Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

“For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.”Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭12‬ ‭

In the face of life's fleeting nature and the certainty of death, every task we undertake demands our utmost dedication and excellence.

On 17 July 2025, the Malaysian medical community was stunned by the sudden passing of Dr. Yoong Boon Koon at the age of 54. A leading hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeon, Dr. Yoong was known not only for his surgical brilliance but for his unwavering dedication to patients, colleagues, and the advancement of medical science. He served as Head of the General Surgery Division and Chair of the Liver Transplantation Unit at University Malaya Medical Center, and played a pivotal role in shaping the HPB chapter and the 2023 Scientific Congress. His leadership was marked by excellence, humility, and a deep sense of calling. 

His unexpected departure is a sobering reminder that life is fragile and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Despite his accomplishments and influence, his journey was cut short - yet his impact endures. He lived with purpose, served with compassion, and led with integrity.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges us to seize each moment. Life's brevity and limited opportunities mean we must avoid complacency and instead, pursue every task with diligence, passion, and faithfulness. Our actions today have eternal consequences.

“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living"