Emma Yong Stage actress dies of cancer, aged 36

Emma Yong, one of Singapore’s most prominent stage performers has died.

Ms Emma Yong, who is well-known for her role in the local musical 'Dim Sum Dollies', died early Thursday morning after a short battle with stomach cancer.

The 36-year-old actress, who was first diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in January last year, had responded well to chemotherapy and managed to send it into remission.

However, she suffered a relapse again later in the year.

Ms Emma Yong’s fellow theatre colleagues like Neo Swee Lin and Janice Koh began tweeting their condolences past midnight early Thursday morning.

Watch a performance by Emma Yong

“RIP darling Emma. Angels bear you aloft. Our performing family has lost one of our greatest talents,” said Ms Neo.

Ms Koh, who is also a Nominated Member of Parliament, wrote on her page: “We have lost a beautiful actress and one of our most talented performers and singers tonight. Rest in peace, my dear Emma. Miss you...”

Their tweets have since been taken down.

Ms Emma Yong, together with her fellow 'Dim Sum Dollies' Selena Tan and Pamela Oei was part of an anti-trafficking campaign called ‘Women Make A Difference’ in 2008.

The campaign was led by the ex-editor of ELLE magazine Theresa Tan, who said on her blog that she wishes she had known Ms Emma Yong, who was from Raffles Junior College, better.

Read inSing.com’s 2009 interview with Emma Yong here

“Such a beautiful, sweet girl who turned out to be one of Singapore’s most luminous talents. When I hear her name, I think of that JC girl, and I cannot imagine cancer touching her. It’s a travesty,” said Ms Tan.

Ms Emma Yong, who is known for her sweet and clear voice, married interior designer Jerry Lim in the middle of last year while going through cancer treatment.

In an interview with the media last December, Ms Emma Yong said she was looking forward to a holiday in Japan with Mr Lim once she recovered.

Fans have also tweeted accolades for Ms Emma Yong.

One of them, Gekkie Koh, said: “RIP Emma Yong… Even though the only play that I have watched from you was 'Cinderel-Lah', you were a great actress.”

Another fan, ohSamzy, tweeted: “Dear all, lets have this moment of silence and pray for Emma's family. RIP Emma Yong. Thank you for your contributions in the arts scene.”

Actress Rebecca Lim tweeted, "Rest in peace Emma Yong. Your talent, strength, optimism & determination will forever be remembered. Thanks for being such an inspiration."

Recent Star Award winner Tay Ping Hui tweeted that "Singapore's has lost one of its most talented actress tonight. Emma Yong, the legacy you left behind continues to inspire us. Rest in Peace."

Blogger Benjamin Lee (@miyagi) also tweeted and said, "Vale, Emma Yong" while local musicians Jack and Rai tweeted, "such a prominent talent in SG's music and theatre scene. Condolences to family and friends".

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