Beloved Singaporean Teacher Found Dead After Everest Trek Amid Snowstorm

The body of 76-year-old Singaporean, Harry Tan, was found near Mount Everest on October 4, after he went missing on a hiking trail last Thursday. Mr. Tan, a retired teacher and former lecturer at the National Institute of Education (NIE), was hiking near Kongma La Pass when he became separated from his two companions due to a severe snowstorm.

Efforts to rescue him were delayed due to treacherous weather conditions, but once the skies cleared, a search team was dispatched. A fellow hiker witnessed Mr. Tan’s fall before he disappeared, and despite efforts to help, rescue attempts were initially hampered by the extreme weather.

Mr. Tan was a beloved figure, remembered by former students and colleagues for his caring nature and passion for physical education, sports, and the outdoors. His dedication as a teacher and coach left a lasting impact on many, and he will be sorely missed. Various tributes, including from Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam and veteran lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam, highlighted his influence on their lives.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to Mr. Tan’s family. The Ministry and NTU expressed their gratitude to the Nepalese authorities for their support in the search efforts.

Comments

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen Steps Down After 5 Terms in Politics

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen has officially announced his retirement from politics, marking the end of a distinguished political career spanning over two decades. He will not be contesting in the upcoming General Election, making him the first minister confirmed to be stepping down this election cycle. Speaking from the PAP's Toa Payoh West-Thomson branch on Friday (Apr 18), the 66-year-old said it has been “an honour and privilege” to serve his residents in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Singaporeans at large since entering politics in 2001. He has served five terms and held key portfolios including Education, Manpower, and Defence. “For any government, there's always tension between renewal and experience… If older ones don't step aside for new ones, you don't prepare for the future. It's as simple as that,” he said, reaffirming the PAP’s commitment to leadership renewal. Dr Ng said he is stepping down in the same spirit of renewal shown by his predecessors when he ...

$48,939 in Red Packets Stolen During Wedding Event

On April 5, 2025 , a joyous wedding celebration at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach was turned into a nightmare when a man stole two money boxes containing red packets worth $48,939 from the couple’s registration table. The offender, Lee Yi Wei , aged 36, was a former part-time banquet server familiar with the venue layout and had planned the theft in advance. The incident occurred around 12.50pm during a wedding lunch held at the hotel’s grand ballroom . According to court proceedings, Lee exploited a moment when the registration table was left unattended , seizing both cash-filled boxes before fleeing the scene. The theft was captured on CCTV, and the wedding organiser quickly notified police at about 1.00pm after discovering the theft. Investigations revealed that Lee, who was also a habitual gambler, had previously worked at the same ballroom and knew where red packet money boxes were typically placed during wedding events. He stashed the stolen boxes in a locker ...

Police Nab 31 in Islandwide Crackdown on Fraudulent SIM Registrations

In an islandwide operation between 17 and 25 July 2025, the Singapore Police arrested 31 individuals and are investigating 13 more for allegedly providing fraudulently registered postpaid SIM cards to criminal syndicates in exchange for cash. The suspects, comprising 21 men and 10 women aged between 16 and 48, were arrested by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department, Criminal Investigation Department, and all seven Police Land Divisions. Nine additional men and four women, aged 16 to 57, are currently assisting with investigations. Preliminary findings revealed that these individuals were offered cash incentives ranging from $10 to $15 for each SIM card they registered under their names. These suspects had each allegedly registered between 31 and 49 SIM cards, which were later handed over to unknown couriers. They were reportedly instructed to sign up for multiple postpaid mobile plans at various retail outlets across the island, using their personal details. Authorities ...

LAKOPINEWS.COM

Search This Blog