A teacher for life: honouring the legacy of Harry Tan

“What I remember most about Sir Harry is how genuine, nurturing, and sincere he was with his students,” said Debbie Poon (NIE/2005), now a Physical Education teacher at Townsville Primary School. “Even after our graduation, he continued to stay in touch, sending us thoughtful, timely messages. He showed us that teaching doesn’t end in the classroom — it continues through life. His dedication, care, and inspiration are hallmarks of a teacher who sees teaching as a lifelong commitment, not just a job.”

The late Mr Harry Tan Eng Kwang was a passionate educator who dedicated 51 years of his life to teaching. He taught Debbie in 2001 when she attended the foundational course, “Introduction to Physical Education” at the NTU Singapore's National Institute of Education (NIE). 

The late Mr Harry Tan (left) with his wife, Dr Jessie Png, on a holiday in Mongolia last July.

He passed away at age 76 during a hiking expedition in Nepal in late September 2024. He had been trekking with his friends at the Kongma La Pass in Nepal, located south of Everest Base Camp, when he lost his footing and fell off a slope due to the bad weather. A snowstorm delayed rescue efforts, and his body was found after more than a week in a search-and-rescue operation.

In memory of her husband, Dr Jessie Png, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Literature Department at NIE, has pledged a gift to establish the Harry Tan Eng Kwang Book Prizes, which will support two outstanding students annually from the Diploma in Physical Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education programmes.

“Harry was very sentimental,” Dr Png shared. “He kept in touch with students dating back to his early days at Selegie Primary School. He journeyed with them, helped those in need, and even joined their birthday celebrations. He also stayed connected with his classmates from St Joseph’s Institution and the University of Oregon, meeting them regularly.”

Harry only took up hiking in recent years, but once he did, he poured his heart into it. With quiet determination, he trained regularly on Bukit Timah Hill. His dedication took him all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and twice to the breathtaking heights of Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

“He was grounded and never concerned with what others thought. He just stayed true to himself,” Dr Png said. Her final text message from him came just after breakfast, as he set off for what would be his last hike.

An inspiring educator

Harry began his teaching career in 1969 after earning his Certificate in Education. He taught English Language and Literature at primary school level before expanding into Physical Education (PE).

He completed a 300-hour certification course in PE in 1981. In December 1994, he joined NIE as a PE teacher educator. Although he officially retired in 2010, he continued to teach part-time from 2013 to 2020.

“When he taught tennis as a part-timer, he would stay back with his students after class, sometimes playing until noon. It was his passion,” recalled Dr Png. “He was extremely fit, followed a plant-based diet, and always encouraged others to live well.”

A certified squash coach and avid golf enthusiast, Harry enjoyed overseas golfing trips with his friends.

The couple met at a lecturer’s wedding, where Harry offered to drive her home. Before long, they got married in 1995. He was 47, and she is 10 years his junior.

With the support of his friends, Harry pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Oregon in the US. Upon his return, he taught at junior colleges, ACS Secondary (Barker) and ACS (Independent).

Mr Harry Tan (left) performed with his former student at NIE’s National Day Celebrations in 2022.

“To him, teaching was never just a profession. It was a calling,” said Dr Png. “He looked after his students even long after they graduated.”

Dr Png herself joined NIE in 2001 to teach student teachers and served in administrative roles for several years.

During her last appointment as the Assistant Dean of Diploma Programmes, she noticed a lack of recognition for high-potential PE students in the Diploma programmes.

“There were no book prizes for the Diploma in PE students then,” she noted.

The outpouring of support following Harry’s accident — from colleagues, the PE fraternity, former students and friends — was overwhelming. With the donations, Dr Png decided to establish a lasting legacy in his name.

After discussing with Dr Adrian Kee, Head of Physical Education and Sports Science Department at NIE, she pledged S$84,000 to endow the book prizes in perpetuity. The prizes will be awarded based on grades in skills courses. In Dr Kee’s words, this “best exemplifies Harry’s philosophy and passion for teaching and learning sports skills”.

A gift that lives on

The inaugural recipients of the Harry Tan Eng Kwang Book Prizes were recognised at the NIE Teachers' Investiture in July 2025.

They are Gregory Ng, 25, a student on the Diploma in Physical Education programme, and Khairul Usman Salim, 30, a candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education — both aspiring teachers inspired to make a difference in students’ lives, just like Harry did.

From left: Donor Dr Jessie Png and Book Prize recipients, Khairul Usman Salim and Gregory Ng at NIE Teachers’ Investiture Ceremony.

Debbie Poon summed it up best, “Looking back, I’m grateful for the strong foundation Sir Harry helped lay during my formative years. His early influence continues to shape how I teach, lead, and connect with my students today. He exemplified the kind of teacher who teaches not for a season, but for a lifetime.”

Indeed, Mr Harry Tan had left behind far more than memories — he left behind a legacy of giving, and a light that continues to inspire.