MH17 10 years on: Malaysian aspires to follow pilot-father’s career in tribute to crew

“My loving father, Eugene Choo Jin Leong … thank you for serving our nation. We will miss you,” said Choo in a calm voice, moving many with his tribute during the event held at Vijfhuizen Park near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Wednesday.

Families and friends of the victims started crying under the clear blue skies, surrounded by hundreds of trees planted for every victim of MH17 at the park.

“I don’t think anyone could see it, but deep down, it was difficult to read out the names because it meant so much to me. When I [finally] read out the names, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I felt proud to commemorate their [MH17 pilots and cabin crew members’] service to the nation.”

“I felt proud to have Eugene Choo Jin Leong as my father,” Choo added.

Choo was only 11 years old when his father died on the flight.

The young engineer wants to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a pilot and has applied to Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia to join their respective pilot training programme.

“My goal is to emulate my father’s career, so the plan now is to become a pilot. Let’s see what the future holds and hope for the best,” Choo said.

“I have been inspired by my Dad since I was a kid. Every time I see him leave for work dressed in his uniform, [which he wore] with a sense of pride to serve his nation, it inspired me to do the same thing. It’s always been a core mission of my life,” Choo said.

Explaining his desire to earn his wings despite his family’s tragedy, Choo said he felt being “lifted” in a “surreal” experience whenever he was on a plane.

His older brother, Melvic Choo, 23, is currently a pilot with Air Asia and has been flying with the airline for around two years.

Choo’s mother, Ivy Loi, said she supported her sons’