The passing of veteran Singaporean singer Ling Xiao, aged 75, marks the end of a remarkable career that began in his late teens. Known for his 1970s music scene presence, Ling Xiao's real name is Tan Choon Huat. His life was a testament to perseverance, as he battled numerous health issues, including hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a stroke that led to partial paralysis. Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic and actively sought traditional Chinese medicine treatments and acupuncture to manage his health.
Ling Xiao's career took a turn in 2021 when he had to withdraw from a concert due to a fall and head injury. This incident was followed by a series of health setbacks, including a blood clot in his head, dialysis, and a stroke that resulted in paralysis on the right side of his body. His younger sister, Jeci, revealed that prolonged bed rest led to bedsores and vascular issues, ultimately requiring the amputation of his toes. Additionally, he endured dialysis three times a week and faced terminal pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed during a recent hospitalization.
Doctors predicted a grim prognosis, giving him only six months to live due to a weak heart that couldn't withstand treatments like chemotherapy. He chose to spend his remaining time at home, surrounded by his loved ones. Ling Xiao's final days were marked by severe inflammation in his knees and extreme weakness, making it impossible for him to eat or sit up. He passed away on December 13, 2022, leaving behind a legacy in the Singaporean music industry.
Ling Xiao's early career was illustrious, starting with a second-place finish in a singing competition at 17. He signed with Happy Records soon after his 1967 debut, achieving success with the song 'Ku Qing Hua' (Melancholic Flower). His career flourished, leading to roles in Channel 8 drama serials like 'Facing The Music' and later in 'Kampong Ties' and 'The Quarters'. He also served as a mentor on Mediacorp's 'Golden Age Talentime' program.
The singer celebrated his 50-year milestone in the entertainment industry with a concert in 2017, performing 38 songs from over 100 Mandarin albums. The following year, he joined the cast of the Mandarin musical 'Taru' alongside Singaporean singer-actor Huang Jinglun and Malaysian Mandopop star Freya Lim. Ling Xiao's wake is being held at Block 116A, Bukit Merah Central, with his funeral set for December 17, 2022.
