M'sian woman, 23, dies of cancer days before starting university in S'pore, took final exam in hospital

A Malaysian woman, Qiu Ruoxuan (transliteration), 23, passed away on Jul. 23, just days before she was due to begin university.

She had spent much of her life battling a series of illnesses.

Diagnosed with DKA at 16

According to Shin Min Daily News, Qiu’s parents work in Singapore, while she grew up in their hometown of Benut, Pontian, Malaysia.

Qiu’s mother revealed that her daughter was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the age of 16.

DKA is a life-threatening complication of diabetes that results when the body lacks enough insulin to use blood sugar for energy.

Without insulin, the body rapidly breaks down fat instead, producing acids known as ketones.

When ketones build up too quickly, they can reach dangerously high levels in the body, causing the blood to become acidic.

Despite her poor health and having to take a break from school, Qiu managed to complete the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Malaysia’s national secondary school leaving examination.

After completing the SPM, Qiu told her parents that she had decided to study accounting at Singapore Polytechnic.

Her mother said Qiu had always been clear about what she wanted and was determined to achieve her goals.

Took her exam from the hospital bed

Qiu was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2024, but the cancer was in its early stages at the time, so her family remained relatively optimistic, Shin Min reported.

Despite undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing a deterioration in her physical condition, she remained determined to complete her studies.

At the time, she had one final examination left.

After learning about her condition, the school offered to exempt her from the examination.

Qiu, however, insisted on taking it from her hospital bed, and she eventually achieved a GPA of 3.7.

The school had also offered to hold a private graduation ceremony for her, but Qiu wanted to graduate alongside her classmates.

Her mother said Qiu had always enjoyed dressing up and looking her best, and chose to wear a wig to the graduation ceremony.

At the time, her condition had stabilised.

She subsequently received admission offers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU).

But in late April 2026, Qiu was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and she passed away on Jul. 23.

Planned her own funeral

Qiu’s mother described her daughter as strong and independent, saying she continued to make her own decisions despite her health problems, Shin Min reported.

Qiu had also made arrangements for her own funeral in advance.

She wanted it to have a blue theme and include elements featuring her favourite dog character.

Her mother expressed her gratitude to the staff at Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society (CHWSS), who helped to fulfil her daughter’s wishes.

"My daughter had previously said that she wanted to wear more natural-looking makeup and have a wig on for the funeral viewing, and have a corner to display her handicrafts. Cheng Hong did all of that and went far beyond my expectations," she said.

The head of CHWSS told Shin Min that the funeral was organised in collaboration with Woodlands Memorial Hall.

The funeral hall was decorated in an unconventional style, he said, including a white coffin symbolising purity, in line with Qiu’s wishes.

He said it was the first time the organisation had held a funeral in this style.

Staff also prepared sticky notes which featured the dog character Qiu liked, allowing relatives and friends to write messages for her.

On the final day of the wake, staff arranged the sticky notes around the coffin, in place of traditional wreaths.

Boyfriend stayed by her side

Qiu’s boyfriend, Huang Jiakai, told Shin Min that the couple had been together for more than five years.

They met online during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After completing the SPM, Huang was going through a period of uncertainty in his life.

Qiu, he said, repeatedly encouraged and supported him, giving him a greater sense of direction in life.

Huang said that Qiu was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she considered ending their relationship.

However, he refused, saying he did not want her to lose one of her pillars of support.

Qiu’s mother also praised Huang for his dedication during her daughter’s treatment.

She said he stayed by Qiu’s bedside throughout the day, leaving only to eat or use the toilet — something she felt even family members might have found difficult to do.

"He is a very responsible young man. Though he cannot be my son-in-law, he can definitely be my godson," she said.