She Rises The Stories of Women Entrepreneurs
Author: ANBERLY WONG
Company: TONGS CITY SDN BHD
Profession: CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
Position: CFO
“The Power of Writing, Lighting the Future”
My name is Anberly Wong. I was born into an ordinary family, but from as early as I could remember, life was filled with financial struggles. Every year, buying schoolbooks or even paying for bus fare to school was difficult. Sometimes, my family had to rely on debt just to buy groceries. Many people looked down on us, and that feeling of inferiority stayed with me for a long time.
My mother worked as a rubber tapper, waking up before dawn every day to support our family of five children. My father was unable to work due to a disability in his hand, and he often struggled with feelings of low self-worth. As a child, my greatest frustration was wanting to study hard but not having enough money for tuition classes. During secondary school, I worked temporary weekend jobs, earning only RM50 every two weeks to pay for tuition. But reality was harsh — if I paid for tuition, I could not afford transportation, and if I paid for transport, I had to stop tuition. I lived through years of helplessness and confusion, not knowing how I survived those difficult days.
After leaving school, I promised myself that I would not remain trapped in poverty forever. I started working hard to support my family and ease my mother’s burden while my younger siblings continued their education. Along the way, I met mentors who taught me valuable skills and business knowledge. Later, I pursued a beauty course in Singapore and became a professional beauty therapist. In 2013, I founded my own beauty company, AGE IN STYLE, and today I have more than 23 years of experience in the beauty industry.
In 2020, my husband and I established TONGS CITY SDN BHD, a construction transport company, where I currently serve as CFO, overseeing finance and human resources. The business journey was filled with challenges, especially in management and financial planning. To improve myself, I attended numerous courses in financial management and equity structure, investing countless hours into personal growth and learning. Today, our company continues to grow steadily.
The person I am most grateful to is my mother. Her perseverance taught me how to rise even in the hardest situations and never give up. I am also thankful that I learned to remain calm during challenges, because I believe solutions will always exist if we are willing to think clearly and move forward courageously.
Beyond business, I actively participate in charity and social work. I currently serve as Secretary of Persatuan Amalan Minda Cergas Malaysia and Branch President cum Charity Deputy Director of the World Chinese Cheongsam Alliance. I was also honored with the WORLD WOMEN EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2023. I graduated from Chan Wa High School and later obtained an EMBA from ALZETTE UNIVERSITY, FRANCE.
Through all these experiences, I learned that while we cannot choose where we begin in life, we can choose the direction we move toward. The little girl who once felt inferior because of poverty has now changed her destiny through determination and hard work — and is now able to help others in return.
To every woman who feels lost or hopeless today, I want to say this: never fear the struggles you face now. Every dark season will eventually lead you to your own light. As long as you keep learning, keep believing, and never give up, even the most distant dreams can become reality.