Raffles Institution is mourning the death of Heng Ah Kim, affectionately known as “Uncle Heng,” who spent more than four decades serving generations of students at the school’s cafe.
Heng died at the age of 85 on Sept. 21. His death was announced by Raffles Institution, which described him as a constant and warmly remembered presence in its community.
For more than 40 years, Heng operated Heng’s Cafe alongside his wife, known to students as “Auntie Heng.” The cafe moved with the school through several locations, from its former campus at Paterson Road to Mount Sinai and eventually to the current Bishan campus.
For students, the stall was more than somewhere to buy a drink or snack. It became part of the daily rhythm of school life — a familiar stop between lessons, before co-curricular activities and during brief breaks from classes.
Raffles Institution said Heng was known for his ready smile, warm welcome and genuine care for the people he served.
The school also highlighted the role his wife played throughout those decades, saying the couple created something that went beyond an ordinary drinks and snacks stall.
For generations of Rafflesians, small interactions at the cafe became lasting memories. A quick drink between classes, a snack before an activity or a brief conversation at the counter could become part of the experience of growing up at the school.
Heng’s long service also meant that students from different generations shared a connection to the same familiar figure, even as the school itself changed locations and evolved over the years.
Raffles Institution has invited former students, staff and members of its wider community to share their memories of Heng and messages of comfort for his family.
Heng was scheduled to be cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Sept. 25.
His passing closes a remarkable chapter in the history of a school community where a simple cafe became a place of familiarity for thousands of students — and where one man quietly became part of generations of Rafflesians’ memories.
