Someone once said that a man really passes on when he is forgotten, but one’s memory of the deceased lives on forever. Although Malaysian singer-songwriter Juis Wong (黄国俊) has passed, he is fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Wong passed away today (2nd April) due to a bacterial infection in his stomach. His wife, Anita Wong (陳宥樺) announced the news on his Facebook page.
“My dear family and friends,” she wrote in lieu of her husband. “I’m worried about everyone. I’m sorry to tell (you that) this time, I’m going back first. I’m no longer sick. Thank you all for the encouragement you have given me.” Her solemn declaration saddened many, including Taiwanese musician Adam Hsu (许常德). Hsu was instrumental in promoting Wong in Taiwan.
Hsu met Wong in 2000 when they were both in Kuala Lumpur. Attracted by Wong’s voice and creativity, Hsu was moved to help him produce an album. Wong later released his first solo album “Love Time” in Taiwan in 2001. He also created and sang the theme song “The Cloud That Loves You” for the TV series “The Wind and Cloud”.
“His voice is very distinctive,” Hsu recollected. “His pure and kind personality was also very special. It was easy to chat with him, especially about music.” Hsu signed Wong on and took him to Taiwan to help him develop his music. However, Wong chose to return to Malaysia when his contract expired because his family was here.
During his five years in Taiwan, Wong met a Taiwanese girl, who is his current wife. Hsu explained that the duo met because she was Hsu’s colleague. “I was an indirect matchmaker,” he quipped. The couple were blessed with two children. Hsu mentioned meeting them once, when the family visited relatives in Taiwan.
Wong’s passing left him grieving. He divulged that Wong’s wife was also mourning her husband. “She blames herself for not holding on to him and taking better care of him,” he said. But Hsu told the grieving widow that Wong wouldn’t want her to blame herself and would thank her instead.
As a final goodbye to his friend, Hsu said, “Thank you for all the songs you made. We have had an interesting life and this memory will make your wife and children reminisce again and again, because these are all songs of life.”
Wong’s friends left comments on his wife’s post, all mourning his loss. They wished him well on his next journey and thanked him for all his songs.
Although he is gone, Juis Wong left behind a legacy to be remembered by.
Sources: China Press, Oriental Daily, Facebook
