Renowned forensic pathologist Dr Philip Beh passes away in Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), where Dr Beh served as an honorary clinical associate professor in the Department of Pathology, confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday (Jul 5).
Dr Beh had been ill in recent months, according to colleagues.
Despite his condition, he remained active in teaching and advocacy for as long as he could.
Originally from Malaysia, Dr Beh became a pioneering figure in Hong Kong's forensic pathology and medical education.
He was known for his outspokenness, compassion, and strong commitment to justice and human rights.
He worked tirelessly to improve Hong Kong's medico-legal and forensic services and was widely respected across both medical and legal circles.
In 2000, Dr Beh co-founded RainLily, the first crisis support centre of its kind in Hong Kong.
Since then, the centre has helped thousands of survivors of sexual violence and played a key role in shaping better institutional responses to gender-based violence.
Paying tribute, Professor Lau Chak Sing, Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at HKU, said Philip was an inspiring teacher, a compassionate doctor, and a fearless advocate for justice.
"His contributions to society were immense, and he will be deeply missed by the entire HKU family and beyond."
Tributes have poured in from across Hong Kong's medical, academic, and legal sectors, praising Dr Beh's fearless advocacy, empathy, and unwavering integrity.
Although he spent most of his professional life in Hong Kong, Dr Beh's roots in Malaysia and his regional influence make him a figure of lasting significance.
His work continues to inspire efforts across Asia, including in Malaysia, to strengthen victim support systems and forensic practices.
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