Raffles Institution drink stall owner 'Uncle Heng' passes away at 85

Heng Ah Kim, affectionately known as "Uncle Heng" to generations of Raffles Institution (RI) students, has passed away at the age of 85.

His passing was announced in a post on RI's official Facebook page on Sep. 23.

Always there with "a ready smile"

According to the post, Uncle Heng had run the drinks and snacks stall at the school for more than four decades, moving with RI from its former campus at Paterson Road to the Mount Sinai campus in Bishan, and to its current integrated campus.

"His passing is deeply felt by all who knew him, and by the many whose school days were brightened by his presence at Heng’s Cafe," the post read.

In its tribute, RI described Uncle Heng as a familiar and caring presence in the school community who greeted his customers with a "ready smile".

His wife, known as "Auntie Heng", stood by him through the years.

Together, they built a stall that became more than just a place for students to buy drinks and snacks, RI said.

For generations of students, Heng's Cafe was a familiar stop between lessons and before co-curricular activities (CCAs).

"Without fanfare, he became part of the memories we carry from our school days," the post read.

The school said it was grateful for Uncle Heng's "life lived in service to the Raffles community", as well as the warmth he and his wife brought to the canteen.

RI also encouraged members of the school community to visit Heng's Cafe when Auntie Heng returns, saying that a kind word or simply being there could offer her comfort during the difficult period.

The school also invited former students and members of the RI community to share their memories of Uncle Heng or messages of comfort for his family in the comments of its post.

"So long, Uncle Heng. May you rest in peace."