M’sian Diving Instructor Who Died in China Becomes First Foreign National to Donate Organs in the Province

A Malaysian man became the first foreign national to donate his organs in Fujian, China, after he was declared brain-dead following a severe head injury.

Jack Kwok, 34, was involved in an accident while travelling with his girlfriend in late February. During his lifetime, Kwok, who was a diving instructor, was known for donating his hair to make wigs for cancer patients.

According to a report by Oriental Daily, Kwok’s family travelled from Malaysia and Dubai to bid their final farewell. The decision was later made to donate his organs, as it was something Kwok had always expressed to his family.

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Kwok’s mother said her son was a very caring child. Aside from growing out his hair to donate to charities supporting cancer patients, he had once told her that if he ever got into an accident and had the chance to help someone, he would want that done.

On 5 March, the family signed the organ donation consent forms.

Two days later, surgeons from the Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University successfully retrieved Kwok’s liver, kidneys and corneal tissue.

His organs went on to save three lives and restore the eyesight of two others.

Meanwhile, Kwok’s sister said she believed her late brother would have been very happy knowing that his organs had given others a new chance at life.

The director of the joint Organ Procurement Organisation (OPO) of Fujian Medical University Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital later praised Kwok’s family for their humanitarian spirit that transcends national borders.

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