A 23-year-old Malaysian woman who achieved perfect results in her pre-university examinations and dreamed of becoming a Japanese translator has died after a courageous battle with leukaemia.
Cindy Wong Xin Yee passed away peacefully at 3:11am on July 18, according to a tribute released by the University of Malaya’s Faculty of Languages and Linguistics.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from lecturers, classmates and members of the public, many of whom remembered her determination to continue pursuing her education despite undergoing intensive medical treatment.
Outstanding Student With Dreams Of Studying In Japan
Wong excelled academically from an early age, earning a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.
Her outstanding results secured her a place in the Japanese Department at the University of Malaya, where she pursued her passion for the Japanese language and culture.
According to reports, Wong had long been fascinated by Japanese anime and aspired to become a professional Japanese translator. She also hoped to further her studies in Japan after completing her university education.
She was nearing the end of her degree programme, with only her industrial training left before graduation.
Continued Studying Despite Frequent Hospitalisation
The university revealed that Wong remained deeply committed to her studies even after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Throughout her illness, she endured repeated hospital admissions and eventually underwent a bone marrow transplant. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she continued attending online lectures whenever her health allowed and diligently completed coursework and assignments.
Her perseverance left a lasting impression on both lecturers and fellow students.
The Faculty of Languages and Linguistics described her resilience as an inspiration, praising her unwavering determination to complete her education despite the difficulties she faced.
The university also shared that it is providing financial assistance to Wong’s family during this difficult period.
Diagnosis Came After Sudden Collapse
According to reports, Wong’s health took a dramatic turn in the middle of 2023 when she suddenly collapsed after experiencing severe abdominal pain.
Following a series of medical examinations, doctors diagnosed her with advanced-stage leukaemia in October that year.
Although she underwent extensive treatment in an effort to overcome the disease, Wong ultimately succumbed to the illness.
Her story has touched many across Malaysia, with many paying tribute to her academic excellence, courage and determination to keep chasing her dreams despite facing a life-threatening illness.
While her ambition of becoming a Japanese translator was never realised, her resilience and positive attitude continue to inspire those who knew her and the wider community.