing but praise for you. I thought you would go far, and that we would be able to work together again.”

“This accident was too sudden. But I know you’ve done your best. Rest in peace.”

 

6. Jeanette Aw

Actress Jeanette Aw’s tribute was simple. She posted a black and white collage of her acting alongside a young Aloysius Pang, accompanied by a black heart.

 

7. Romeo Tan

Fellow actor Romeo Tan said Aloysius was a sincere, enthusiastic and loyal friend. “I can’t do much for you, but this wonderful song by you will forever be etched in our hearts,” he said. “I still remember when I first heard this song, I remarked to you, ‘Wah! You can actually sing well!’ But you responded humbly by saying you were still learning. From that day on, this song left a deep impression on me. I miss working with you.”

 

8. Rebecca Lim

Actress Rebecca Lim posted a photo of the two of them and blurred her face out. “You are a really good guy. Although we’ve never worked together before, I was honoured to be able to call you my friend. I will remember and miss all those memories we’ve had together — eating, chatting and more. I will always miss you. Your brothers will help you fulfil all your wishes.”

 

9. Felicia Chin

Actress Felicia Chin posted a series of heartfelt photos of them while on a trip to Russia. “I wished you knew what an amazing person and human being you are. Refusing any compliments or accolades to your name, how brilliant and loved you are.

Thank you. Thank you for being a dear friend to many. Thank you for speaking to me when I was at my lowest a few years ago,” she said. “My heart is so heavy but you know, I wish to see you in Heaven. You are a good son, friend, brother, person. Not many lived a life like yours. This is so sad…but thank you for being you. You are deeply loved and cherished dear Aloy. We all love you very very much.

 

10. Pierre Png

Actor Pierre Png posted an all-black photo, saying he’s “deeply saddened and very angry at the passing of an intelligent, unassuming and hardworking actor”. He added: “I guess I’ll never know why this had to happen. Until we meet again Aloysius Pang Wei Chong. Rest in Peace.”

 

11. Elvin Ng

“Unassuming, a kind boy, and well-loved by everyone. It’s heartbreaking and really hard to take,” said actor Elvin Ng.” Thank you for the beautiful memories you’ve given us, and you’ll always be in our hearts. We are all with you and your family. Please rest in peace, our dearest always.”

 

12. Hong Hui Fang

Veteran actress Hong Hui Fang, who first acted as Aloysius’ mother in 2003 when he was just 12, recalled how they had such a good chemistry that it didn’t feel strange at all. “We chatted about so many things, and it left an impression on me,” she said in Mandarin. After that, Aloysius didn’t appear again until several years later and they went on to collaborate in several productions. “We chatted a lot again, and I understood you at an even deeper level. What you experienced during that absence from the industry is unimaginable, but it also made you who you are and turned you into a great actor.”

“You were a kind, caring boy. I always told you that you are the kind of son all mothers hope for. When I heard this news, my heart dropped and it hurts so so much. Tears flowed uncontrollably and I asked God, why did he take you away? Although I have many questions and can’t bear to let you go, but I have to accept this reality. I will always miss you.”

 

13. Paige Chua

Actress Paige Chua posted a photo of a flying horse, with the caption: “Be free, the way you were meant to be. The way you always wanted.”

 

14. Pan Lingling

Actress Pan Ling Ling posted a simple white dove, saying his departure has been heartbreaking. “You’re an angel. Hope you can rest in peace in Heaven.”

 

15. Sheila Sim

Model-actress Sheila Sim posted a group snap, lamenting how life can be really unfair sometimes. “It’s been tough on you these few days, Aloy. I…just can’t believe it.”

 

16. Jesseca Liu

Actress Jesseca Liu said Aloysius was taken away too quickly by the Heavens. “Perhaps they don’t want you to be in pain, or perhaps they were jealous of your talent. We’ll send you off with our tears. Have a good journey, there’re no tears in Heaven.”

 

 17. Hong Ling

Actress Hong Ling, also known as Somaline Ang, posted a black and white picture of the two of them in a car, saying she had trouble sleeping when she heard the news. “Life and death is so unpredictable. So close to each other. We existed moment to moment, never knowing who will be the next to leave the world. Love knows no boundaries. While you are no longer physically with us, your spirit is always around us.”

 

18. Sora Ma

“I didn’t expect your injuries to be so serious,” said actress Sora Ma. “You said you were once rebellious but you got enlightened, that is why you were more caring than other men your age. You were so respectful to elders, and courteous and big-hearted towards women. You worked hard silently, but we all saw it. Heaven must really be jealous of your talent. Such a kind, well-mannered, humble boy. It shouldn’t, really shouldn’t, shouldn’t, shouldn’t, be you!”

 

19. Shane Pow

Actor Shane Pow posted a photo of him with Ian Fang, saying: “It’s not enough being brothers with you in this life. Let’s continue being brothers in the next life. I love you, big brother.”

 

20. Bryan Wong

Actor-host Bryan Wong reminisced about their shows together, where Aloysius was his disciple in one and his brother in another. “One would be so lucky in the real world to have you as either.” He added: “I am deeply saddened by your passing. We spoke at length of your aspirations, but most importantly, your love for your parents. Rest well Aloy, rest well my dear. But I will miss you so…..Goodbye Aloy, goodbye.”

 

21. Ann Kok

Actress Ann Kok said while they weren’t very close, she said frequently bumped into him at the studios or at events. “Your gentle, respectful manner makes people feel at ease and comfortable around you.

So young yet such a good actor — you’ve left a deep impression on everyone. You were definitely a powerhouse. Maybe you had a greater purpose, and got sent to be an angel. Hope you can continue your acting dreams in Heaven. I hope we can act together the next time we meet.”

 

22. Tay Ping Hui

Actor Tay Ping Hui expressed his shock and said he is “truly, truly, truly sad”. “Aloysius was one of the few young actors that I actually admired, humble and always had his feet planted firmly to the ground. Another Singapore son needlessly lost. My deepest condolences to his family and those who love him. Rest in peace young man.”

 

 

ALSO READ: WE REMEMBER ALOYSIUS PANG AND 13 OTHER CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN THEIR PRIME