A tribute to MR YING YOKE KONG

M r Ying Yoke KongTo the teachers in ACS (Independent), Mr Ying Yoke Kong has always been around. To those who served in ACS when it was in Barker Road (before 1972), Mr Ying had always been there!

Last year, we wished Mr Ying "Happy Retirement" after 48 dedicated years of service in the school. Starting as a student, all in all, Mr Ying spent a total of 63 years in the Anglo-Chinese School - a record few can claim.

Mr Ying joined the Primary 1 class in ACS in 1939. World War 2 interrupted his education and he was only able to resume his studies in 1946. He was an active scout in his student days and achieved the highest award possible - the King's Scout Award.

After completing his education, his first job was as a draughtsman before becoming a teacher in the Anglo-Chinese Primary School in 1955. He recalls being interviewed by Mr Thio Chan Bee, the first Asian Principal of the Anglo-Chinese School. Eight years later, he joined the afternoon session of Anglo-Chinese School. Besides teaching the English Language and Mathematics in the lower secondary classes, he also took on the role of coach to many of the ACS swimmers and started a Scout troop with the help of Mr Wee Kim Cheng, former Principal of Anglo-Chinese Junior School.

In 1980, Mr Ying was promoted to the position of Senior Assistant in Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road). Staff and students will recall with fondness his rather lengthy flag-lowering sessions at the end of the school day.

When ACS (Independent) moved to Dover Road, Mr Ying, then near the official retirement age, continued to serve his alma mater. Among his many other responsibilities, he was Chairman of the School Canteen Committee, a position he held till his retirement.

For many in ACS (Independent), it was not easy to say "goodbye" to someone who has been so much a part of the school. Several old boys who have come back to serve the school as teachers had this to say:
"Mr Ying was an authorative figure whom the students have come to respect. Partly because he is built like a mountain, strong, immovable, many of us wished, albeit secretly, we were built like him. And he is contant - constant in principle and Christian values. As students, we knew better than to behave badly in front of Mr Ying"

Mr Gary Pek, Class of 1983		 "Mr Ying has always been my role model as he displays total professionalism and dedication to teaching. What's special about him is that he is still inquisitive at his age and is always hungry for knowledge. He always show a passion in completing even the minutest task and pays great attention to details. He is indeed an inspiration to all younger teachers"

Dr Irving Seet, Class of 1981		 "Obviously fit, Mr Ying cuts a robust and appallingly stern figure as his glare raked across the swimming pool. With a deep and resonant voice that rattled our teeth, he would demand punctuality and obedience - and receive them without question. We knew that he could do any of the things he asked us to do ..."

Mr Alistair Chew, Class of 1981
Mr Ying Yoke KongWhen asked what were some of his fondest and most precious memories of ACS, Mr Ying said he will always remember how his colleagures, and even members of the ACS Board of Governors and ACS (Independent) Board of Management, gave thim a standing ovation when he received a token of appreciation upon his retirment at the Annual Methodist Schools Staff Get-together in 2002. He also holds fond memories of his former teacher, Mr Tan Boon Chiang, his Standard 7 (equivalent to the present Secondary 2) class teacher. Like all teachers who have been in the service for a long time, he is filled with a sense of  pride and gratification when old boys approach him and identify themselves as his former students and recall the good old days.

We shall miss Mr Ying Yoke Kong, our very own "Mr Chips" at ACS (Independent) and we indeed wish him good health and a happy and well deserved retirement.

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