Author: Madam Ng Siam Luang
Company: KRUMAE Curtain Sdn. Bhd.
Profession: Curtain & Fabric Business
When the Road Is Dark, Keep Walking and You Will Find the Light
Many people know me through my curtain business or my years of community service in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. But for me, what has sustained me for more than two decades has never been business success or personal achievements—it has always been the warmth of humanity and the opportunity to serve others.
Since childhood, I have always been an outgoing person who enjoyed being around people and had a natural passion for business. Growing up in a small village, my cousins and I would pick fruits and sell them at a roadside stall in front of our house. During primary school, I sold exercise books to my classmates and even sold kacang putih at school. In secondary school, I went door-to-door selling household products. I was constantly looking for ways to earn my own pocket money—not because I thought I was exceptional, but because I learned early in life that we must rely on our own hands and hard work to build our future.
My passion for serving others also began at a young age. From Primary One onwards, I served as class monitor, happily helping teachers manage classroom matters and even purchasing teaching supplies after school. By Primary Six, I became a prefect and later Head Prefect. Even then, I had already planted a dream in my heart: one day, I wanted to help people—especially women.
Later, I entered the curtain industry. What began as an investment eventually became my lifelong career, and today I have spent 38 years in this business.
Beyond entrepreneurship, I dedicated myself to community service and joined the Democratic Action Party (DAP). At a time when many people were afraid to openly support the opposition, I believed that meaningful change required courageous individuals willing to step forward. Together with a group of women, I wore our party uniforms, campaigned during elections, and served our local communities. Over the past 21 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside leaders such as Lim Kit Siang and Liew Chin Tong, contributing to both national reform efforts and grassroots community service.
Through years of witnessing this commitment to public service, my daughter, Liow Cai Tung, inherited the same passion. In 2013, she was elected as a State Assemblywoman, and she has faithfully continued serving the people for three consecutive terms.
People often ask me why I never grow tired.
The answer is simple: I have witnessed too many real-life struggles, and I want to do as much good as I can while I still have the opportunity.
One case that remains deeply etched in my memory involved a father whose wife had left the family. Overwhelmed by despair, he considered ending his life together with his five children. I helped arrange proper care for the children so he could return to work with peace of mind, while also assisting the couple in receiving counselling. Eventually, they reconciled, rebuilt their family, and even welcomed a sixth child.
Another unforgettable case involved a mother who came to me with her five children, including two daughters who had suffered severe abuse. She was completely devastated. That very night, I arranged for them to enter a shelter where they could begin rebuilding their lives in safety. Years later, those two girls grew up, got married, and personally delivered their wedding cakes to me. It was one of the most touching moments of my life, and one I will always treasure.
Over the past 21 years, I have helped nearly twenty children find safe shelters and suitable care, giving them the opportunity to grow up in secure environments. These experiences have strengthened my belief that there is no such thing as a hopeless life. Even when the road is at its darkest, if we keep moving forward, we will eventually find the light.
I am Madam Ng, and I would like to say this to every woman:
Do not allow the pain of your past to define your future.