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A 22-year-old student who achieved a perfect 4.0 CGPA in the 2023 STPM examinations has died after a 10-month battle with leukaemia
According to Sin Chew Daily, Cindy Wong Xin Yee was among Perlis' top STPM scorers that year.
At the time, she told reporters she aspired to become a Japanese translator because of her love for anime.
She later enrolled in Universiti Malaya (UM)'s Department of Japanese Studies to pursue her dream, where she studied for the past three years until her passing.
In the middle of last year, Wong collapsed due to severe abdominal pain. Following a thorough examination, she was diagnosed with late-stage leukaemia in October of the same year.
Besides excelling academically, Wong was also highly active in extracurricular activities. She served as the president, conductor, and saxophonist of her secondary school's brass band.
She also represented her school in track and field sprint events and basketball, while displaying a natural talent for drawing. Teachers and classmates often praised her as a multi-talented student.
Wong died at 3.11am on Saturday, 18 July, at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
Speaking to the Chinese daily, her brother said her funeral parlour was decorated with a Haikyu!! theme in honour of her favourite anime. Her favourite character was Tadashi Yamaguchi.
Meanwhile, a close friend shared that Wong never gave up on her education despite battling leukaemia. She insisted on attending online classes and sitting for her examinations throughout her treatment.
She continued to achieve strong academic results, becoming an inspiration to many of her classmates.
Her boyfriend of two years was also present at the funeral. It is understood that he had left his job to care for Wong alongside her family during her illness.
Her loved ones said she was deeply grateful to be surrounded by such a loving family and supportive partner.
On Facebook, UM's Languages & Linguistics faculty announced Wong's passing and revealed that both the faculty and university had provided financial assistance to her family.
