Am incredibly sad to hear of the passing of “Mr Teh”, and offer sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. As one of a small class of senior art students at Gore High school I remember John Teh fondly as a passionate teacher. He was hugely caring of his students, inspiring and motivating all of us to push forward with our artistic endeavours, and he was literally the sole reason I went to school each day. His dry wit and humour was ever-present, even when he was frustrated with some of us for lacking focus or output (“Faster, faster!” was the most common command in our class). I recall the times he would appear over my shoulder and say “no, no, not like that! Like this…!” And taking the paintbrush from me he would vigorously slap paint over my mistakes then hand the brush back and walk away, saying “now you fix it!” And I would, and he was satisfied. I loved that kind of motivation (and I often needed it). Always pushing, always driving his students to do better, go harder, think deeper, invent and imagine greater. Ultimately John nurtured our passion and love for all things creative and he had a unique way of drawing the artist out of each and every one of us. So many of his students have continued to be artistic or creative in one way or another. This student is fortunate to have two wonderfully creative children and I strive every day to guide, support, and inspire them in the same manner dear Mr Teh did for me. Remembered fondly, forever. Rest In Peace Teh Chong Tean.

Dear friends and family of my dad, Thank you for all your tributes. We had a lovely send-off for my dad on Sunday 20th November in Auckland, New Zealand. The eulogies were the highlight of the service and on behalf of my mum Sheila and sister Eugenia, we're very thankful for you sharing your heartfelt memories. They are all individual stories of the impact my dad had and we were in awe at how much he meant to you all. I've attached a photo of the funeral. The videos are also available on this site to replay. Thank you all again. Warm regards, Rowan on behalf of Sheila and Eugenia

I'm so sad to hear of Mr Teh's passing. He taught me art at UWC, Singapore, and I just adored him. He made me laugh so much with his humour and he inspired me to do so much with my art. I've always been fond of the subject and continue to be artistic. I went to 7 schools growing up with my final school being UWC and of all these schools Mr Teh was my favourite teacher so that is saying something! My condolences to his family and friends.

Cara, wonderfully said my old friend, you've always had a gift with words. I too was fortunate enough to be a former pupil of John's at Gore High School during the 80's and have many fond memories. During John's time at Gore High, the school Cert and UE pass rate for art became one of the highest (if not the highest) in NZ. This is not only a testament to the dedication and passion John had for teaching but also his professionalism. It wasn't until John was about to leave that we discovered his rich life as a professional International artist and recall John showing us pictures shaking hands with the then Prince Charles and being on a set of a Bond movie. I still think that's cool. I was told at school graduation that I was the first person to graduate high school from my home town in 3 years. Art is what got me through and strangely enough I became a professional artist. John, thank you for you being you. I credit you for influencing my early life in so many positive ways. For that I'm eternally grateful. SIncere condolences to John's whanau who I remember well were always in the forefront of his mind. If you ever want to hear some good stories from the 80's I'd be glad to share them with you. Kā mihi mahana, arohanui Tony

Mr Teh was my art teacher at Gore High School 1982-1986. We were a great bunch in our final year and Mr Teh was the well loved and well respected centre of that and he was definitely our most favourite mentor. I went to live in Spain at the end of our last year and will never forget Mr Teh picking me up at Wellington airport on my return, and providing me with hospitality for the night with his family, in his home in Wellington. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I will never forget him 🖤

I used to address Chong as Teh.. he was very humble and a true professional. He was a credit to his craft and always brought the best out of art students, tutees and teaching staff. A true gentleman. Sending heartfelt condolences . RIP. Julie x

Sorry to hear of your loss. Glad you were able to have that extra time with your dad.

It is with great sorrow that I learn of the death of a much-loved colleague and friend, Chong Teh. Chong was a wonderful, good-natured, gentle, talented yet modest artist and teacher, admired and respected by everyone. He has a special place in my memory as the designer and painter of the beautiful “Thai” backdrop for UWCSEA’s production of “The King and I”! It was a pleasure and privilege to perform in front of it! I send my heartfelt condolences to Chong’s family and friends. With warm thoughts of sympathy, Kathleen Watson Chong Teh’s Backdrop (with the King’s Children: Students of UWCSEA; with “I”, Anna: Kathleen Kennedy Watson; with the King: Brian Green)

Teh Tean Chong joined United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA)in 1974 and was part of a team of four highly motivated Specialist Art Teachers who were not only committed to teaching Art at the school but also integrating the school with the local community through Art and the Annual Festival Of The Arts. The Art Staff earned the respect of the Art community and institutions. We participated activity in Art exhibitions at all levels and conducted Art workshops at the Young People’s Gallery of the National Museum. We are honoured to have our works represented in the permanent collection of the National Gallery Singapore. Tean Chong left UWCSEA in 1977 in order to take up New Zealand citizenships for his whole family. He was already in a very senior position at the Ministry of Education (NZ) when I approached him to return to Singapore to take up his former position as In Charge of 3D Art. And he was delighted to help to revitalise our 3D Art programme after a period of decline. Tean Chong was always willing to oblige and ready for challenges and work as a team for maximum realisation. He will always be remembered. Rest In Peace. Eng Seng and Diana

We send sincere condolences to family at this sad time.Gavin worked with Chong in the art department at UWC.He was quite a character and talented artist..We have very fond memories of him. Gavin and Moira.

We remeber Chong Teh very well from our time at UWC. A friendly and much liked colleague

Chong Teh was a wonderful colleague in the Art Department. His unflagging good humour, infectious chuckle, dedication to his students and the huge, vibrant sculptures that could be seen scattered around the courtyard of the 3d area will be remembered by many. Always innovative, Chong introduced several new and ambitious 3d techniques to the students besides the usual clay and pottery techniques. Chong will be remembered with affection and will have touched the lives of many of his students. My deepest condolences to Sheila, Eugenia, Rowan and all his family. Mary Kirwan UWC 1974-2009

my dearest tuaku My brothers and I will miss you dearly…. We have the fondest memories of our time together whenever you visited Penang when we were little… We always looked forward to your frequent visits during school holidays with tuakim and our cousins, Poh Suan and Rowan… We always felt closest to you all despite mostly being in different countries… The recent pandemic disrupted my planned visit and prevented my family and I from seeing you one last time. I know it will remain as a big regret in my life for a long time… Although you are no longer with us now but the memories of you will be engraved in our hearts forever… May your soul rest in peace…

Our sincere condolences to the family. Brian remembers him well as a splendid friend and colleague. I recall admiring a piece of his work and asking....stupidly !....."How do you do that?"......Chong smiled and replied..."I just do it Brian." A lovely man. Ethel and Brian Green

We have very warm memories of Chong, Sheila, Eugenia and Rowan from 1974 at Pasir Panjang Close, and of Chong as a colleague at UWC. We are very sorry to hear of Chong’s passing, and send our sincere condolences. Steve and Heather Kay (UWC, 1974-1979, 1982-1993)

Sincere condolences to Sheila, Eugenia & Rowan. "Chong" was a much loved & talented art teacher & colleague at UWCSEA Singapore. When we joined the school in 1974 we were told 'Ladies wear gloves and leave calling cards'. Those were the days. Chong will be very sadly missed.

You will be dearly missed, Tuaku. Those beautiful moments you shared with us will forever be in our hearts and memories. Rest in eternal peace.