Picture Credit: Denphong Den Suwannachairop

It is said that the day of one's passing reflects how they lived their life. Hours after the announcement of Ted's demise, an outpouring of grief from those who knew him flooded social media.

Friends and associates shared anecdotes, stories, and pictures with Ted. Many of these were from camps, retreats, and social gatherings, shared by the younger Buddhist generation in Malaysia and throughout Southeast and East Asia.

The outpouring of sentiments, eulogizing memories and tales of shared happiness, reflected what Ted did best: bringing Buddhist youth together and encouraging each and every one of them to walk the Dharma path as best they could.


Ted Mooi in leadership training action - his forte and love. Picture Credit: Jacquelyne Anne Boudeville.

Ted truly walked the youth talk. From the Incovar (Inter-College and Varsity) camps to the Inter-Cultural Buddhist Youth Exchange (IBYE) and International Buddhist Youth Forum (IBYF), Ted was always there, encouraging participants to open up and discover the Buddha Dharma.

His friendly demeanor, sense of humor, and care were an immediate draw to any newcomers at these camps or gatherings.

Jacquelyne Anne Boudeville, a participant in the IBYE in 2016, said, "... your encouragement and support from our last meet-up ... will stay alive in me. I will always remember (your advice) to challenge the process and continue to see the bigger picture!" (from Jacquelyne's Facebook post).

Another grateful participant of IBYE, Mille Tham, shared: "I’ll never forget how you called me in 2010, asking me to join the Inter-cultural Buddhist Youth Exchange in Taiwan. Back then, I barely knew (how to speak) English, but that opportunity opened the door to an international platform and marked the beginning of a new journey for me" (from Mille's Facebook post).

Ted took his enthusiasm for Buddhist youth engagement to the international level. He was formerly a Vice-President of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) and, since 2022, had been its Advisor. In programs such as LEAD (a regional Buddhist youth leadership program), Ted shone in his forte and love, which was leadership training.


IBYE Japan 2021. Picture Credit: Cedric Tan

Cedric Tan, the Assistant Secretary General of the WFBY, described Ted as a visionary and perhaps a perfectionist.

"You were not power-crazy nor a position seeker but rather a performer who just wanted to get the job done. If ever you took up a position, it was to leverage your action plans to ensure your objectives were met. You did not have to proclaim to the world that you initiated this and that, but the results of your actions were proven by the stream of visitors over the last two weeks who stated they were inspired by you. Sharp-tongued as you may have sounded at times, these piercing words prodded us mentally, reminding us to be better people always," reminisced Cedric in his moving eulogy on Facebook.


WFBY EXBO visit Ted Mooi after his first chemo treatment. Picture Credit: Cedric Tan.

Perhaps what encapsulates Ted perfectly is said in the eulogy by the former President of the WFBY, Denphong Den Suwannachairop, from Thailand.

"Brother Chee Onn was more than just a member of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY); he embodied its spirit and mission. Since our first meeting at the inaugural Youth Exchange Program of WFBY in Bangkok in 2001, we shared a vision of transforming WFBY into an organization that cultivates and strengthens an international network of Buddhist youth leaders. Together, we dreamed of inspiring the next generation, fostering unity, and promoting the Dharma globally," said Denphong in his eulogy prepared for this remembrance article.


IBYE Mongolia 2024, Ted Mooi's final overseas trip. Picture Credit: Cedric Tan

He further added, "Brother Chee Onn’s legacy is one of unity, inspiration, and boundless compassion. As we bid him farewell, let us carry forward his vision and dedicate ourselves to making the world a better place for all beings. We pray for his peaceful journey, and may he attain the highest bliss of Nibbana."

Denphong's final words to Ted, while holding his hand in the hospital, were, "You are the Bodhisattva that came to this world to inspire people. It was my honor to have this blessing to do Dharma work together with you to make our world a better place. I’m here for you. There’s nothing to forgive between us. It’s time to rest and have a peaceful journey to Sukhavati with merit and full of memories. If by chance we meet again, let’s have tiramisu at the lotus pond."

Anicca Vata Sankhara. May Ted Mooi attain the bliss of Nirvana. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

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Note: Apart from being active in Buddhist youth programs, Ted Mooi was also the President of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF). His contributions shall be etched in the annals of Malaysian Buddhist history for his selfless services to the fourfold assembly.