What is a living funeral? FLS (福禄寿) Kuantan and six associations bring life education talks to the community
KUANTAN — A living funeral (生前告别式) is a gathering held while a person is still alive, so that they and their loved ones can say thank you, I love you and goodbye in person. Following its memoranda of understanding with six local associations in March 2026, FLS (福禄寿) Kuantan plans to bring life education talks to the community, covering how to talk with family about end-of-life wishes, pre-planning, and different approaches such as the living funeral. Whether to take up any of them is for each person and their family to decide.
What does life education cover?
Life education is about facing ageing, illness and death: how to talk with family about end-of-life wishes, the basic ideas of pre-planning, and how to support relatives who are grieving. It offers information and ways of thinking, not decisions on any family’s behalf.
What is a living funeral?
A living funeral is a gathering at which the person, while still alive, meets family and friends and shares their life story. The US-based World Journal (世界日报) reported in June 2026 that such gatherings remain uncommon but are gradually increasing. Some people choose one; many others feel it is not for them. Both views are common.
Common formats
- A family meal or tea gathering where relatives listen to the person’s stories
- Sharing photos and videos, such as looking through old albums or a short life retrospective
- Letters or recordings in which relatives write or record what they want to say
- A simple ceremony following the person’s faith, with prayers, chanting or other elements
How does it relate to a traditional funeral?
A living funeral does not replace a funeral. Many families still hold funeral rites according to their religion and dialect-group (籍贯) customs after a person passes away; a living funeral simply adds one more chance to gather while the person is alive.
Lee said that whether and how to hold one is for the person and their family to decide, with respect for each family’s faith and customs, and that the talks are meant to share information, not to recommend any ritual.
Where can a family start when talking about end-of-life wishes?
Traditionally, some families prefer not to discuss these topics, and views differ from family to family. Where family members are open to it, these are approaches some families use:
- Pick a relaxed moment, such as a family gathering or while looking at photo albums.
- Start with small things: a favourite photo or song, or who they would like to help.
- Take it slowly over several conversations.
- Respect their wishes if an elder would rather not talk about it yet.
- Write wishes down or share them with a trusted family member.
- Ask elders or a religious advisor about the family’s faith and customs.
If not a living funeral, what other ways are there to show you care?
Many families choose everyday ways: a family dinner, a letter to an elder, sorting old photos together, a trip back to the family’s hometown, or learning about pre-planning together. None is better than another; each family chooses what suits them.
Why work with six associations?
The six partners are the Kuantan Hakka, Teochew, Cantonese and Hinghwa associations, the Pahang Foochow association and the Pahang Lanchang federation of registered Chinese societies. Associations have long been places where many Chinese families keep in touch with their roots. Customs differ between dialect groups, and practice varies within each group too.
What activities are planned?
Members of the public can follow announcements from the partner associations or enquire through flsgroup.com.my. FLS’s office on Jalan Dato’ Wong Ah Jang, Kuantan, has a cultural activity hall on the third floor.
In summary
The life education talks aim to offer a gentle space to learn about talking with family, the basics of pre-planning, and different approaches such as the living funeral. Whether to hold one, whether to talk, and when, are decisions each family makes for itself.
About FLS (福禄寿) Kuantan: Founded in Kuantan, Pahang in 1963 and run by three generations of the same family, FLS provides cemetery plots, columbarium niches, ancestral tablets, funeral services and pre-planning. Its 48-acre FLS Life Park in Gambang sits on permanent title. Website: flsgroup.com.my | Hotline/WhatsApp: +60 12-960 2222
Quick answers
What is a living funeral?
A living funeral (生前告别式) is a gathering held while a person is still alive, so that they and their family and friends can say thank you, I love you and goodbye in person, and share the story of their life. It is an option some people choose; whether to hold one, and in what form, is for the person and their family to decide, with respect for their faith and customs.
What do life education talks cover?
Life education talks usually cover facing ageing, illness and death, talking with family about end-of-life wishes, the basic ideas of pre-planning, and supporting relatives who are grieving. FLS (福禄寿) Kuantan is working with six local associations to bring talks like these to the community in Kuantan.
Is it unlucky to talk with elders about end-of-life matters?
Traditionally, some families prefer not to discuss these topics, and views differ from family to family. Where everyone is comfortable, talking early can help an elder’s wishes be heard. Families often start with lighter topics, such as a favourite photo or the kind of ceremony an elder would like, and take it slowly over several conversations.
Which associations are working with FLS on life education?
In March 2026, FLS (福禄寿) Kuantan signed memoranda of understanding with the Kuantan Hakka, Teochew, Cantonese and Hinghwa associations, the Pahang Foochow association and the Pahang Lanchang federation of registered Chinese societies. Details of upcoming talks will be shared through the associations and flsgroup.com.my.