Author: Chong Eng 章水英
Organization: Pahang Bera Sisters Association
Profession: Tailor
Position: President
Step Out, and the Path Will Appear
I was born into a rubber-tapping family and was the fifth of six children. By the age of nine, I was already cooking porridge, caring for my younger siblings, and helping my parents tap rubber. In my early teens, I learned sewing from my elder sister, and what began as a skill soon became my lifelong profession. I have dedicated nearly fifty years to tailoring.
After getting married and raising four children, I balanced family responsibilities with my work. During the day, I cared for my children and took customers’ orders. At night, I often started sewing at 11 p.m. and worked until 3 a.m. My tenant, who was a teacher, once joked that I never seemed to sleep. Yet I never felt the hardship, because I truly loved what I did. Seeing my customers confidently wearing clothes that fit them perfectly gave me immense satisfaction.
The darkest chapter of my life, however, was an abusive marriage. In those days, many women endured suffering in silence. I once fled to Penang, where my mentor and elder sister, Dato’ Sri Cheam Yan, encouraged me with words that changed my life: “Go and do the things you were never able to do before.” My son also reminded me, “Why should you punish yourself for someone else’s mistakes?” That was the moment I realized I could no longer imprison myself in the storm. Only by stepping forward could I discover a new path.
In 2000, my younger sister and I studied floral design together. Combining my decades of tailoring experience with floral artistry, I founded Xi Yuan Floral Art Centre, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
In 2014, an unexpected turn of events led me to become the Chairperson of the Bera Sisters Association. I accepted the responsibility with the mindset of “learning by doing,” and twelve years have passed. Together with our members, we organize Parents’ Day celebrations, care for senior citizens, and support nursing homes. Seeing smiles on the faces of others has become my greatest reward.
Through every challenge, I have learned one important lesson that I hope every woman will remember: Never stop working. A woman should have meaningful work, financial independence, personal capability, and principles she will never compromise. Having a loving life partner is a blessing, but even without one, a woman should still be able to build a fulfilling life. When you can support yourself, you gain the freedom to make your own choices.
Today, I no longer seek wealth or status. My greatest wish is simply a harmonious family. I treat my daughters-in-law like friends, and seeing them care for one another and travel together brings me the deepest happiness.
You do not have to wait until everything is perfect before beginning again.
The moment you dare to step forward, the path beneath your feet will begin to appear.
— Chong Eng
Pahang Bera Sisters Association
“Life may bring storms, but never allow yourself to remain trapped within them.”