The community at TTC mourns the passing of the Rev Dr Choong Chee Pang who was promoted to glory on Saturday 12 June 2021. He joined the faculty of TTC in 1977 upon completing his PhD at the University of Aberdeen. Dr Choong served at TTC for a total of 24 years, including a tenure as the college’s eighth Principal from 1982-1991.

He played no small part in helping to shape the biblical, theological, and spiritual ethos of TTC. Together with like-minded colleagues, Dr Choong helped put TTC on the theological map in our part of the world. TTC today is no doubt richer in terms of its commitment to Christ, the Gospel, the Church, and theological education because of his labour of love.

Dr Choong was unapologetically Christian and unabashedly Chinese at the same time. Through interviews on television and his writings in the Chinese press, he offered comments on public policy that were at once congruent with Christian convictions, contextually relevant, and culturally rooted. This ability to interpret Christianity for the general public, as well as engage winsomely with people of other faiths and ideological persuasions, marked him out as a Christian public witness.

Ever the energetic teacher and preacher, there was no ‘retirement’ for the man who was effectively bilingual and bicultural. He continued to serve in various capacities after his time at TTC. These included being Academic Consultant of the Lutheran World Federation, as well as lecturing regularly as a visiting professor at leading universities in China such as Beijing University and Fudan University in Shanghai.

Dr Choong exemplified the integration of scholarship and ministry. He was equally at home in the world of intellectual academic discussions as well as the day-to-day realities of life in the local church. His singular commitment to biblical truth shone through his lectures, sermons, denominational service, and informal conversations.

Whether in meticulously preparing a cup of Chinese tea, expertly brandishing brushes to conjure up an abstract piece of Chinese ink painting, passionately preaching a sermon, painstakingly writing a commentary on a biblical book, or heartily tucking in a Chinese meal, Dr Choong distinguished himself as a man with a zest for life.

Above all, true to his Lutheran heritage, his life was one shaped by and oriented to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God for Dr Choong, a faithful servant whose life had touched so many for so long.