I am deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of Beng Chin. We have known each other for a long time, and I still remember his kindness and generosity when he hosted me at NUS. I will always cherish those moments, just as I will remember how genuinely pleasant and never trivial it was to meet him at conferences and share conversations. He will be greatly missed, not only as an outstanding scientist, but as a truly kind and thoughtful person. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Elena Ferrari
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin was a resourceful scientist and an interesting and kind person. I cherish the time we spent together during my visit to NUS. He will be remembered and missed. My condolences to his family, relatives, friends.
Themis Palpanas
·
27 Apr 2026
I was very shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Professor Ooi.
I still remember he visited Fudan several times and facilitated the cooperation between Fudan and NUS. It was thanks to his research connections with Fudan, I had the chance to come to NUS for further study.
Professor Ooi was an energetic man with great passion for his research and work. He was also very kind to students. Though I was not a student in Database group,
he once greeted me with a gentle smile in the hallway and shared a few kind, encouraging words that I still remember clearly.
May Prof. Ooi rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family and loved ones.
Miao Xiaoping
·
27 Apr 2026
Since 2019, I have felt truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Professor Ooi Beng Chin for the past seven years. I am deeply grateful for all his guidance and help over the years. I have lost not only a deeply respected mentor, but also a dear friend. I will always remember what you taught me: “It does not matter who you are — you have to run.” Thank You, Bboss
Yuan Ziying
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin was the president of the VLDB endowment when I and colleagues proposed to organize VLDB in Brazil. He was always supportive and kind leading us to a very successful event. After that, he received me at NUS in 2020. During my stay in Singapore, he was a generous and friendly host, and shared with me very interesting research projects in development by his students. I am very grateful to him. RIP.
Fabio Porto
·
27 Apr 2026
Condolence letter for Professor Ooi Beng Chin
School of Computer Science and Engineering
Northeastern University
Shenyang, China.
School of Computer Science and Engineering,
Northeastern University,
Shenyang, China
·
27 Apr 2026
Your passing came as a great shock and brings deep sadness. It is difficult to come to terms with your absence.
You consistently encouraged me to work hard and often reminded me of the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance. I am deeply grateful for your guidance and support.
May you rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences to your family.
Bhojan Anand
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin will be sadly missed by all of us - his direct manner, cheeky smile and unwavering commitment to the school and the community. To his family - I am so sorry for your loss; In NZ we would say "Kia Kaha" (be strong - we are with you).
Rest in peace Prof.
Hugh Anderson
·
27 Apr 2026
My team and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Prof Ooi.
We have known Prof Ooi since 2010. Over the years, we had the privilege of working with him through different phases. It has truly been a long journey together.
Beyond his many achievements, what stayed with us was how he showed up, always cheerful, sharp in his insights, and clear in his convictions. He was deeply committed to building something meaningful for Singapore.
Many of us will remember the conversations and the steady presence he brought. He made a lasting difference not just through his work, but in the people he connected with and influenced.
We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him over the years. He will be deeply missed.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Irene & Team
·
27 Apr 2026
中国人民大学信息学院
School of Information, Renmin University of China
唁 电
浙江大学并请转黄铭钧院士亲属:
惊悉黄铭钧院士于 2026 年 4 月 25 日不幸辞世,中国人民大学信息学院、数据工程与知识工程教育部重点实验室全体师生深感悲痛,谨致以最沉痛的哀悼与最深切的缅怀,并向其家属及亲人表示诚挚慰问。
黄铭钧院士是世界级计算机科学家,中国科学院外籍院士、新加坡科学院院士、新加坡工程院院士、欧洲科学院外籍院士,浙江大学求是讲席教授。他长期心系中国人民大学计算机学科的发展,以客座教授身份,为我校学科建设倾注了大量心血,作出了卓越贡献。
作为我校客座教授,黄铭钧院士多次莅临访问讲学,为师生带来前沿学术报告,悉心指导学科建设与人才培养工作。他以深厚的学术造诣和严谨的治学精神,为我校师生树立了榜样,激励着一代又一代人大信息学子深耕科研、勇攀高峰。黄院士最后一次到访我校是在 2026 年 1 月 14 日,他专程参加《数据智能的发展路径研判》项目启动会,提供了专业而深刻的学术指导。
黄铭钧院士积极推动我校与新加坡国立大学的深度合作,牵头促成双方签署合作协议,建立起稳定的学生联合培养渠道。他以院长推荐的方式,支持我校优秀本科生赴新加坡国立大学攻读博士学位,为众多学子搭建了通往国际顶尖学术平台的桥梁,有力推动了我校人才培养的国际化进程。目前,已有多位优秀学子完成学业,回到母校服务。
多年来,黄铭钧院士始终关心支持我校计算机学科的发展,在学科方向凝练、科研平台建设、师资队伍成长、行政服务团队培养等方面给予了宝贵的指导与帮助,为我校计算机学科的进步注入了重要动力。他的远见卓识与无私奉献,将永远镌刻在人大计算机学科的发展史册中。
黄铭钧院士的逝世,是中国乃至世界计算机科学领域的重大损失,也让我们失去了一位可亲可敬的良师益友。他的学术精神、高尚品格与育人情怀,将永远激励我们前行。
黄铭钧院士千古!
中国人民大学信息学院 数据工程与知识工程教育部重点实验室
2026 年 4 月 25 日 2026 年 4 月 25 日
中国人民大学信息学院 School of Information, Renmin University of China
·
27 Apr 2026
My deepest sympathies go out to all of us in the database community and to the family.
I was one of the many lucky people hosted by Beng Chin.
I will remember his kindness and smile.
Sihem AMER YAHIA
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin was an outstanding researcher and even better person. His willingness to help, commitment to the community, mentorship, as well as his many contributions to research and service have no equal and will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family, his former students, and the whole NUS community for the sad loss.
Gustavo Alonso
·
27 Apr 2026
Thank you for everything🙏🙏🙏. Rest in peace, Prof Ooi.You will be greatly missed.
Ivy Thwe Thwe Khaing
·
27 Apr 2026
I am completely shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Beng Chin. Over the years, I had limited opportunities to directly interact with Beng Chin, but almost every time, he taught me new insights about doing good research. His influence further extended to my students, who learned from students in Beng Chin’s group. We are all deeply indebted to him. We will never forget Beng Chin’s teachings, and his memory will live on forever in our hearts.
Haifeng
·
27 Apr 2026
唁 电
新加坡国立大学计算机学院并黄铭钧先生亲属:
惊悉北京大学客座讲席教授、中国科学院外籍院士、全球著名计算机科学家黄铭钧(Beng Chin Ooi)博士于 2026 年 4 月 25 日凌晨在新加坡不幸逝世,我们深感悲痛!谨此沉痛哀悼,并向先生家属和亲人致以诚挚慰问。
作为全球数据库领域的领军人物,黄铭钧先生在数据库性能优化、索引技术、人工智能、云计算及分布式系统等领域建树卓著。他以前瞻性的视野致力于 ABC(AI、Big Data、Cloud Computing)领域的创新,完整攻克了数据库系统的全流程关键技术难题,为区块链数据管理奠定了理论基础,并首创性地提出了数据管理与人工智能协同设计的思想。
黄铭钧先生学术成就斐然,是全球唯一集 ACM SIGMOD 贡献奖、E.F.Codd 创新奖及系统奖数据库领域国际三大顶级荣誉于一身的学者。此外,他还曾荣获新加坡总统科学奖、IEEE CS Tsutomu Kanai 奖、IEEE TCDE CSEE 影响奖及中国计算机学会海外杰出贡献奖。
黄铭钧先生毕生追求卓越,虚怀若谷,长期倾力推动中国计算机事业发展,数十位博士毕业生在国内任教。他深度参与北京大学计算机学院的学科建设与人才培养,担任"111 引智基地"专家、学院国际咨询委员会委员,并亲自指导博士生。
黄铭钧先生的逝世,是全球计算机科学界的重大损失,我们沉痛悼念并深切缅怀黄铭钧先生!
愿黄铭钧先生一路走好!
北京大学计算机学院
2026 年 4 月 27 日
北京大学计算机学院
·
27 Apr 2026
The passing away of Beng Chin deprives the database community of one of its most capable and helpful members. He will be sadly missed.
Ioana Manolescu
·
27 Apr 2026
# 唁电
新加坡国立大学并请转黄铭钧院士亲属:
惊悉清华大学杰出访问教授黄铭钧院士不幸辞世,深感悲痛!我们谨对黄铭钧院士的逝世表示深切的哀悼,并通过你们向黄铭钧院士的亲属表示诚挚的慰问。
黄铭钧院士作为全球数据库领域顶尖学者,他是唯一同时斩获 ACM SIGMOD 贡献奖、E. F. Codd 创新奖和系统奖三大领域最高荣誉的专家。黄铭钧先生长期深耕数据库、人工智能、云计算等领域,致力于 ABC 领域(AI、Big Data、Cloud Computing)创新与产业化,拥有数十年企业级平台开发经验,成果应用于大数据、智能制造等领域。他攻克数据库系统全流程难题,为区块链数据管理奠基,提出数据管理与 AI 协同设计思想,主导研发的 Apache SINGA 入选全球十大通用机器学习框架。
作为清华大学杰出访问教授,黄铭钧院士始终高度重视并积极推动新加坡国立大学与清华大学计算机学科之间的紧密联系,为促进两校计算机领域的交流与合作做出了重要贡献,对此我们深表感谢。
专以此电寄托哀思,尚望亲属节哀顺变。
黄铭钧院士千古!
清华大学计算机科学与技术系
2026 年 4 月 27 日
清华大学计算机科学与技术系
·
27 Apr 2026
Prof. Ooi, or Laoban as we always called you.
All the memories come rushing back to me, each one vivid, stretching all the way back to 2021. When I was browsing faculty pages looking for a PhD supervisor, you admitted me partly because you thought I was tall and played basketball. I did not.
The five years of PhD life were full of challenges, especially in research, which was an entirely new world to me. Thank you for never giving up on me. You supported me in joining top research groups for internships and helped me build connections with leading researchers I would never have reached on my own.
After graduation, you recommended me for the position at SJTU, saying that a girl is better off living closer to her parents. You were always dependable when I encountered challenges in almost every aspect of my career. I am gentle by nature and not particularly aggressive, but at the critical moments you pushed me just enough, and because of that I reached milestones in my academic career I would not have believed possible.
I still remember that you were the first person to call me after an important proposal defense. You told me it was time to relax, and to accept whatever the outcome might be. Just like a parent would.
You once told us that you were the youngest full professor at SoC in NUS (applied at 37 and got at 38). That planted something in me, and I quietly set the same milestone as a goal for myself. Over these sixteen years, you have been my guiding light, guiding me forward without even knowing it sometimes. One phrase from you has stayed with me all along: "work hard and let the future take care of itself".
I feel so fortunate that I got to visit you in NB not long ago. In what turned out to be our last meeting, you encouraged me to collaborate with your students at NUS and ZJU. I will. That is a promise.
Laoban, rest well. The many students you guided will carry your legacy forward, so that you are never forgotten.
Yanyan
·
27 Apr 2026
Prof Ooi or boss was a kind and generous leader, mentor, and teacher to us. While he often looked stern with few words, we knew he wanted the best for us. We were fortunate to learn from him most during the team's weekly meetings, where he shared his time, wisdom, and guidance so generously. These moments will always be deeply treasured.
He constantly encouraged us to strive for excellence, innovation, and speed, shaping not only our work but also our mindset. Beyond work, we remember his warmth in bringing the team together — whether through sports, dinners or get togethers — creating a sense of camaraderie that we will always hold dear.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy in all of us, and he will be deeply missed.
Thank you boss/Prof Ooi for everything you have done for us and your silent support. We will miss you.
Earlene
·
27 Apr 2026
We were deeply saddened and could hardly believe that Prof. Ooi passed away. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
I first met him when I was an undergraduate student at Renmin University. He delivered a speech at the university’s 30th anniversary ceremony in 2008. At the time, I had no idea how profoundly he would shape my life.
In 2011, I received an offer to pursue a PhD at SoC through the Dean’s Program. From then on, I worked with Prof. Ooi for nearly ten years. I still vividly remember how he guided us in research and system development, treated us to food and drinks, and pushed us with candid critique. He was highly self-disciplined and led by example in so many ways—both in research and in life. He held himself to the highest standards, yet was generous to everyone: students, friends, and even strangers. He treated us like his own children—driving us sightseeing during conferences, advocating for our interests, and offering career advice and opportunities. There are simply too many unforgettable moments to count.
Prof. Ooi is a legend to me, and I will miss him dearly!
May you rest in peace, Boss.
Wei Wang
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin has been a visionary leader for the School of Computing. I remembered how he had steered the School during his deanship; quite a challenging period for the School. He has been instrumental in uniting the School towards the lofty goal of being one of the top schools in the world. The School is indebted to him for the strong foundations which he had laid. I have also lost a great friend and colleague. Rest in Peace, Beng Chin. My deepest condolences to Beng Chin's family. He is a big loss to you, NUS and Singapore!
Tan Eng Chye
·
27 Apr 2026
Prof Ooi,
Though you may appear tough, I have always felt that you cared deeply for your staff in your own quiet and unspoken way. I still remember how you gave both me and another colleague a pair of gloves when we happened to visit the gym at the now-defunct Staff Club. It was a small gesture, but one that reflected your thoughtfulness and kindness.
You will be deeply missed by all of us at NUS School of Computing.
Sze Eng Koon
·
27 Apr 2026
Saddened to hear of Prof. Ooi’s passing. He was a true visionary leader who dedicated his life to research. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
SGT
·
27 Apr 2026
My deepest condolences to Prof Ooi's loved ones. He had departed too soon and too sudden. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that he had touched many lives and made the world a little better.
Prof Ooi was my Masters thesis advisor when I was among the pioneer batch of Singapore MIT Alliance. I recalled that my apprehension while I was presenting the work. Prof Ooi had a neutral/fierce expression throughout. It turned out that my fears were unfounded. He was and had been kind than his poker face suggested. This is attested by the tribute and memories of his students.
While I didn't have another chance to work with him after my Masters, I continue to follow his impressive contributions to mankind's quest for knowledge and a better way to do things. Recently, I was even planning for a joint collaboration with with him but it was not to be.
There will always be regrets in life. But I believe Prof Ooi had very few. May he rest in peace. His scientific contributions and his impact on his students live on.
Ma Keng Teck (KT)
·
27 Apr 2026
I had the privilege of working with Prof. Ooi as a Research Fellow at the NUS for eight years. He was a truly wonderful and deeply respected mentor who shaped much of my academic journey.
I owe a great deal of my academic foundation to his guidance—always thoughtful, precise, and generous. Beyond his remarkable achievements, it is his humility and dedication to his students that I will remember most.
He will be greatly missed.
Dawei Jiang
·
27 Apr 2026
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Prof Ooi. He played a pivotal role in my academic journey --- he was the one who facilitated my transfer from the business school to the school of computing at NUS, a decision that fundamentally changed my career path and my life.
At several critical moments in my career, he also offered thoughtful guidance that shaped my choices and direction. I remain profoundly grateful for his wisdom, and support, with a sense of awe.
His passing feels sudden and deeply unreal. I carry forward his insistence on meaningful work, and the lessons of a man who changed the trajectory of my life. We honor his memory by continuing to strive for the high standards he set for us all.
Gao Cong
·
27 Apr 2026
Dear Professor Ooi,
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing you personally, I was an intern in the Database Group at NUS School of Computing 18 years ago, and I often heard stories about your extraordinary capability, dedication, integrity, and academic reputation.
At that time, as a 22-year-old student, I regarded you as a true role model and an academic idol. Over the years, you continued to push the boundaries of computer science and technology, making world-class contributions to the field and inspiring generations of students and researchers.
I also had the opportunity to work with several of your students, and through them I could feel the lasting influence of your mentorship, values, and academic spirit. You may have appeared serious and demanding on the outside, but many people knew that behind that was a warm heart, deep care for your students, and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge.
Thank you, Professor Ooi, for your lifelong contributions to NUS, to computer science, and to the broader academic community. Your legacy will continue through your work, your students, and the many people you inspired.
May you rest in peace. My deepest condolences to your family, colleagues, students, and loved ones.
Wang Yue
·
27 Apr 2026
I wish to express my profound condolences regarding the passing of Professor Ooi Beng Chin. His departure represents a significant loss to the academic community, particularly to those who benefited from his dedicated mentorship and leadership.
Professor Ooi was an eminent scholar and a notably altruistic mentor who maintained a deep commitment to his students. He was instrumental in supporting the academic development of numerous individuals, particularly those from China, facilitating their pursuit of advanced degrees at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
He actively sought to foster an inclusive environment for his international students. Notably, he frequently extended invitations to Chinese students residing abroad to join him at his residence for traditional festivals.
Professor Ooi's dedication to his students persisted long after their graduation. He remained deeply connected to his Chinese heritage, contributing significantly to the support of his domestic peers. Furthermore, he held professorships at several prestigious Chinese institutions, including Zhejiang University, Fudan University, Peking University, and Tsinghua University. Consequently, many of his former students now hold faculty positions at various universities, particularly within China.
His enduring legacy is reflected in the many students he inspired, who continue to make substantial contributions to academia and other sectors globally. He will be remembered for his intellectual rigor, his generosity of spirit, and his transformative impact on the lives of students.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Sheng Zhang Apr 27, 2026
Sheng Zhang
·
27 Apr 2026
I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Professor Ooi. The news came as a shock, and I find it difficult to express this loss in words.
Professor Ooi was kind, wise, and remarkably patient. He mentored many with care and supported researchers and projects with unwavering dedication. His inspiring presence and commitment will remain with me always.
He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Rest in peace, Professor Ooi.
Zaw
·
27 Apr 2026
Prof. Ooi — or Boss, as we all called him — was my PhD supervisor. I first came to NUS seven years ago as a research intern, and in 2021 I became his PhD student.
Boss was strict about research. He held himself to the same standard he held us to, maybe even higher. He worked seven days a week. Even past 60, he would still stay up through the night with students to revise papers. A week before he passed, he was still helping a junior in our group with hers.
Outside of work he was a different person. He played ball with us — I played basketball, table tennis, and badminton with him, and I heard he used to play squash and tennis when he was younger. We'd often run into him at the gym too. He always told us to keep our bodies strong, because that's what lets you do good work.
He was generous. He'd take us out for drinks whenever a project went well or a paper got in, just to take some of the pressure off.
Boss changed my life. I didn't come from a strong background, and I used to want to hide that. He told me not to. He said people who climb up from ordinary places earn more respect, not less, and he told me to keep going and not lose heart. I'm grateful he funded my PhD out of his own grants, and that he backed my research direction even when it wasn't an easy one to publish in. In group meetings he pushed me to go deeper, to practice my English, to read the news, to read more books in English.
Boss, thank you for everything. I'll miss you.
Ren Kunpeng
·
27 Apr 2026
It came as a great shock to hear that Professor OOI, a true legend in databases and AI, has passed away.
He changed my life twice. In 2008, he admitted me to NUS for my PhD. Then in 2018, when he set up the AI Innovation and Incubation Center in Suzhou, he brought me back to NUS to lead its establishment. Beyond work, he also showed me how to live a fuller, different life.
Everything I do in my work today is built on the solid foundation he helped us lay. I deeply regret that I did not finish the work he entrusted to me well enough, and failed to live up to his guidance and expectations.
Now I have lost the chance to say thank you, and to say sorry to him. I am filled with endless sorrow and regret.
Rest in peace, Professor OOI. I will always remember you.
Xu Yin
·
27 Apr 2026
I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Prof. Ooi Beng Chin. Having been under his supervision since my final year project and through to the completion of my PhD, I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from him for so many years. He was a mentor who balanced the highest standards with kindness and generosity toward his students. It was truly a privilege and an honor to have been his student andI will always be grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Wang Wenqiang
·
27 Apr 2026
Thank you, Prof Ooi, for laying my foundation in databases and for mentoring my daughter during her honours year. Your impact across two generations of IT in our family will always be remembered. Rest in peace.
FH
·
27 Apr 2026
Deeply in Mourning
My PhD supervisor at NUS, Professor B.C. Ooi (黄铭钧院士), may you rest in peace. 🕯️
The moment I came across the obituary, my hands trembled. I could never bring myself to believe that my beloved mentor—always gentle yet rigorous, the guiding light throughout my doctoral journey—has left us forever.
Academician Professor B.C. Ooi was my guiding mentor during my PhD studies at the National University of Singapore and will forever serve as my role model on the path of academia.
I still vividly remember every day and night spent in the SoC laboratory.
After landing in Singapore in the small hours following an international conference, exhausted from long travels, he would head straight to the lab without hesitation. It was never harsh reprimand, but his relentless pursuit of academic precision. He reminded us not to overlook a single research detail, embodying an innate dedication to scientific research.
Every Lunar New Year, he would warmly invite us Chinese students staying overseas to his home. We gathered to enjoy traditional Yu Sheng, celebrate the festival, and play Blackjack together. Free from the arrogance of an academician, he treated us like family, filling our hearts with a deep sense of belonging in a foreign land.
Beyond research, he often took me to play squash to unwind and recharge. After workouts, we would share drinks and conversations in the staff lounge, talking about academics, daily life, and future plans. He was both a teacher and a close friend, easing countless moments of confusion and struggle during my PhD years.
After graduating and starting my career in Seattle, I thought our meetings would grow sparse. Yet whenever he attended conferences in Seattle or San Francisco, he would make time to meet me for meals, checking in on my work and life, and continuing to offer invaluable guidance and encouragement as always.
A world-renowned computer scientist and an academic giant who has received all three top accolades in the database field, Professor Ooi possessed extraordinary academic vision and unwavering devotion to research. He stands as an eternal role model for all younger scholars. He wholeheartedly nurtured young researchers and dedicated his life to upholding the responsibility and original aspiration of an exceptional educator.
Though our beloved mentor has passed away, his noble spirit and legacy will endure forever.
Rest in eternal peace, Professor B.C. Ooi, 黄铭钧院士. 🕯️
Bin Lan(2002 PhD student from Seattle)
·
27 Apr 2026
悼黄铭钧兄
昨日惊闻铭钧兄于凌晨在新加坡家中因突发疾病辞世,不敢不愿相信之余,深感悲痛,更叹天妒英才!
兄正值壮年,甫在宁波浙大招兵买马,规划大干一场。春节前与兄相聚于狮城,亦约好上半年到访甬城,共商合作大计。惜尚未践约即收噩耗,从此天人两隔,空留巨大遗憾。
一日之内,浑浑噩噩,难以集中精力;夜里多次醒来,总会不由自主地想起于兄交往之点滴。故而提笔,记述往事一二,也藉此寄托哀思。呜呼!
还记得和铭钧兄的第一次相见是在 2008 年,人民大学信息学院成立 30 年庆祝会上,我俩均有一个发言。第一印象是不拘言笑,似难接近。相熟之后,才知属慢热型,面冷心热。其时他的中文也不太流利。
其后近 20 年,我俩时有接触,相交日深,遂成挚友。铭钧兄为人正直不阿,对朋友侠义心肠;为学成就巨大,是学界数据巨擘;为师严格慈爱,其门下桃李成林。从铭钧兄身上,我所学受益甚多。我俩亦是酒友,相聚必然对酌,酒酣之际,他即进入话多之时,常常金句频出。多次的共醉,已成美好记忆!
铭钧兄海外成长成名,为数据界顶尖学者,不忘中华故里,倾力关心帮助国内同行,居功甚伟。其学生回国工作众多,很多已成栋梁。2016 年他获 CCF 海外杰出贡献奖,我亦忝为提名者之一。
去年,铭钧兄全时加盟浙大,重新搭建队伍,拟开始新的征程。在做事条件和环境基本就绪之际,奈何天不假年,突然驾鹤西归,实为天大憾事,更是学界及我等朋友的巨大损失!愿兄天堂之路,一路走好!精神长存,学术成果不朽!
仿撰一联,以托哀思。
声名盖海内外, 内圣外王, 数据领域列大师;
友谊近二十年, 缘尽情存, 记忆长河镌故知。
愚弟梅宏丙午三月初十于北京
梅宏(Mei Hong)
·
27 Apr 2026
My deepest condolences to Beng Chin’s family. When I served as Vice Dean under his Deanship, he was always there to support and guide me. I still remember the evening when we hosted visitors at Shangri-La. Knowing that I don’t drink, he quietly took on all the drink invitations from the guests. Later that night, I drove him home in his car, carefully maneuvering through the heavy rain.
To me, Beng Chin embodied both the Western culture of strong leadership and the Asian culture of a respectful kampong head. He advanced SoC’s progress through clear policy direction and by leading through example; he supported individual members of the SoC family through gentle care and subtle influence.
Beng Chin, your kindness and quiet guidance will always be fondly remembered.
Siau-Cheng Khoo
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin was already a leader when I joined DISCS in 1996. He came across as stern initially, but that softened once I played squash with him.
Beng Chin was fiercely proud of, and loyal to, SOC, and he wanted all of us to feel the same. When I was a new staff, I was still using my MIT reply address in my emails, instead of my NUS one. BC chided me for this. Which was right, of course. I should be signalling the right allegiance. So I promptly switched address, and have not regretted since.
As Dean, Beng Chin constantly urged us to be hungry for more grants/results/opportunities, warning that we may become irrelevant if we merely cruised along. And he fought hard to make our views known to NUS senior management. He has clearly set the standard, because since then we've always had someone "up there" to make sure SOC is seen and heard.
I will miss his self-deprecating jokes, which, when combined with a laser focus on what truly mattered, and a discipline to not be distracted by wayang, made him a formidable, capable, and yet approachable leader.
I'm saddened to learn of his passing. Sincere condolences to his family.
Terence Sim
·
27 Apr 2026
I first met Beng Chin in 2006, when I joined the Interactive Digital Media Program Office at the Media Development Authority. I was leading the iROCK programme, and he was then Dean of the School of Computing at NUS. Many found him reserved, even difficult to approach. But from the very beginning, we somehow just clicked. There was an ease, an understanding that did not need explanation. Work brought us together often, and our trips to China gave us time to talk, to laugh, and to know each other beyond our roles.
When I left MDA for NTU in 2008, our friendship did not fade. If anything, it deepened. On most evenings, I would stop by Kent Ridge Guild House on my way home, and we would sit over drinks, talking about everything and nothing. Those quiet, unremarkable evenings now feel priceless.
There was a moment when we almost became colleagues at NTU. I tried very hard to bring him over when I was Chair of SPMS, and came so close. Life, as it often does, took a different turn. A few years later, I found myself at NUS instead. And there, we finally worked side by side, co-authoring three papers and co-supervising a PhD student. It felt, in some way, like things had come full circle.
Even as we went on to different places, with him to Zhejiang University, and me to SUTD, we never lost touch. Just last week, we were bantering over WhatsApp, as we always did. The thought that there will be no more messages, no more conversations, is one I am not ready to accept.
Beng Chin was not just an outstanding scholar. He was a constant in my life for nearly twenty years: steady, sharp, wry, and deeply human in ways that those who knew him well will understand. I will miss our conversations. I will miss his presence. I will miss him.
Chee Yeow Meng
·
27 Apr 2026
During my Ph.D. candidature in NUS, I took Prof.Ooi's module regarding advanced databases. I was also attended several Prof.Ooi's presentations that shared his research and his research methodology. I was deeply impressed by his vision and wiseness. RIP.
Mao Yancan
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27 Apr 2026
Professor Ooi Beng Chin demonstrated exceptional leadership in the global database community. I had the privilege of attending several of his keynotes and talks, and I was deeply inspired by his passion, vision, and insightful views on future research directions. His influence extended far beyond his own institution, shaping and inspiring many scholars around the world, including myself. I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of his passing. His contributions, leadership, and intellectual legacy will be remembered with great respect.
Jianxin Li from Edith Cowan University
·
27 Apr 2026
I was deeply saddened by the news of Professor Ooi’s passing. My heart goes out to Beng Chin’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
He had a rare gift for balancing high standards with genuine kindness. While he was strict, he led an example working hard and demo to students. He was truly one of a kind, uniquely capable of bridging the worlds of academia, industry, and education all at once.
May he rest in peace.
Bing Tian Dai
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng-Chin’s passing feels surreal—it was only a few days ago that we were in touch about the upcoming SIGMOD. I have known Beng-Chin since my visit to NUS in 2008, and over the years he became a dear friend. He was truly a unique individual—an exceptional scientist and, just as importantly, a remarkable human being: kind, compassionate, and always willing to help others. His memory will live on in the hearts of his friends and colleagues, and his profound contributions to computer science will endure for generations to come. Rest in peace, Beng-Chin.
Sharad Mehrotra
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27 Apr 2026
Prof Ooi shaped many lives, including mine. He welcomed me, a person with no prior background in database research, into his world-leading group, and gave me every generous opportunity and encouragement to learn and then to contribute to the community. I am still living by his work and life philosophy - "work hard, and opportunity will come".
I am deeply grateful for the experience of being cared for, and being valued, by a respected figure that was at the top of the field.
Your life was an inspiration. May you rest in peace, boss.
Anh Dinh
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27 Apr 2026
I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Professor Ooi. The news came as a great shock, and it is hard to find the right words to express this loss.
I will always remember him as a dedicated and inspiring leader—someone who held high standards yet guided us with patience, wisdom, and kindness. He was not only a mentor, but also someone who genuinely cared for the people around him. His guidance and support have left a lasting impact on many of us.
He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he has touched. May he rest in peace.
Zhongkai
·
27 Apr 2026
Although I did not know Beng Chin personally, I had heard of him over the past few years while teaching part-time (full-time teaching years from 1985 to 1991). Reflecting on his achievements, his passing is truly a great loss to SoC, as well as to his family, loved ones, friends, and the many students he inspired throughout his years of service.
He has passed on an enduring torch of inspiration to the countless students he mentored—encouraging them to move forward and to excel in all their endeavours. His legacy will continue to live on through them.
May the Almighty bless and guide his soul on his onward journey. His time on this earthly plane will always be remembered and cherished by those whose lives he touched.
To his family and loved ones, may they find strength and comfort in his many contributions and accomplishments, and may they be supported as they navigate this difficult time.
Kish Ranai
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27 Apr 2026
Although more than 20 years have passed, many of the moments I experienced at SoC NUS remain vivid in my memory, with your voice and smile woven into them—leaving a deep impression. You are one of the few people who changed the trajectory of my life by pushing me to pursue the PhD program at NUS. I have no idea where I would be otherwise. Thank you for your kind support and guidance!
Xuan Zhou
·
27 Apr 2026
I was deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Prof. Ooi. He was the first supervisor I ever reached out to at the start of my PhD journey. Although he did not have a quota at the time and kindly recommended me to Anthony, fate brought me back to him in 2009, when I had the privilege of becoming his RA.
Those three years were truly formative. Beng Chin shaped my academic taste and showed me what world-class research really means. He would go through my papers line by line with extraordinary patience and rigor. As early as 2008, he was already advocating for building impactful systems. His vision has profoundly influenced how I think about research.
Beyond academia, he cared for us like a parent, constantly sharing life lessons that continue to guide me today. He was exceptionally disciplined, leading by example in both work and life. At the same time, he brought warmth and joy to those around him. We spent years playing basketball together—I still remember how he started from barely making a shot under the basket, to soon confidently hitting three-pointers. He also invited us to his home, proudly showcasing his cooking skills, and loved gathering his students at staff lounge to share laughter and stories.
Even after I returned to China, we still reunited in Chengdu and Hangzhou on multiple occasions, where he offered invaluable advice on how to build a long and meaningful academic career. At several critical moments, his insight deeply shaped my path.
His passing leaves an immense void. I will always be deeply grateful for his mentorship, his wisdom, and his kindness. His spirit and legacy will continue to live on in all of us he inspired.
Zhang Dongxiang
·
27 Apr 2026
It is hard to believe that Beng Chin is gone. He was always there -- in Singapore, in China, and across the globe. His pioneering work in systems and applications, his dedicated services to the database community, his strong circle of colleagues at NUS, his outstanding students, and even his down-to-earth WeChat moments -- all of these are part of a legend in our field, a role model I deeply look up to.
I first met Beng Chin during my interview at NUS. I was impressed by the strong synergy of his group and genuinely grateful for the welcome from him and his database colleagues. He would often joke that I made the wrong choice by not joining NUS, and I always tried to prove to him that I could also do well closer to home.
Beng Chin's departure is too early and deeply saddening. Yet, I would like to think that it was his style - swift, decisive, and fearless. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Qiong Luo
·
27 Apr 2026
I am still shocked by this news.
I had the privilege of taking a data structures course with Beng Chin at NUS more than 30 years ago, and we remained in touch over the years—though I wish we had more opportunities to connect. When I was a professor at UC Santa Cruz, he was always welcoming whenever I visited Singapore during my summers, offering warmth, insightful advice, and encouragement. He was deeply committed to mentoring students and consistently provided thoughtful guidance.
He will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones
Wang-Chiew Tan
·
27 Apr 2026
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Ooi Beng Chin. He was a brilliant researcher and an inspiring leader in the database research community. I was fortunate to have many opportunities to interact with him through technical discussions and professional events. I vividly remember his team presenting the Apache SINGA project in the same room at VLDB 2015 in Hawaii. He was always easygoing, intellectually sharp, and full of humor. His passing is a tremendous loss to NUS and the database community, and he will be dearly missed as a pioneer, a mentor, and a friend.
Chen Li
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin is the epitome of 身教重于言教 (lead by example, not by words). He was strict but principled, firm but empathetic. His time at the NUS School of Computing helped shape the culture we cherish. Thank you, Beng Chin. May you rest in peace.
Soo Yuen Jien
·
27 Apr 2026
I was deeply sorry and shocked to hear of Prof. Ooi’s sudden passing. I had met him occasionally at the NUSS gym recently, and he seemed as strong and energetic as always.
Prof. Ooi was someone who took research extremely seriously. He was also a true competitor in many aspects of life, whether in basketball, in the gym, or in his entrepreneurial pursuits. Although I was not his student, he generously gave me advice on both research and life, and even offered to connect me with excellent researchers.
I feel very grateful to have known him in person. I will always remember his kindness, generosity, and inspiring spirit.
Yuchen LI
·
27 Apr 2026
I am deeply shocked and saddened by Beng Chin's sudden passing. He was just starting a new journey that could have brought him to even greater heights he deserved. I shall always remember Beng Chin as a demanding yet reasonable boss who was generous with smiles and advice. He was the epitome of a true leader - firm yet kind, to whom subordinates are not just tools to be used and cast away, many of whom became friends.
This must be a difficult time for his loved ones. I wish them the deepest condolences. He will remain in the good thoughts and memories of many of us. May such positive energy somehow lead to his rest in peace.
Weng Fai
·
27 Apr 2026
I started the STMI and was blessed with strong support from great colleagues, including faculty and administrative teams. Like all startups, the initial inertia took great efforts and perseverance. Beng Chin was the Dean of SoC then and had given his fullest support which till today, I am very grateful for. For without his support, STMI would not have grown and achieved in such a remarkable pace then. He was a well-respected man with few words and his actions had created huge legacy & impact to the community. I am deeply saddened to hear his passing, my thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.
Charles Ling
·
27 Apr 2026
I had a chance to attend his advanced database course and interact with him. He was a truly knowledgeable person and a leader in the database field.
My deepest condolences to his family members during this difficult time.
Neamul Kabir
·
27 Apr 2026
上联：自小负笈，名扬学林，叹奇才自此零落
下联：两心相契，互为知己，任浮议不问短长
横批：惺惺同慨
樊文飞（Wenfei Fan）
·
27 Apr 2026
Dear Beng Chin,
Your passing feels so sudden and deeply saddening. It’s hard to take in that you are no longer with us.
I will always miss the moments we shared — the conversations at meetings, the laughter on the sports courts, and the easy camaraderie over drinks. Those memories will stay with me.
Thank you for your friendship, your warmth, and everything you brought into our lives. You will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace.
Jin-Song
Dong Jin-Song
·
27 Apr 2026
Professor Ooi had a profound impact on many of us during our time at NUS. I deeply value the insightful discussions we shared regarding database systems and algorithms. Beyond his academic brilliance, I fondly remember his spirited presence on the basketball court, where he was a formidable competitor, a skilled shooter, and a strong rebounder.
We maintained a meaningful connection long after my graduation, a testament to his enduring mentorship. His passing is a significant loss to the academic community and all who knew him. My deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Suraj Pathak
·
27 Apr 2026
It is very sad news. Even though I didn't have many interactions with Prof. Ooi Beng Chin, I truly appreciated his dedication and the positive impact he made. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
Yi-Chieh Lee
·
27 Apr 2026
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Prof Ooi. He was an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the NUS and SoC community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Lim Sing-Ing
·
27 Apr 2026
A true hero in the database community and a warrior who showed Mongolian spirit to the very end. He possessed the soul of a traditional Chinese painter, bringing an artist’s vision to his lifelong academic journey.
To me, he was far more than a member of my PhD committee; he was a mentor for a lifetime.
It was Beng Chin’s determination that brought VLDB to mainland China for the first time. Our entire research community owes him a profound 'thank you' for the doors he opened for us all."
May Beng Chin rest in peace. May his strength and spirit continue to guide his family, and inspire all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
Lidan Shou
·
27 Apr 2026
一路走好！求学之时，承您教诲，嘱我惜时奋进、潜心科研；工作之后，蒙您提点，教我强身健体、拥抱智能新局。您的音容笑貌历历在目，言传教诲终身难忘。愿先生驾鹤西归，天堂静谧安然，往后千秋永安。
Rest in peace! In my PhD days, you taught me to cherish time and dedicate myself to research. In my career, you guided me to stay healthy and embrace the AI era. Your voice and smile are forever etched in my heart; your teachings I will never forget. May you depart in peace and rest eternally in serene heaven.
Kuien Liu
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin was a defining mentor at a critical point in my academic journey. At quite some important moments, he stepped in with clarity, decisiveness, and conviction. One of the most important turning points for me was when he invited me for a lunch in 2015 and guided me about the research development and future, an opportunity that shaped my path in a lasting way.
What set him apart was not just his support, but his decisiveness and high standards. He pushed us to aim higher—to work on problems that truly matter and to build systems with real impact. This way of thinking continues to guide me today.
He cared deeply about his students and younger researchers. Many of us share the same feeling: deep respect, a sense of awe, and above all, gratitude.
Since his passing, I have felt a profound sense of loss—not only of a mentor, but of someone who constantly pushed me to do better. He was someone who would point things out when I was wrong, or when I was drifting away from the right direction. Without him, I feel I have lost a voice that kept me grounded and striving.
His passing is still difficult to process. It feels sudden and unreal.
What remains is his spirit—his clarity, his boldness, and his insistence on meaningful impact. That is something we will carry forward.
Rest in peace.
Bingsheng He
·
27 Apr 2026
I am deeply saddened to hear of Prof. Ooi’s passing. Beng Chin was the Dean of SoC when I first joined NUS, and I vividly recall the driving energy of his speeches. His tenacity and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on me; his words remain just as impactful today as they were then.
Yongkang Wong
·
27 Apr 2026
I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Ooi! He was still so young and forward-looking that I still expect to hear more from his work and his thoughts. Although I'm not one of his students, during my PhD study in NTU, Singapore, my supervisor shared many of Prof. Ooi's ideas and quotes that guided our research in the system field, not only technically, but also mentally regarding of how shall we approach research as a long-term responsibility that we shall try very hard to excel. I've encountered many of Prof. Ooi's students in the industry, all of whom are very talented and hard-working. This is why I think we shall all appreciate Prof. Ooi's contribution to the Computer Science Education that benefits all of us in the industry. Please rest in peace, dear professor.
Cheng Xuntao
·
27 Apr 2026
I am saddened by the passing of Beng Chin. He was kind, generous and a bulwark in the Database Research Community. My deepest condolences to his family.
Lipyeow Lim
·
27 Apr 2026
May he rest in peace! My sincere condolences to Prof Beng Chin’s family and friends.
Ashish Dandekar
·
27 Apr 2026
My condolences to Beng Chin's family and friends. At the School of Computing, NUS, we were extraordinarily fortunate to have him as a colleague, leader, mentor, supervisor and teacher. We will miss him dearly. I remember Beng Chin most vividly from staff meetings and email discussions where he shared his insights typically in a few well-chosen, incisive words.
Martin Henz
·
27 Apr 2026
My deepest condolences to the family of the late Prof Ooi Beng Chin. A man of little smiles. But to those who knows him, he has a beautiful heart. An excellent data scientist who always thrive to do better for himself and for others. May your soul rest in peace..
Nor Rahizah
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin,
Thanks for your help and guidance over the years. You are sorely missed.
一路走好
Teck Khim
Ng Teck Khim
·
27 Apr 2026
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Beng Chin. He has been a wonderful mentor, a critical collaborator, and a truly generous friend to me. It is hard to comprehend this loss—we had just chatted less than a week ago, still actively discussing ideas, with two co-authored papers under review and revision. His sudden departure feels unreal.
Beng Chin was not only an extraordinary scholar and visionary leader, but also someone who invested deeply in people. His guidance shaped my thinking, his collaboration pushed my work to be better, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
His contributions to database systems, distributed systems, and large-scale data analytics have profoundly influenced our field, and his leadership helped build a vibrant global research community. Yet beyond all his achievements and honors, I will remember him most for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering support.
I will miss our conversations, his insights, and his encouragement. His legacy lives on in his groundbreaking work, in the communities he helped shape, and in the many lives he touched.
Wish Beng Chin peace, and strength to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Jian Pei
·
27 Apr 2026
Beng Chin, thanks for staying in touch throughout my time overseas, and being such a great mentor. I will always remember your zest for research and your lovely smile. You will be sorely missed.
Condolences,
Li Shiuan
Peh Li Shiuan
·
27 Apr 2026
Sincere condolences.
Amber
·
27 Apr 2026
I will always remember Beng Chin for his humility and warmth. Though he is one of the greatest researchers in his field, and one of the most respected people in the University, he never failed to stop and chat with me whenever we bumped into each other. I also remember him as a wonderful teacher who cared a lot for his students.
He is very sorely missed.
Colin Tan
·
27 Apr 2026
It's hard to overstate the impact Beng Chin has had on the field but more personally, on the people in our School of Computing. Always an pragmatist, with clear opinions and cutting right to the chase, Beng Chin led the school through a tough period by making many hard decisions, and the school benefitted from the strong direction he set. He valued and epitomised hard work, setting a role model for others to follow.
He drove his students hard, pushing them to test their limits, but was always down to earth. Equally formidable in his academic skills as well in his trademarked informal style on the basketball court, he shared his prowess, strong opinions, and leadership with all.
I remember his participation in one of Tat-Seng's NExT++ workshops overseas in China, and in his leadership in SSI (precursor to IDS). He will be sorely missed, as he has influenced so many of our colleagues, students and friends as the maverick, ever changeable and adaptable from databases to deanship, from deep learning to basketball team player.
Min-Yen Kan
·
27 Apr 2026
My deepest condolences to Beng Chin’s family and friends. His passing comes as a profound shock, and I am deeply saddened by the news. I will always remember the many moments of crossing paths with him around the school and he was always generous with his advice and guidance. Words feel inadequate at a time like this. We have lost an inspiring colleague and mentor.
Harold Soh
·
27 Apr 2026
