My deepest condolences.

*back to hacking rhel kernels...*
Posted by jiinjoo on Friday, September 21 2007 02:48 PM

I will always remember the interview I had with Cheok Beng Teck in 2005. It was for a special report on open source, and it felt more like an educational session. He patiently answered all my questions, occasionally pulling in his assistant CIOs to elaborate on the team’s experience with implementing open-source software at Mindef. Singapore's IT press will miss him.
Posted by Isabelle Chan, ZDNet Asia on Friday, September 21 2007 03:47 PM

Cheok was indeed a long time and very close friend of mine. It was both shocking and heart-wrenching when I heard of his decease on Sunday evening. He will be sadly missed. We spent more than 22 years in the IT industry together, supporting and encouraging each other on. We used to get together regularly with a bunch of very close friends to talk about most things, except IT topics. Reason being that we often had diverse views about how the industry had and would develop, and we often saw things repeating itself and therefore were not stubborn about one being more right than the other. Cheok was always in the government services whilst i was in the vendor environment.
Nonetheless it was respect, care and friendship which ultimately bridged everything else for us. A most helpful, truthful individual and personal friend whom I have ever had.
Posted by Thomas Choong on Friday, September 21 2007 04:33 PM

Hope Mindef will continue to embrace open source after the sudden sad departure of Cheok. My condolences.
Posted by Michael Chai on Friday, September 21 2007 11:44 PM

For someone who has struck an unconventional path in the midst of conformists, doff my hat to Cheok for advocating the Open Source . Hope someone carries the mantle from him and perpetuate his legacy
Posted by chandra on Saturday, September 22 2007 07:02 PM

Cheok has left a indelible mark on the IT roadmap of Singapore. Never have I seen someone more dedicated to his work and his co-workers. Under the most stressful conditions, he would still have a smile and a sense of humour. Cheok, you will be missed. I am glad to have had the pleasure of working with you on the National Grid Project.
Posted by Alex Siow on Saturday, September 22 2007 10:24 PM

Dr Cheok is indeed one of the visionaries of the local IT industry. I am grateful for the scoop that he gave me on Mindef's open source plans, and the rest was history. He left a lasting impression on me when I walked away from that interview. This was a man with a can-do attitude and will effect change for the better. While I'm sure Mindef will continue his good work, the future of open source in Singapore remains bleak. Too many industry efforts to drive open source have fallen flat, and I doubt we're going to see another similar case study anytime soon.
Posted by Aaron Tan on Sunday, September 23 2007 02:19 PM

Yes, I am deeply saddened by the loss of a leader in the IT industry. He was a good listener and always had the welfare of both Mindef and IBM staff even as we worked out solutions to diffcult challenges. He was pragmatic on the issues and always complimentary of the people he worked with.
He is truly a gentle giant in this industry of ours.
Posted by Francis Fong on Monday, September 24 2007 09:58 AM

Rest in Peace, Cheok! When we first met - in IHPC i believe, it was a thrill to see have a person who understood what technology was and how we can all benefit from it. And later, when you went to Mindef, I thought, that Singapore finally got it right. And we did. Mindef got it right, while IDA lost the thought leadership. Mindef showed the way forward and with the right philosophy. It is not about proprietary products per se, but about ownership AND access of one's content - open and published formats. In the recently concluded OOXML sham, M$ showed how unscrupulous they are in they way they want to lock organizations in. In that regard, and as a tax paying, reservist, I am glad the Mindef will continue to have access to it's data long after M$ is gone from the scene.

Cheok, your principles and stand on the ownership of one's content will continue. To the family of Cheok, my sincere condolences. But, the efforts of Cheok will not be forgotten.

Till we meet again.
Posted by Harish Pillay on Monday, September 24 2007 02:10 PM

It is always sad to have someone leave us, especially in such untimely fashion.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Cheok whilst promoting open source when he was in Mindef. His introduction by friends in the industry left me wondering what kind of person he is as he was painted to be an aggressive and straight to the point person. Upon meeting him, I realised it was all true, but wrapped around it was logic and understanding and a passion to do what is right.

We have lost not just a person who pushes open source but one who did things for all the right reasons.

May you rest in peace Dr. Cheok!
Posted by Daniel Ng on Monday, September 24 2007 05:17 PM

A salute to the brave soldier who carried the open source torch with indomitable faith. His works will inspire and constantly provide fuel to keep the 'open source' torch burning for times to come. May his soul rest in peace.
Posted by Stephen Tanty on Monday, September 24 2007 10:49 PM

Such an important figure will definitely be missed. We need more people like him in this country, which is over-fed with proprietary ideals. -RIP-
Posted by Ray Rashif on Wednesday, September 26 2007 01:58 AM