Crowd grows as Aloysius Pang's wake opens to fans and members of the public

SINGAPORE — An hour before the wake for Corporal First Class (CFC) Aloysius Pang was opened to the public on Saturday (Jan 26), a queue of about 10 fans had begun to form outside, patiently waiting their turn to pay their respects to a favourite actor.

A teary-eyed fan, 49-year-old Angeline, was first in line.

“Aloysius was a talented young man. I’ve seen his shows and can’t believe he passed away just like that. He was just doing his part.”

CFC Pang lost his life on Wednesday while on reservist training in New Zealand, four days after he sustained major injuries to his internal organs after being crushed by the barrel of a gun inside a self-propelled howitzer.

The death of the 28-year-old has led to an outpouring of grief from fellow artistes and fans, who mourned a bright star gone too soon. 

Inside the tentage at 82A Macpherson Lane, while it was still a private affair, somber music played as family and friends trickled in.

Among them were men from the 268th Battallion Singapore artillery, in which CFC Pang had served as an armament technician.

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong arrived around 9.30am, paid his respects and stayed until 10.15am to speak to CFC Pang’s family and friends. Member of Parliament (MP) for Macpherson Tin Pei Ling, who had already visited the family on Friday night, paid a second visit.

Two large LCD screens on either side of CFC Pang’s coffin replayed happy memories from his life – precious moments spent with friends, family, at work.

The space around filled up with lush wreaths, including three from Hollywood director Ang Lee, Fly Entertainment chief executive Irene Ang and Malaysian singer Joyce Chu.

The wake is open to the public from noon on Saturday to noon on Sunday. CFC Pang’s body will be cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Jan 27.