Former Malaysian badminton doubles champion Tan Boon Heong has paid tribute to the 16-year-old student killed in the recent SMK Bandar Utama tragedy.
He later revealed that she was a student at his badminton academy via a post on Facebook.
The wake for the victim, Yap Shing Xuen, was held yesterday afternoon at the Nirvana Center in Kuala Lumpur, where Tan’s wreath was seen among the floral tributes.
‘She was our TBH Academy student’
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Tan explained that he sent the wreath not for publicity, but because Ye had been part of his TBH Academy since July 2024.
Some of my fans might wonder why I sent flowers to someone I don’t know, and think I’m doing it for attention.
“But that’s not true. She was actually one of our TBH Academy students. She joined last July, and as someone with a family myself, this tragedy really saddened me. That’s why I did what I did.”
Tan added that he is currently in China but will personally visit the wake upon returning to Malaysia.
“I’m in China right now, but I’ll be flying back tomorrow. I’ll go pay my respects and pray that she finds peace in heaven,” he wrote.
Netizens express support
Tan’s gesture has received an outpouring of support online, with many netizens leaving comments encouraging him not to be affected by public opinion and commending his compassion.
‘No need to worry about what fans or others might say. What matters most is that your gesture came from the heart.’
‘Do what you believe is the right thing. After all, online critics will never be satisfied — no matter what you do, right or wrong, someone will always have something to say.’
‘I didn’t expect she was your academy’s student. Such a sports-loving girl, gone like this, and in such a cruel way. It’s just heartbreaking.’
