Mohammed Azuan Tan (left) & two Postgraduate Diploma in Education classmates celebrate Stephen Loh’s (second from right) birthday
From :
NIE News, January 2008 issue :
A dragonboat tragedy in Cambodia on 23 November 2007 claimed the lives of five Singaporeans when their dragonboat capsized in Tonle Sap River following the completion of a race. Among the five deceased was 31-year-old Stephen Loh Soon Ann, a Physical Education (PE) teacher with the National Junior College (NJC) and a recent graduate of NIE.
Mr Loh’s former classmate, Mr Mohammed Azuan Tan of East Spring Secondary School, reminisces their time together on the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PE) programme (2006 to 2007).
Stephen was affectionately nicknamed "The Beast" by our classmates after an X-Men character, who is muscular yet extremely intelligent. Stephen had both attributes. He was always ready to offer a helping hand, especially when we struggled with complex mathematical formulas.
Apart from his mental capacity and good looks, Stephen possessed many other virtues which qualified him as a consummate PE teacher. The man was extremely dedicated to the cause of teaching. We would often lament about our teaching experiences but more often than not, he would emanate inspiration by reminding us that the students were the primary reason for our entering the profession. He led by example. Stephen went out of his way to help his students, even in subjects beyond his scope of work. I remember a time when he sacrificed a soccer session during the term holidays to help a group of NJC students in Mathematics although his sole teaching subject was PE.
Stephen was passionate and proficient in every sport we learnt. There was not a single sport he did not represent us in interclass games. Sometimes after underperforming at a game, we would attribute his absence as the cause. During our Fitness and Conditioning lessons, I always paired myself with him thinking that we were of the same fitness level but was often proven wrong. He always carried heavier weights, ran faster or simply lasted longer. His discipline and commitment were also extremely commendable. He was never one to miss lessons or training sessions. After a hard day of physical activity, Stephen would still rush off for dragonboat training. Given the fact that we finished work at 6pm and needed to be in school by 8.30am the next day, his stamina was truly amazing.
As his classmate though, he will be remembered not so much for his achievements and abilities but for being simply a great person to be around. Despite his busy schedule, he made a concerted effort to be present at gatherings and social events because fostering relationships was important to him. Stephen was extremely jovial and a joy to have in class for I was one of those who could fully appreciate his quirky sense of humour.
Upon reading about the missing national dragonboat racers in the newspapers, I would never have expected one of them to be Stephen. But as soon as my worst fears were founded, like everyone else who knew of this tragedy, I felt a sense of loss, knowing that the world has sacrificed a great teacher and we, a great friend.
Published by Public, International and Alumni Relations Department©2008 National Institute of Education. All rights reserved.
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