The Scene at Paul Wong's Memorial is Heart-wrenching; Lin De Rong Chokes Up Recalling Memories

Local concert and event industry heavyweight Paul Wong (Huang Zhiming) passed away on the 22nd of this month in a motorcycle accident while riding in northern Thailand, at the age of 56. Before the memorial held on the evening of the 28th at Nirvana Memorial Center Kuala Lumpur, his family met the media to explain the accident and the ongoing investigation, breaking down in tears several times. At the memorial, his four children recalled their father’s teachings, with emotions overflowing and an anguished atmosphere filling the venue. Longtime friend and MY DJ Lin De Rong, sharing memories of Paul’s loyalty and willingness to go the extra mile for his friends, couldn’t hold back his tears and wept on stage.

Paul Wong’s widow, Xie Yufen, and four children—Huang Junyan (27), Huang Junli (25), Huang Huayi (22), and Huang Xinghao (20)—told the media that Paul departed alone from Kuala Lumpur on the 8th, riding his motorcycle through Laos into Thailand to meet cycling friends from China. On the 22nd, after separating from teammates in Lamphun Province, he continued toward Chiang Mai, but had an accident on a highway about 3 kilometers from Chiang Mai.

The second son, Huang Junli, said that their father usually checked in regularly, but on that day there was no word. The family tracked his location and found that his phone had stayed at a hospital for eight hours. When they called the hospital, the doctor’s words, “I am so sorry, he is gone,” were nearly impossible for the family to accept. Xie Yufen tearfully recounted that the couple had planned to meet in Chiang Mai on the 23rd, “The plane ticket was already bought—only now the purpose has completely changed.”

According to police and eyewitness accounts, a lorry suddenly made a U-turn on the highway. Paul Wong was unable to avoid it and crashed into the back of the lorry. He was thrown into the air and then struck a roadside barrier, causing a fatal brain injury. Although there were still signs of life in the ambulance, he fell unconscious along the way and passed away at 1:37 p.m. Thai time. Thai police have classified the incident as a hit-and-run; the lorry has been found, but the driver is still being traced.

The memorial hall was filled with flowers, and friends from the entertainment, events, and cycling circles came to pay their respects. Artists including Wang Jun, Xie Mu, Yan Qiuxia, Lü Aiqiong, Chen Meier, and Xie Caiyun attended the memorial to say goodbye. Flower wreaths were sent by Michael Wong, Gary Chaw, Zhang Zhi Cheng, Chen Wei Quan, Jess Lee, Hong Kong director Ko Chi Sum, and others. TVB International Business Director Ip Man Yee also flew from Hong Kong to pay her respects. The four children choked with sobs on stage while recalling their father's life teachings, with a heavy and sorrowful mood prevailing.

Many friends also shared their final memories with him at the venue. MY DJ Lin De Rong choked up several times during his speech, bursting into tears at the most emotional moments. He described Paul Wong as loyal and always supporting his friends: “Even before I became famous, he introduced me to people in the industry. The phrase he said most often was: ‘Brother, no problem—I’ll fix it for you.’” Musician Huang Dewei, a friend of more than 30 years, said Paul was the real hero behind the scenes: “He never sought credit, only wanting the audience to enjoy the best show. He was a spotlight in my entertainment career as well.”