Another friend who knew her from Cedar Girls’ Secondary described Afifah as someone who was friends with everyone.
Also 17, she was in the same Mother Tongue class as Afifah in secondary school. “She was always very bright and smiling whenever she talked to other people,” she added, declining to be named.
Afifah graduated from Cedar Girls’ Secondary in 2023. On Tuesday, the school posted on its Instagram account mourning the loss of Afifah, describing her as one of their “outstanding graduands” and an esteemed leader for the school’s girl guides.
The TJC community mourned her passing, remembering her as a lively student who exuded “loads of positive energy”.
In a post on TJC’s Facebook page on Tuesday, her teachers said Afifah took her studies seriously and was a self-motivated student who contributed actively in tutorials.
“Afifah always had a way to light up the classroom, even in the most dreary of afternoons,” said her biology tutor Jean Chong.
Teacher-in-charge of the school’s Malay cultural society, Ms Elina Abdul Rashid, said: “Afifah was very passionate about Malay culture and whenever she is around, peers always seem to be happy as she always brings with her much laughter and happiness.”
Ms Han Zi Rui, a teacher who knew Afifah from her time in Meridian Primary School, also posted on Facebook, recalling when the latter told her in February that she had secured a spot in TJC, filling her with pride.
“Even today and tomorrow, I am proud of who you are. My dear angel, rest in peace. I will always remember your smile and the sound of your laughter,” Ms Han wrote.
