Prof. Lawrence Wong Wai Choong (1954 – 2022)
Region 10 Director 2011-2012, IEEE Vice President MGA 2015-2016
I am deeply saddened about the passing of Prof. Lawrence Wong. Prof. Lawrence Wong was a well-respected and dedicated IEEE leader who served as the Vice President of IEEE MGA in 2015-2016, IEEE Region 10 Director in 2011-2012, Chair of IEEE Singapore Section in 1993-1996 and in many other IEEE capacities. His contributions to IEEE and Region 10 were exemplary. I had the opportunity to work under his leadership in his EXCOM and have many pleasant memories. The passing of Prof. Lawrence Wong is a great loss to IEEE and IEEE Region 10. On behalf of IEEE Region 10, our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Deepak Mathur, IEEE Region 10 Director
Prof. Lawrence Wong is truly a scholar and a gentleman, a dedicated volunteer, and an excellent leader in IEEE, as well as in his discipline of learning. During my over 20 years of association with Prof. Wong, Lawrence always wears a smile, friendly, joyous, courteous, and being approachable. In his capacity as IEEE volunteer and leader, he served with outstanding performance, humility and respect for fellow members, highly disciplined, and being an example for all to follow. With his experience and knowledge in IEEE matters, he was always available to provide answers, advice, encouragement, and resolutions. Lawrence’s demise is indeed a great loss to his family as well as IEEE. He will always be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all.
Lance Fung, IEEE Region 10 Director-Elect
We miss Prof. Lawrence Wong very much, as he was our very good friend through many IEEE activities. I met Lawrence first when I joined IEEE Region 10 Executive Committee in 1995. He had been a member of that Committee since a year before, and he kindly introduced me many things of Region 10. He served as Region 10 Director 2011-2012, IEEE Vice President MGA 2015-2016, and many other positions. His excellent leadership skills and critical comments helped Region 10 to be vibrant for many years including the time of his Directorship. During my Directorship in 2019-2020 his advice as an Advisory Committee member was valuable. We will follow his great passion and dedication in our IEEE volunteer work and in our daily life. He will always be in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Akinori Nishihara, IEEE Region 10 Past Director
I came to know of Lawrence during his term as IEEE R10 Director, when we hosted the 2011 IEEE Region 10 Student/GOLD (Now YP)/WIE congress here in Auckland. Since then, there have been several instances when we met in person. The last I recollect is when he came to New Zealand again in 2020.
Rest in peace my friend.
Nirmal Nair, IEEE R10 Vice-Chair of Professional Activities
It’s indeed shocking to hear such unbelievable news. Lawrence was a good friend of mine and kind, caring and IEEE volunteer leader of excellence, who brought numerous laurels to both IEEE & Region 10. Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family and friends to bear such an irreparable loss. Rest in Peace Prof. Lawrence!
Dr. Ramakrishna Kappagantu, IEEE R10 Advisory Committee
Lawrence was always a great friend and well-respected IEEE leader who took several key initiatives while being the Regional Director and VP of MGA. He had a big fan base and has inspired many IEEE members and volunteers. Friends and tall leaders like Lawrence are never truly gone. You will live in the memories of all who loved you.
Amit Kumar, IEEE R10 Section Chapter Committee Chair
Prof. Lawrence Wong was my “STAR” in IEEE activities. When I joined Region 10 ExCom in 2010, he was a Director-Elect and he guided me to plan various student activities in the most growing region. Then I continued as R10 SAC under his directorship for 2 years. The most remembering one was our 1st Region 10 SAC/GOLD/WIE Congress 2011 held in Auckland. Before 2011, R10 coordinated only student congresses but we discussed and expanded to include GOLD (now YP) and WIE members in order to share our special knowledge to wider sectors of members. With the big help of Director Lawrence, the event was coordinated very successfully. Now after 10 years, I still stay inside R10 ExCom serving various positions, and Prof. Lawrence always gave very important guidance in a whisper to enhance value and opportunity of our activities. Without him, I could not complete my role. In social situation, we had wines in many places worldwide. He had a special knowledge and I learned many things to enjoy. Dear Prof. Lawrence, please rest in peace with enjoying wines!
Takao Onoye, Dr.Eng, IEEE R10 Conference & Technical Seminar Committee Chair