Alumnus Kuek Jia Yao (RI 2014) shares his memories of the late Mr Tan Kim Cheng, a beloved RI teacher who devoted more than 20 years of his life to the school, in the period between 1963 and 1987.
When was the first time you heard of him?
I first heard of Mr Tan Kim Cheng when I was volunteering at an RINCC alumni gathering as a Year 5 student. The alumni gathered there were certainly accomplished individuals. There were business personalities, ex-high ranking military and government personnel, and even overseas-based professionals! Yet, they were all universal in their admiration of Mr Tan. His name was mentioned quite a few times throughout the evening, and that got me curious.
When did you first meet him, and for what?
I finally had the opportunity to meet Mr Tan at another school function. Having heard all the stories (even in his advanced age, he was known for still playing various sports!!) about him, I was initially apprehensive of how he would be like face to face.
A few things struck me immediately when I saw him in person. Perhaps, as his former students had attested, he had mellowed much in his old age. However, the steel, determination and passion in his eyes were still very much evident. The care and concern he expressed towards RINCC even after retiring remained obvious and true.
What were your thoughts of him?
Mr Tan has certainly influenced generations of RINCC cadets.
It is best summed up in his description of what RINCC is all about: grit and pushing one's limits, but tempered with a high degree of compassion for one's counterparts, forged through a strong bond of shared challenges and camaraderie. The sheer scale of his collective involvement and contributions is astounding. This brings to mind Dr Varaprasad's stories of how RINCC, led by Mr Tan, continued their hike in Johor just days after an ambush by Indonesian forces, at the height of Konfrontasi back in the mid-60s!
What are your thoughts of the Tan Kim Cheng Fund for Character Development?
His dedication is undeniable. Any effort by alumni to preserve his memory serves not only to recognise his achievements and unsurpassed contributions, but more importantly, is a reflection of the standing in which he was, and still is held, by his young charges through the decades.