Colour of Time

Saturday, November 14, 2026

In Remembrance of Kee Yong: Shared Years of Service

Being a senior who had passed the age of eighty-five, Kee Yong’s passing was not entirely unexpected. After all, when one has reached an age where every additional year may be regarded as a bonus, one must accept that the end could come at any time.

Francis Liew Kee Yong

14.09.1940 - 11.11.2026

Nevertheless, his passing did come as a surprise, particularly since he was not known to be suffering from any major illness. When I visited the funeral parlour on 13 November to pay my last respects, his wife shared with me the circumstances surrounding his death.

Immediately after dinner on Monday, 9 November, Kee Yong suffered a fall and hit his head. He was rushed to the hospital’s emergency department but subsequently slipped into a coma. Two days later, on 11 November, he passed away.

Remarkably, he was surrounded by his immediate family, including his eldest daughter, Jenny, who had flown home from the United States. As soon as the family learnt of his fall, they contacted her. Without hesitation, she booked the earliest available flight home and managed to arrive just in time to be with her father before he breathed his last. It must have been a great comfort to both Kee Yong and his family that they were able to be together during his final moments.

Photo taken at the funeral parlour on 11 November with Mrs. Francis Liew or Elder Chai Kui Lan of BCCM Foh Sang and Mrs. Ho of BCCM KK (C).

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Kee Yong, also known to many as Francis Liew, and I had once been comrades-in-arms, so to speak, serving together on the BCCM Kota Kinabalu Church Council. During the 1990s, he served as Chairman while I was the Vice-Chairman, with particular responsibility for matters concerning the BCCM KK English congregation. It was during that period that a major administration building for BCCM KK later named "Wisma Agape" was completed.

Over the years, we attended numerous church functions, retreats and international conferences together. One particularly memorable occasion was our participation as delegates at the 4th International Conference of the Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism (CCOWE, 世界華福中心), held in Manila, Philippines, in July 1991, shortly after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on 15 June 1991.

The effects of the volcanic eruption were still evident in the vicinity of the conference venue. Layers of volcanic ash and dust could even be seen deposited on the floors around the conference hall. It was an unusual sight and an experience that has remained vivid in my memory.

Sometime during the 2010s, Kee Yong and his wife moved their church membership from BCCM KK (Chinese Congregation) to BCCM Foh Sang, whose premises were within walking distance of their home in Taman Golden City.

Kee Yong was among those who had devoted their entire working lives to the civil service, serving from the beginning of their careers until retirement. A graduate in agriculture, he spent his entire professional career with the State Department of Agriculture, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Director of Research. Even after retiring in the mid-1990s, he continued to serve faithfully in church ministry, demonstrating that retirement from his professional career did not mean retirement from service.

Looking back, those years of serving together in the church, as well as travelling to various gatherings and conferences, remain meaningful chapters in our lives. Kee Yong was more than just a fellow Church Council member; he was a companion in our shared journey of Christian service. His passing brings back many fond memories of those years and the fellowship we shared.

Our relationship also extended beyond church affairs. His son-in-law, Jonathan, who is married to his younger daughter, Julie, joined our consultancy practice in 2007 as a fresh engineering graduate. This was yet another connection that linked our families and made our relationship beyond the church. Shortly thereafter, he left to pursue his career with other consultancy practice in KK.

Kee Yong will be remembered and missed, particularly by those who had the privilege of serving alongside him in church ministry and working with him during his professional career.

Group photo of church council in the 1990s. Kee Yong is at 6th from left in second row while I am at 5th from right also in second row.

At a Church Youth Leadership Camp in the 1990s. Kee Yong is seated at second row 5th from left while I am seated at his right.

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At the 4th International CCOWE Conference in Manila from 10.07.1991 to 17.07.1991.

Taken just outside the conference hall. From left to right: Me, Rev. Voo Thien Fui and Francis Liew Kee Yong.

In the conference hall.

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Wisma Agape in BCCM KK premise was completed in 1991.

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Although Kee Yong was not a badminton player, he was occasionally invited as a guest to join our badminton group's celebration dinners. This particular gathering was held at the residence of the late John Wan. Kee Yong can be seen at the lower-left corner of the photograph.

Sunday, November 08, 2026

STS 37th Graduation in 2026

Graduation is always a significant occasion. It marks not only the culmination of a period of academic pursuit and the completion of another academic year, but also the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of those who have successfully completed their studies. As one academic journey comes to an end, another year in the life of the institution draws to a close.

Those who attended the graduation ceremony on 7 November would also have noticed a changing of the guard at the institution. The founding Principal, Dr. Thu En Yu, has finally retired, and the leadership of the Seminary has now passed to Dr. Calvin Chong, a former lecturer who has been elevated to the position of Principal.

Earlier in the year, on 13 January 2026, a handover ceremony was held at the STS Auditorium, during which Dr. Thu officially handed over the principalship to his successor, Dr. Calvin Chong.

With the exception of a brief three-year period between 2015 and 2018, Dr. Thu has served as Principal for most of the Seminary's existence. During that intervening period, Dr. Wilfred John Samuel took over the principalship, serving from 2015 to 2018 (Read here). He subsequently relinquished the position and assumed the role of Director of the Luther Study Centre, which is also based at Sabah Theological Seminary (STS).

This transition marks an important moment in the history of STS. Having been closely associated with the Seminary's leadership for so many years, Dr. Thu's retirement represents the closing of a significant chapter in the institution's development. At the same time, Dr. Calvin Chong's appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter, bringing with it the expectations and challenges that come with leading an established theological institution into the future.

When STS was established in 1988, its primary objective was to train pastoral workers to serve Bahasa Malaysia-speaking churches in this part of Malaysia. Recognising the growing needs of Chinese-speaking congregations, the Seminary established its Chinese Department in 1990, just two years after its founding. Its roots, however, go back even further. Before becoming a seminary, it operated as a Bible Training Centre from 1980, laying the foundation for what would eventually develop into STS.

The English Department was introduced in the early 2010s to cater to those who preferred to receive their theological training in English. Among its students were a number from BCCM Kota Kinabalu (English) (Read here). Its establishment was a further step in broadening the Seminary's reach and responding to the language needs of different segments of the Christian community.

However, the landscape of theological education has changed considerably over the years. With the rapid development of the internet and the growing availability of online theological courses and training programmes, prospective students now have more options than before. They are no longer necessarily required to attend a residential seminary or commit themselves to a conventional full-time programme to obtain theological training. These changes have inevitably presented challenges to STS, particularly in maintaining student enrolment in its English Department.

Like other educational institutions, STS will need to adapt to changing times and respond to the evolving needs and expectations of the churches it serves.

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This year, two candidates were awarded Doctor of Theology - Francis Danil from BCCM and Yen Pei San from Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

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Thursday, October 22, 2026

Remembering Yong Kiow: An Easygoing and Generous Soul

At memorial services, it is common to hear people speak fondly of the deceased, recalling their good qualities, expressing appreciation for their friendship, and sharing words of praise and affection. Yet, one cannot help but wonder: why were these kind words not expressed directly to the person while they were still alive to hear them?

It is with this thought in mind that I have chosen to write this post. Rather than waiting until someone is no longer around to tell them how much they are appreciated, I believe such thoughts and feelings should be shared while there is still an opportunity to do so. After all, kind words are most meaningful when the person they are meant for can hear them and know that they are valued.

My sister-in-law, Yong Kiow, is the member of the Lim family I know best after my wife. I have known her ever since I first met my wife, and over the years, we have shared many wonderful and memorable experiences together.

Among my wife’s siblings, Yong Kiow, the eldest sister stands out as one of the most down-to-earth, easygoing, and accommodating persons. My first and lasting impression of her is that she is an ideal travel companion. She takes things as they come, goes with the flow, and adapts easily to the travel itinerary without making unnecessary demands. I cannot recall any occasion when she insisted that things had to be done her way. Travelling with her has always been a pleasant and hassle-free experience. My wife and I have had the privilege of travelling with her to many places, including various parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, China, Inner Mongolia, England, France and South Korea. These journeys have given us many fond memories to treasure.

Yong Kiow is also a generous and trusting person. One particular memory that remains vivid in my mind dates back to the 1970s, when she willingly allowed me to drive her very first car, a Volkswagen Beetle, on my journeys between Batu Pahat and Kuala Lumpur. Her trust and generosity did not end there. In later years, whenever we returned to Batu Pahat for family reunions or simply for casual visits, she would readily open her home to us, making it available as a place for us to stay, whether she was at home or away at the time. She would also leave her car at our disposal, without imposing any conditions or expecting anything in return. These gestures may seem ordinary to some, but to me, they speak volumes about her character. They reflect not only her generosity and trusting nature, but also her thoughtfulness and willingness to share what she had to make others feel welcome and at ease.

Her love for travelling has continued throughout her life. After retirement, she frequently shared photographs and accounts of her adventures with friends on Facebook. It was heartening to see her making the most of her time, exploring new places, and enjoying the companionship of fellow travellers.

Sadly, Yong Kiow’s travels came to an end following her diagnosis with a serious illness. After coming to terms with her condition, she made the courageous decision to stop pursuing further medical treatment and accept what lay ahead. I can only imagine how difficult such a decision must have been. It takes considerable courage, strength, and inner peace to reach that point, and I deeply respect her resolve to face this final chapter of her life on her own terms.

Perhaps she can find some comfort in knowing that she has been blessed with what I would call the bonus years of her seventies. She has had the opportunity to enjoy many years of life, travel to different places, build lasting friendships, and create precious memories with family and friends. More importantly, she has witnessed her three daughters grow up and achieve success in their respective careers and endeavours. For a mother, there can be few greater sources of satisfaction than seeing her children establish themselves in life and knowing that they are capable of moving forward on their own. These are blessings that no material wealth can replace.

When I reflect on her life, I believe Yong Kiow has much to be thankful for. She has experienced the joys of family, the freedom of travelling, the warmth of friendship, and the satisfaction of seeing her children succeed. In this sense, she has lived a full and meaningful life, enriched by experiences and relationships that will continue to be cherished by those who know and love her.

As I look back on the many years I have known Yong Kiow, I feel grateful for the friendship, the journeys we shared, and the memories we created along the way. Though our travels together may have ended, those memories will remain with us. My heartfelt wish is that she will find peace, comfort, and serenity in the time ahead, surrounded by the love of her family and the affection of those who hold her dear. May she face the days ahead with a peaceful heart, knowing that she has lived a life that has touched others and left behind many precious memories.

The Volkswagen Beetle.

At Sri Gading in 1981.

Lim family outing to Pulau Tioman in February 1990.

Savouring the famous roadside Cendol stall located along Lebuh Keng Kwee (Keng Kwee Street), near its junction with Penang Road, in George Town, Penang.

In Perth to attend my niece, Eva's wedding in October 2007.

Eating one of our favourites, "Lontong" at Sri Gading in April 2008.

Back to Penang and revisited the famous "Cendol" in Penang in October 2009.

Kuala Lipis, a stop of our driving tour of Pahang in October 2009.

Guilin, China in February 2012.

Chiang Mai, Thailand in January 2014.

Golden Triangle, Laos in January 2014.

Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, Cotswolds, England in August 2014.

Driving tour of interesting places in England in August 2014. It was also during this trip that we first met Rachel, our future daughter-in-law and Samuel’s wife, at the University of Cambridge (Right photo).