S'porean Hokkien singer David Chia, 73, dies after brain haemorrhage on Malacca cruise

Veteran Singaporean Hokkien singer David Chia passed away on Jan. 8 at the age of 73 after he was rushed back to a Singapore hospital from a cruise to Malacca.

He had fainted after suffering from a brain haemorrhage during the cruise.

Chia was previously diagnosed with terminal-stage prostate cancer in June 2024.

Cleared by doctor to travel

According to Lianhe Zaobao, news of Chia's passing was first shared by fellow media personality, Guan Xuemei (transliteration), on Jan. 8.

Speaking to Zaobao, Chia's daughter, Xie Lingli (transliteration), 49, shared that Chia was hospitalised around Christmas time last year.

He was discharged on Dec. 24.

During a follow-up on New Year's Eve, he was permitted to travel by his doctor.

As such, the singer went ahead with his vacation plans and set off on a cruise to Malacca.

Rushed back to Singapore

However, on Jan. 2 at around 3am and as the cruise arrived in Malacca, Chia passed out after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

"As it was an emergency, he was sent to a hospital in Malacca via a shuttle boat," Chia's daughter recounted.

"At the time, he was accompanied by my younger brother. I immediately arranged for my father to be transferred overnight from the Malacca hospital back to Singapore," she said.

At Tan Tock Seng Hospital, things did not look well for the cancer-stricken 73-year-old, Xie said.

His family prepared for the worst.

However, Chia held out for several days.

"About two days ago on Jan. 6, he got out of bed suddenly but had difficulty breathing. He also developed severe pulmonary edema and had wanted to remove the tubes," Xie shared.

"When he took his last breath, it was peaceful," she added.

Chia was supposed to share a stage with local DJ and actor Marcus Chin on Jan. 17 and was to perform at the Esplanade on Feb. 8.

He had already made preparations for these showings, his daughter revealed.

An optimist

Xie remembers her father as a jovial personality who remained active and was filled with optimism.

From 2023, Chia experienced weight loss.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 after a blood test detected anomalies.

Even after the diagnosis, he did not see himself as a patient, Chia's daughter recalled.

In an August 2024 interview with Zaobao, a defiant Chia said of the cancer diagnosis, "I will face it. There are many students waiting for me to teach in singing classes!"

He said then that even though he was emotionally affected by the diagnosis, the support from friends and his students kept him going.

From radio to television

According to Guan, who had known Chia for over 40 years, the late singer's greatest regret was not being able to star in a Hokkien television production, despite earning the moniker "King of Hokkien songs".

Chia made his debut as a radio broadcast personality during the early years of local show business.

He went on to star in various local film productions before launching a singing career.

He also took in students and taught others how to sing.

According to an obituary shared on Facebook, Chia's cortege will depart his wake on Jan. 11.

Top image via Lianhe Zaobao