GEIS-新闻详情

Former Raffles Institution headmaster Eugene Wijeysingha dies at 90

2024-03-03 00:00:00.0 海峡时报-新加坡原网页

SINGAPORE – Former educator and headmaster of Raffles Institution (RI) Eugene Wijeysingha died on March 2 at the age of 90.

The school announced his death in a Facebook post on March 2.

“He will be fondly remembered as a man for the people, and his legacy will continue to live on in the students and staff who were touched by his leadership, and those who were privileged to have crossed paths with him,” RI said, calling the late educator a visionary.

“Our deepest, most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

RI said Mr Wijeysingha, who was affectionately known as Mr Wijey, began his teaching career at the school as a history teacher at its old campus in Bras Basah in 1959, and later served as senior master.

He then served as principal of Temasek Junior College (TJC) from 1980 to 1985, before returning to lead RI as headmaster in 1986.

Mr Wijeysingha was later instrumental in leading RI to become an independent school, RI said. He also coordinated its move from Grange Road to Bishan in 1990, established its boarding programme in 1994, and helped preserve the school’s history by publishing The Eagle Breeds A Gryphon.

Catch up on the news that everyone’s talking about

Thank you!

By signing up, I accept SPH Media's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy as amended from time to time.

Yes, I would also like to receive SPH Media Group's SPH Media Limited, its related corporations and affiliates as well as their agents and authorised service providers.

marketing and promotions.

He retired at the end of 1994, leaving a lasting impact on teachers, staff and alumni, said the institution.

In a Facebook post on March 3, Mr Wijeysingha’s son, Mr Vincent Wijeysingha, said his father “had been ill for the last year or so and went downhill quickly over Christmas”.

The academic and former politician added: “He was strong and managed to fight off several infections but eventually, his heart failed yesterday afternoon.”

RI’s current principal Aaron Loh said he feels the loss of the respected educator keenly.

In a statement on March 3, Mr Loh said: “Mr Wijey was my principal when I was a student at RI. For us, he was a daily source of wisdom and guidance, who always pushed us to reflect and challenge ourselves to be young men of character, and to uphold the mission and values of RI.”

Mr S. Magendiran, who was appointed deputy headmaster by Mr Wijeysingha in 1994, said: “Mr Wijeysingha was a visionary and an inspirational principal whose legacy shaped much of independent RI. He had a unique ability to bring out the best in staff and students by his exemplary leadership and passion for the school.”

“I am most fortunate to be mentored by him in my RI journey and thereafter, inspired to do my part for the school all these years,” added Mr Magendiran, who has served at RI for 39 years and is currently an adviser for special projects and alumni relations.

Embed Facebook

Facebook

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of former teacher, headmaster and visionary, Mr Eugene...

Posted by Raffles Institution on Saturday, March 2, 2024

A Facebook post on March 3, signed off by TJC’s chairman of the college advisory committee, Dr Bernard Thong, said Mr Wijeysingha was a fatherly figure and that his office door was always open to those who sought counsel or a chat.

“He respected the students as young adults, and entrusted the student leaders to organise and run the many projects and activities that added to the vibrant college life at our Bedok campus. In return, we worked hard, played hard, and gave our best to help make TJC what it is today,” Dr Thong said.

“Many of us who are now leaders in our own fields in the public and private sectors have much to thank him for – for being the role model and father figure during our formative and impressionable JC years,” he added.

Singapore Management University associate professor of law Eugene Tan, an RI alumnus who worked as a relief teacher under Mr Wijeysingha in 1992, said his mentor will be missed for his “humane approach to education”.

The former Nominated MP told The Straits Times: “Mr Wijey leaves a rich legacy. He was way ahead of his time and his philosophy towards education remains relevant. He was a rare school leader who saw a values-based holistic education as one that delivers real value.

“Although he led a school with intelligent and motivated boys, he was acutely aware that they could do even more for themselves beyond achievements and accolades to contributing to the betterment of society.

“In many ways, he believed that the young Singaporeans were, in the words of the school motto, ‘the hope of a better age’. He led us to the fore, and he will be missed for the humane approach to education.”

Razer co-founder Tan Min-Liang, former Malaysian deputy minister of international trade and industry Ong Kian Ming and many other RI alumni also expressed their sadness and paid tribute to Mr Wijeysingha on social media.

Mr Wijeysingha is survived by his wife Christine, three children and their families.

ST has contacted Mr Wijeysingha’s family for more information.

Additional reporting by Carmen Sin

Embed Facebook

Facebook

Temasek Junior College extends our condolences to the family of Mr Eugene Wijeysingha, who passed away yesterday. "Mr...

Posted by Temasek Junior College on Saturday, March 2, 2024