Veteran Singaporean Singer Ling Xiao Passes Away at 75

Ling Xiao, a prominent figure in the Singaporean music scene, has passed away at the age of 75. The singer, whose birth name was Tan Choon Huat, died on December 13, 2023, following a prolonged battle with health issues. Ling had suffered a stroke in 2022, which resulted in paralysis on the right side of his body and significantly impaired his ability to care for himself.

In the years leading up to his death, Ling faced multiple health challenges, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. His younger sister, Jeci, who lived with him for the past three years, shared with local media outlet 8world that despite his initial optimism and cooperation with traditional Chinese acupuncture, Ling’s condition ultimately deteriorated.

Ling’s Health Decline and Family Support

Ling’s refusal to engage in physiotherapy, which he deemed a “waste of time” due to his age, was a source of concern for Jeci. She reflected on how his stubbornness may have contributed to his premature passing, expressing, “Perhaps he wouldn’t have left us so soon.” Caring for her brother took a toll on Jeci, both physically and emotionally.

In recent years, Ling was hospitalized multiple times as his health fluctuated. During a recent stay, he experienced pain and was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Doctors assessed that his heart was too weak for aggressive treatment options, estimating only six months to live. Honoring his wish to return home, the family made the difficult decision to discharge him on November 25, 2023.

Unfortunately, in the days leading up to his death, Ling was unable to eat due to severe inflammation in his knees and extreme weakness, which also prevented him from continuing his dialysis treatments.

A Musical Legacy

Ling Xiao’s career began in 1967 when he secured second place in a singing competition hosted by Rediffusion. His good looks and talent quickly propelled him to stardom, and he recorded over 100 Mandarin albums during his career. Before his health issues, he served as a resident mentor on Mediacorp’s Golden Age Talentime, where he was admired for his enduring charisma and youthful spirit, even in his seventies.

Ling’s wake is being held at Block 116A Bukit Merah Central, with the funeral scheduled for Wednesday. His contributions to the music industry and the joy he brought to his fans will be remembered fondly as the community mourns his loss.