Former The Star group chief editor Ng Poh Tip passes away

PETALING JAYA: Former The Star group chief editor Datuk Ng Poh Tip has passed away at home in Subang Jaya. She was 81.

Michael Aeria, who worked with her for almost 20 years and retired in 2009, confirmed her passing on Saturday (May 25).

After his retirement he also joined Ng at South China Morning Post, where she was editorial adviser in 2011, as her deputy.

"I received word of her passing earlier today via a message. She has not been well for a long time and she had two strokes before and was warded in ICU for more than a week," said Aeria, who is also a former group chief editor of The Star.

Describing his old boss as "the calmest editor I've ever seen", Aeria said she was instrumental in charting the growth of the paper.

"She was one of the reasons why the editorial department did so well. She would give us room to grow and try new things.

"Nothing would ever faze her, even when we were running around like headless chickens.

"During my time journalists were either mad or crazy but she was able to take control," he recalled.

Star Media Group Bhd adviser and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai credited Ng with accepting him to rejoin The Star after completing his university studies in 1984.

"I had left The Star in 1980 and after my studies, Ng asked me to return to The Star the day after I sat for my final exams," he said.

He said it was Ng who planned his career path, and was thankful for the opportunities given.

Wong said Ng was a fellow Penangite and Xaverian.

"She was a professional, kind-hearted and thoughtful person," he added.

Ng, a former Convent Light Street head girl, completed her Form Five education at the school in 1961.

She later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree majoring in History from Universiti Malaya in 1967, and Masters of Arts in Political Studies from University of Guelph, Canada, in 1971.

She started her career as a journalist in 1971 and made history as the country's first female group chief editor when she was appointed to the post at The Star in 1993, where she served until 2003.

Ng, whose husband died 10 years ago, has no children.

Prestige Online, an online lifestyle outlet, listed Ng as one of the "12 Malaysian Women who smashed the glass ceiling" in a 2016 article.

A memorial service for Ng will be held between May 25 and May 26 at 16, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Bukit Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur. The cortege will leave for the cremation at Nirvana Memorial Park in Shah Alam on May 27 at 11.30am.