Ms Linda Koh’s six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter had been asking their grandparents for her.

When they were told on Thursday nightthat their mother had died, they at first refused to believe it.

But when they finally realised their mother was gone, at her wake yesterday, they were inconsolable.

Ms Koh, 36, was found unconscious in her hotel room while on a business trip to Hong Kong last Saturday.

She was taken to the Queen Mary Hospital there but died soon after, reported Shin Min Daily News.

Ms Koh was the managing director of family-run local business KSP Marketing, which specialises in processing pork and other frozen meat products.

The divorcee, who was a successful and respected businesswoman, was a third-generation boss of the family business.

On the night of her death, Ms Koh’s younger brother and her ex-husband flew to Hong Kong.

They returned to Singapore on Thursday night with her body.

A preliminary autopsy report said Ms Koh had suffered a stroke.

Her father, Mr Alan Koh, 74, had earlier told Shin Min that his eldest daughter had a history of hypertension but had seen a doctor and was taking medication.

The family is now waiting for the full findings of the report to be out, which may take months or up to a year.

Speaking to The New Paper yesterday at Woodlands Street 11, Block 169, where the three-day wake is held, Ms Koh’s mother, Madam Ng Ah Moi, said: “The little ones still can’t believe she is gone. I don’t know if they fully understand what is happening.”

“Every time I talk about my daughter, my heart breaks.

“We’re all so tired,” she added, before declining to comment further.

Ms Koh’s wake spanned three void decks and the corridors were lined with numerous wreaths and blankets from her friends, family and work associates.

Her paternal uncle, Mr Henry Koh, 69, said: “It’s a testament to how well-loved she was.

“She was a good daughter, mother, and businesswoman.

“Her parents expect many friends and business associates to turn up.”

He added, teary-eyed: “She will always be remembered fondly. She was too young to die.”

Shin Min reported that Ms Koh had flown to Hong Kong last Wednesday for work and was due to return home on Saturday night.

However, that morning, she was found unconscious in her hotel room after having breakfast with friends.

Her ex-husband Louis Ang, 38, an architect, was at the wake, but declined to speak to media.

EXHAUSTED

His childhood friend, Ms Irenea Khoo, 38, said he was exhausted after having spent the past few days settling funeral affairs.

“The family is in a vulnerable place right now. Her (Ms Koh’s) mother collapsed this morning, and he (Mr Ang) is very emotional,” she said.

Ms Khoo, a sales executive at food supplier Angliss, also said Ms Koh was respected and well-known in the food and beverage industry as she always went the extra mile to serve customers, clients and colleagues.

“She was a wonderful woman, very sincere and hands-on. The industry has lost a wonderful person,” she said.

Ms Khoo also said Mr Ang will take over the responsibility of caring for the two children with the help of Ms Koh’s parents.

It’s a testament to how well-loved she was. She was a good daughter, mother, and businesswoman.

– Ms Linda Koh’s uncle on how many people showed up at her wake

For more than 10 years, the e-mails that Roman Catholic church volunteer Philip Wong received were mostly about his parish church’s activities, like planning funfairs and feastdays, or about announcements by the archdiocese.

But on Thursday, the 66-year-old was surprised to receive an e-mail on how to prepare for a terrorist attack.

The PowerPoint presentation slides were from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, the governing authority of the Roman Catholic church in Singapore.

It has an initiative to form an Archdiocesan Emergency Preparedness Taskforce to train and equip members with basic emergency skills and to improve standard operating procedures for emergencies.

In recent years, terrorists have been attacking places of worship. (See report on facing page.)

Mr Wong, who has been a volunteer for more than 10 years at St Anne’s Church, told The New Paper: “Times have changed. Because of the threat of terrorism, we have to be more aware.”

VOLUNTEERS

Other Roman Catholic churches, including the Church of St Teresa at Kampong Bahru Road and The Church of the Risen Christ in Toa Payoh Central, were also calling for volunteers with experience in fire-fighting and emergency first aid.

And the churches are not the only religious organisation to be ramping up security.

Mosques, which are fitted with closed-circuit television cameras, are secured and locked after midnight, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

The Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF) told TNP it was working with temples on safety measures, from emergency evacuation plans to theft prevention.

Last month, the Hindu Endowments Board told The Straits Timesthat its temples have security measures to ensure the safety of their devotees.

These measures are in line with SGSecure, a national movement launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in September to increase the public’s preparedness in emergency situations such as a terrorist attack.

SBF’s chief executive Kua Soon Khe told TNP that it has been working with the temples and sharing information about SGSecure with them.

“We are helping to disseminate and translate information on safety protocols to the temples, from emergency evacuation plans to theft prevention measures,” he said.

He added that security is now a national and global challenge and requires the awareness and involvement of every citizen.

“With the collapse of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East and many ISIS fighters returning to South-east Asia, we have to heighten our awareness for threats in the region,” said Mr Kua.

“The threat is very real. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.”

Mr Ruston Ghadiali, president of the Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore, called for everyone to work and stand together.

“The Government has been sending messages about the threat of terrorism,” he said.

“Accordingly, we tell our members that they should be building networks within their own communities.

“The question is how we communicate if something happens. We hope there won’t be any attack, but if there is, we should stand together – that is the most important thing.”

Some places of worship said they already had security in place.

RESPONSE PLANS

Director of mosques at Muis, Mr Mohd Helmy Isa, said mosques were plugged into their neighbourhood and grassroots organisations, and have crisis response plans for emergencies.

“We view threats as real and serious as the safety of our congregants and children is our upmost priority,” he said.

“Threats do not affect only the Muslim community but the nation at large.

“We will remain vigilant and united with all Singaporeans and continue to strive, stay resilient and strong.”

St Andrew’s Cathedral’s general manager Kenneth Ng said it has had additional cameras and guards in place since the 9/11 attack in the US. It has also engaged a third-party firm to do a security review this year.

These measures have increased the cathedral’s security budget, said Mr Ng, but “it’s necessary”.

We view threats as real and serious as the safety of our congregants and children is our upmost priority. Threats do not affect only the Muslim community but the nation at large.

– Mr Mohd Helmy Isa, director of mosques at Muis

With Singapore taking pride in its racial and religious harmony, security is important to ensure that it remains that way.

— Mr Bryan James Francisco, a civil servant and parishioner at St Anne’s Church

An Icelandic woman was saved by four Singaporeans after her car turned turtle in an accident in icy road conditions.

But she could not remember anything about the Singaporeans or the dramatic rescue on a road about 40km east of the capital Reykjavik on Tuesday. The rescue was caught on video.

When she finally saw the video, shot by one of the four Singaporeans who helped, she said she cried.

Miss Audur Gisladottir, 21, who works in a nail salon, was on her way to meet a friend in Hverageroi, a town in the south of Iceland when the accident happened.

She can remember listening to US band Korn as she drove in her red 2008 Toyota Yaris behind a big truck that day.

‘LOST CONTROL’

Miss Gisladottir told TNP: “I was driving at 90kmh when I suddenly lost control of the car and hit a sign.

“I think the car rolled three times and I broke the window with my head.”

The car landed on its roof at the road side, with Miss Gisladottir hanging upside down from her seat, held up by her seat belt.

She said: “I got a big wound on my head, a lot of broken glass went inside of my body and I sprained my back and neck.”

She was admitted to the hospital for nine hours and did not suffer any long-term injuries.

The Singaporeans saw her car overturn and rushed to help, as she screamed.

They helped her out but she cannot remember them as she was drifting in and out of consciousness, she said.

She said: “I kind of remember everything except after the car stopped. I do not remember screaming and crying like in the video.”

The video of the rescue has gone viral, with more than 4,600 views on Facebook.

Mr Muhammad Syahidin, 27, who goes by Denda Maradona on Facebook, posted the video on the day of the accident.(See report, above right.)

Netizens hailed them as heroes for their bravery and quick-thinking.

Miss Gisladottir had no clue about the video, and its rising popularity.

She found out about it only when she was interviewed by a reporter from Icelandic news website Stundin.

When asked about how she felt when she saw it, she said: “I was really sad about what had happened and I cried when I first saw the video.

“I am thankful that I survived with no serious injuries.

“I am also very thankful that they (her rescuers) were there and came to rescue me, even though I don’t remember them.”

Sheposted on Facebook photographs of the accident and of herself in the hospital bed on Tuesday.

She said thank you in Icelandic to the people who rescued her and the hospital staff.

Mr Muhammad Syahidin and his friends had arrived in Iceland on Nov 15, for an 11-day trip to catch the Northern Lights.

One of the friends, Mr Salihin Idderos, reposted Ms Gisladottir’s post on Facebook, saying: “Glad she’s OK.”

The Straits Times senior sports correspondent Rohit Brijnath wrote the prologue and epilogue.

The book also features intimate family photos of the Olympic champion as a toddler and motivational notes written by his mother, May Schooling.

The second book, titled From Kid To King, is a children’s book written by The Straits Times news editor Marc Lim, the paper’s former sports editor. It also features illustrations by Ministry of Communications and Information scholar Darel Seow.

Over the next week, members of the public can meet the swimming star at a series of events. (See report on right.)

Tomorrow, Schooling will be at a book signing session for his photo book, Hello, My Name Is Joseph Schooling.

He will also make an appearance at the SPH News Centre in Toa Payoh North on Monday to sign 22 pre-sold limited-edition copies of Schooling Joseph.

He will be reading From Kid To King to a group of Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund beneficiaries.

Members of the public can buy the books at the event from noon to 4pm.

From 1pm, Schooling will sign books for the first 50 buyers in the queue.

Straits Times Press will donate 20 per cent of all book sale proceeds to the School Pocket Money Fund.

Hello, My Name Is Joseph Schooling is priced at $24.90.

From Kid To King is retailing for $16 (including GST), while Schooling Joseph is $27.82 (including GST). The books are available at leading bookstores here.

Ms Linda Koh’s six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter had been asking their grandparents for her.

When they were told on Thursday nightthat their mother had died, they at first refused to believe it.

But when they finally realised their mother was gone, at her wake yesterday, they were inconsolable.

Ms Koh, 36, was found unconscious in her hotel room while on a business trip to Hong Kong last Saturday.

She was taken to the Queen Mary Hospital there but died soon after, reported Shin Min Daily News.

Ms Koh was the managing director of family-run local business KSP Marketing, which specialises in processing pork and other frozen meat products.

The divorcee, who was a successful and respected businesswoman, was a third-generation boss of the family business.

On the night of her death, Ms Koh’s younger brother and her ex-husband flew to Hong Kong.

They returned to Singapore on Thursday night with her body.

A preliminary autopsy report said Ms Koh had suffered a stroke.

Her father, Mr Alan Koh, 74, had earlier told Shin Min that his eldest daughter had a history of hypertension but had seen a doctor and was taking medication.

The family is now waiting for the full findings of the report to be out, which may take months or up to a year.

Speaking to The New Paper yesterday at Woodlands Street 11, Block 169, where the three-day wake is held, Ms Koh’s mother, Madam Ng Ah Moi, said: “The little ones still can’t believe she is gone. I don’t know if they fully understand what is happening.”

“Every time I talk about my daughter, my heart breaks.

“We’re all so tired,” she added, before declining to comment further.

Ms Koh’s wake spanned three void decks and the corridors were lined with numerous wreaths and blankets from her friends, family and work associates.

Her paternal uncle, Mr Henry Koh, 69, said: “It’s a testament to how well-loved she was.

“She was a good daughter, mother, and businesswoman.

“Her parents expect many friends and business associates to turn up.”

He added, teary-eyed: “She will always be remembered fondly. She was too young to die.”

Shin Min reported that Ms Koh had flown to Hong Kong last Wednesday for work and was due to return home on Saturday night.

However, that morning, she was found unconscious in her hotel room after having breakfast with friends.

Her ex-husband Louis Ang, 38, an architect, was at the wake, but declined to speak to media.

EXHAUSTED

His childhood friend, Ms Irenea Khoo, 38, said he was exhausted after having spent the past few days settling funeral affairs.

“The family is in a vulnerable place right now. Her (Ms Koh’s) mother collapsed this morning, and he (Mr Ang) is very emotional,” she said.

Ms Khoo, a sales executive at food supplier Angliss, also said Ms Koh was respected and well-known in the food and beverage industry as she always went the extra mile to serve customers, clients and colleagues.

“She was a wonderful woman, very sincere and hands-on. The industry has lost a wonderful person,” she said.

Ms Khoo also said Mr Ang will take over the responsibility of caring for the two children with the help of Ms Koh’s parents.

It’s a testament to how well-loved she was. She was a good daughter, mother, and businesswoman.

– Ms Linda Koh’s uncle on how many people showed up at her wake

LIMA, Peru: While the fate of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) hangs in the balance, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said there are other pathways to the broader Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) – a trade pact involving all 21 APEC economies.

He cited the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN Economic Community as examples of “building blocks drawing economies towards an eventual FTAAP”.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the APEC CEO Summit in Lima on Friday (Nov 18), Mr Lee stressed that to ensure continued global growth, economies must press on with free trade, and pursue cooperation and integration amid political pressures.

Pointing to events like Brexit, the resurgence of far-right political parties in Europe and the reactions of lower- and middle-income white voters in the recent US presidential election, he said: “We are seeing a nativist response and reaction in developed countries by those who blame globalisation for making them worse off.”

Mr Lee added: “I still believe that trade liberalisation is a win-win proposition, but I understand why there has been a reaction against trade in many countries, and the political difficulties of a pro-trade agenda. Each country has to make sure that the benefits of trade are shared with all.”

Mr Lee noted that over the last 26 years, closer integration has brought about prosperity for APEC economies. He urged leaders to “do our best to hold on to the progress we have achieved, which has taken decades, and not do things that will hurt ourselves and lead to retaliation, undoing the progress that we have achieved over the past two decades”. 

Growth remains subdued, acknowledged Mr Lee, who cited an APEC CEO survey released on Thursday which showed that only 28 per cent of all APEC business leaders are confident about growth.

Despite this, there are still “bright spots” around the world like Asia, where economies are developing, partly due to a rising middle class and rapid urbanisation.

Mr Lee highlighted China and its One Belt, One Road initiative, and India’s momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He noted that exploiting technology and globalisation are still the “most effective” ways to improve lives, even though it must be recognised that they cause disruption, and result in both winners and losers.

Mr Lee said this is where governments need to step in – by creating inclusive policies like affordable healthcare and investing in lifelong learning, especially as workers now need to “unlearn and learn to stay relevant”.

“In the midst of these worries, the tendency is to get caught up in the news headlines and the sense of uncertainty,” said Mr Lee. “But I think if we take a step back and focus on the fundamentals … that’s how we can deliver growth and improve the lives of our people.”

Mr Lee also called on Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (L) meets Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (R). (MCI Photo)

He congratulated President Kuczynski on his election as President and thanked Peru for its warm hospitality during its APEC Chairmanship.

Both leaders affirmed the warm friendship between Singapore and Peru. The two countries have worked well together in international forums including the UN, FEALEC and APEC.

They also discussed potential areas of cooperation between Singapore and Peru, regional and international developments, and the expected outcomes of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Mr Lee invited Mr Kuczynski to visit Singapore soon. 

MATCH TO WATCH: Manchester United v Arsenal (Saturday, Nov 19, 8.30pm)

Once a tie that promised to be an extra spicy affair, the rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal has gone off the boil somewhat in recent years.

However, this weekend’s clash could prove to be very different.

While both managers have never seen eye to eye with one another (more on this below), both teams have much to fight for this time round.

Arsene Wenger’s recent signings have strengthened Arsenal to the point where they look capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

Meanwhile, United can’t afford any more slips if they want to be considered title challengers – not to mention the fact that Liverpool are currently topping the table.

Both teams should not require any additional motivation to inflict a damaging defeat upon the other side.

MANAGERS TO WATCH: Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger (Manchester United v Arsenal)

PHOTO: ACTION IMAGES / TONY O’BRIEN

Many fans and pundits have been surprised with the version of Jose Mourinho that was installed at Old Trafford in the summer.

The typically abrasive Portuguese has looked a lot tamer since being appointed as Louis van Gaal’s successor.

Even so, the Special One could not resist having a pop at Arsene Wenger soon after being unveiled as United manager, certainly an indicator that no love has been lost between the two.

While Wenger has tried to play down the personal rivalry, the Frenchman would definitely relish getting one over the man who has in the past called him a voyeur and a specialist in failure.

With Mourinho still searching for his best team at United, this trip up to Manchester could be Wenger’s best chance to finally score his first league win over his opposite number.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Marcus Rashford (MANCHESTER UNITED v Arsenal)

PHOTO: ACTION IMAGES / JASON CAIRNDUFF

Singled out by Arsene Wenger after his brace gave United a 3-2 victory in the same fixture in February, Marcus Rashford will once again have a key role to play against the Gunners.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and Wayne Rooney’s form questionable, the England youngster could be the primary goal threat for United against Arsenal.

However, Rashford will need to rip up the form book – he has not scored in his last seven appearances for United.

TEAM TO WATCH: Liverpool (v Southampton, Saturday, Nov 19, 11pm)

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates with Jurgen Klopp. PHOTO: REUTERS

You can stop pinching yourselves Liverpool fans. You’re still top of the league.

Not only are the Reds thriving under Juergen Klopp – they’re doing it with plenty of style to boot, as scoring 14 goals in their last four games would suggest.

While they could be missing several key players due to injury to make a trip to Southampton just that little bit trickier, there’s a feeling that it’s going to take a massive rearguard performance from the Saints to suppress Liverpool’s irresistible attack.

Not to mention that the Reds’ considerable collection of Southampton alumni will be relishing the chance to win again at their former home.