PETALING JAYA: The country’s first-ever female group chief editor, Datuk Ng Poh Tip, was known for her dedication to work and family.
Lim Wei Chi, Ng’s 48-year-old nephew who was among those who helped care for her before her passing yesterday, said Ng had moved in with his family when she fell ill two years ago.
He said that according to the helper who was looking after Ng at their home in Subang Jaya, Selangor, his aunt passed away at around 5am. She was 81.
Lim, a medical company director, said Ng, who he described as independent, optimistic and caring, will be deeply missed.
He said that even though her contributions and achievements in journalism were well known, the humble Ng hardly spoke about her career when she was with her family.
“She did not talk about work a lot, but we all know her accomplishments and her dedication to work,” he added.
Lim recalled being taken to The Star’s office in Phileo Damansara here once in his younger days.
“It was quite an impactful visit and I remember seeing her editing some stories,” he said.
Born in Penang, Ng was a Convent Light Street head girl and 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 went on to make 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.
A memorial service for Ng will be held until today at 16, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Bukit Seputeh, in Kuala Lumpur; visitation hours are from 11am to 11pm.
The cortege will leave for cremation at Nirvana Crematorium in Shah Alam at 11.30am tomorrow.
