Jersey City, New Jersey
Providing a Lifeline
Yeng Leng Khoo was used to seeing his big sister Sei-Lai Khoo quoted in the press about hot public offerings and tech stocks. At 38, she co-managed some of the best-known mutual funds at Fred Alger Management and was often sought out for her views about market trends.
But for all her success, she always had time for family, friends and coworkers, they say. When Yeng Leng arrived in New York from Malaysia, where they grew up, to start college, she treated him to his first Broadway show. She also taught him survival skills such as which subways to take -- and how to use Zagat's to find the best dumplings in town.
"She always remembered what she ordered and what was good the last time we ate someplace," said her brother. He said she was also first to "fight for the bill."
Ms. Khoo provided the same lifeline to young colleagues, once professing shock that a subordinate of Vietnamese descent had never sampled Vietnamese cuisine. Off they went.
I met Sei-Lai first through work, but became fast friends when we realized we had quite a bit in common. We had dinner just a couple of weeks before her passing. We became fast friends and often talked about food and her hometown. I miss her and often think of her.
Jen
May 08, 2025 | Work
I never had the fortune to meet Sei-Lai and only got to speak to her years ago when I first tried to root myself in NYC. The city has always been a tough, cruel place especially for newcomers. Without knowing many people here I felt very disoriented, insecure, and intimidated. People would brush you off easily and I soon learned that time was the most precious thing New Yorkers could offer you. A friend who went to Columbia with Sei-Lai suggested that I talk to her. Sei-Lai took me by...
Betty Ng
September 11, 2021 | New York, NY | Acquaintance
I visited Sei-Lai on Sept 11, 2019. My emotions were beyond words and I am so very sorry.
Brentt Blair
September 22, 2019
I preserved the moment June 14, 2015
I was drawn to a white rose on my first visit to the World Trade Center Memorial Fountains on June 14. 2015. I saw the name Sei-Lai Khoo and realized June 14th was her birthday. I was touched by this and spent time by her name. I later entered the museum for the first time. Because of my moments outside by the fountain, the name Sei-lai Khoo was on my mind during my tour.
I later researched her on line wanting to know more. God bless you Seilai your brother Yeng and family.
I hope that...
Bob Ambrose
June 16, 2015 | Erial, NJ
Thinking of you today Sei Lai. You are missed.
Mike Gordon
September 11, 2014 | Palo Alto, CA
In memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia
April 10, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
Just wanted to say thanks on behalf of her family for the kind words and prayers. She died when I was just 7, but I still remember the kindness and compassion she showed me. She always had time for her family. I just wish that she had the chance to see me and my siblings grow up, as well as start a family of her own. She will always be remembered in spirit by her friends and family. God bless all the victims and families of 9/11. May they all find peace.
Her loving niece
November 13, 2012 | San Diego, CA
As the anniversary of 9-11 is upon us, I was very fortunate to attend A Day of Honor in my little hometown of Piqua Ohio. The highlight for me, was the explanation of the flag background in the attached picture. The flag was made up of over 6000 handsewn cloth roses, grouped in pairs. Each pair of roses contained the name of one person who's life was taken on 09/11/01. Each person in attendance was encouraged to take a set of roses and pray for the loved ones. My roses contained the name...
Mandy Hinkle
September 11, 2011 | Piqua, OH
I went to Columbia with Sei-Lai and her fiancee Solomon. We had a few classes together, and she was always positive, funny, and charming. Everyone that knew her liked her. To this day, I cringe thinking about her being taken away from Solomon and us all way too soon. But my memory of her upbeat spirit will always live on.
John Featherman
September 11, 2009 | Philadelphia, PA
