Dato John Ha Tiong Hock served as the Archbishop of Kuching from 2003 until his retirement in 2017. Born in Sarawak in 1947, he pursued a career within the Roman Catholic Church, moving from seminary education in Penang to advanced biblical studies in Rome before his eventual appointment as a prelate of the Malaysian archdiocese.
Early Formation and Academic Preparation
Ha attended St Joseph's Secondary School in his hometown of Kuching. His initial religious commitment began with the De La Salle brothers, though he transitioned to the College General in Penang to pursue ordination. Following his ordination on 14 December 1972, he traveled to Italy for postgraduate studies. He earned a Licentiate and a Doctorate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.
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Upon returning to Malaysia, Ha focused on biblical education and pastoral administration. He taught at College General before moving to the newly established St. Peter's College in Kuching, where he served as the second rector between 1986 and 1991. Later, he oversaw the Bible Year program and managed St. Joseph's Cathedral. He returned to the seminary faculty in 1997 prior to his elevation within the church hierarchy.
Episcopal Advancement
In January 1998, Pope John Paul II named Ha as the auxiliary bishop of Kuching and titular bishop of Canapium. His consecration occurred on 6 June 1998, with Archbishop Peter Chung Hoan Ting presiding alongside co-consecrators Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez and Archbishop Gregory Yong. He served in this support capacity for five years until his appointment as archbishop.
Archbishop of Kuching
Ha succeeded Peter Chung Hoan Ting as archbishop on 21 June 2003, with his installation following in July. During his tenure, he chaired the Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei Episcopal Biblical Commission. In 2015, he requested an auxiliary bishop, leading to the appointment of Simon Peter Poh Hoon Seng. Ha resigned on 4 March 2017, reaching his self-determined retirement age of 70, and officially transferred leadership to Poh on 20 March 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 March 1947, Kuching, Malaysia
- Ordained Priest: 14 December 1972
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop: 17 January 1998
- Archbishop of Kuching: 2003–2017
- Academic Qualifications: Doctorate in Sacred Scripture
- Honour: Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (2012)
Questions readers ask
When did John Ha Tiong Hock retire?
He resigned from his position as archbishop on 4 March 2017 and completed the handover to his successor on 20 March 2017.
Where did he study theology?
He attended College General in Penang and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.