Contribution Name: Siew Shi / Tzu Chi Singapore
Pseudonym: Mdm Ng Ai Hong
Year of Author: 1949
Mdm Ng Ai Hong, now 75 years old, grew up in Malaysia as part of a large family of 11 children—7 boys and 4 girls. Born into a household where traditional values favored boys, she never had the chance to pursue an education. Instead, her childhood was spent taking care of her younger siblings. Her father was kind and devoted to her, but her mother was strict and would scold and punish her without reason. Unfortunately, her younger sisters were treated similarly, as the girls in the family bore the brunt of the harsh treatment.
At the tender age of 16, Mdm Ng left home, following a Chinese opera troupe to Singapore, a bold move she undertook alone. Her mother neither searched for her after she left nor encouraged her to return. Despite the estrangement, Mdm Ng never forgot about her family. She regularly sent money back to Malaysia to pay for her youngest sister’s school fees, determined that her sister would not miss out on education as she had. Thanks to her efforts, her sister was able to finish school, eventually settling in Johor Bahru with a family of her own. Mdm Ng frequently visits her sister, taking the bus to Johor to maintain their close bond.
In Singapore, Mdm Ng built a life of independence and resilience. Though her early years were marked by hardship, she is now content with her present life. After witnessing her husband’s unfaithfulness in her own home during her thirties, she acted decisively, throwing him out without hesitation. This defining moment reinforced her strength and self-worth, and she has since lived on her own terms.
Today, Mdm Ng lives with her son and enjoys the comforts of a life where she no longer has to manage household chores. Although her daughter-in-law does not allow her to cook or do much housework, she is at peace with this arrangement. Surrounded by five grandsons and one granddaughter, Mdm Ng finds happiness in her family and continues to cherish the strong bond with her sister. Through all of life’s challenges, Mdm Ng’s journey has been a testament to independence, perseverance, and family devotion.
独立之旅：黄爱芳女士的故事
现年75岁的黄爱芳女士来自马来西亚，是一个由11个孩子组成的大家庭—7个男孩和4个女孩。由于传统观念重男轻女，她未能接受教育。相反，她的童年时光都花在照顾年幼的弟妹上。她的父亲对她仁慈关爱，但母亲却非常严厉，经常无缘无故地责骂和惩罚她。不幸的是，她的妹妹们也同样遭受严厉的对待，家里的女孩们都承担了更多的家庭重负。
在16岁那年，黄女士独自离家，跟随一个华人戏班来到新加坡，这是一项她独自踏出的勇敢之举。她的母亲在她离家后既没有寻找她，也没有鼓励她回来。尽管关系疏远，黄女士始终没有忘记自己的家人。她定期寄钱回马来西亚，资助她最小的妹妹上学，决心让她的妹妹不再像自己一样错失受教育的机会。凭借她的努力，她的妹妹得以完成学业，最终在柔佛州定居并拥有了自己的家庭。黄女士经常乘坐巴士去柔佛拜访妹妹，以维系她们之间的亲密关系。
在新加坡，黄女士建立了独立而坚强的生活。尽管她的早年生活充满艰辛，但她对现在的生活感到满足。在三十多岁时，亲眼目睹丈夫在家中不忠，她果断行动，毫不犹豫地将他赶出家门。这一决定性的时刻增强了她的自信和自尊，从那时起，她始终按照自己的意愿生活。
如今，黄女士与儿子同住，不再需要处理家务杂事。尽管她的媳妇不让她下厨或做太多家务，她也对这样的安排感到平静。她身边有五个孙子和一个孙女，黄女士在家人中找到幸福，并继续珍惜与妹妹的深厚情谊。历经生活的各种挑战，黄女士的生活旅程见证了独立、自强以及对家庭的奉献。