RETIREMENT is usually seen as a time for peace and quiet. However, many women are proving that their desire to care for others does not stop at the front door.
Instead of slowing down, they are using their newfound free time to support people across the neighbourhood.
While Mothers Day traditionally centres on the nuclear family, a new group of “community mothers” is emerging.
Some of them, having finished raising their own children, are now looking for ways to help the public.
By sharing their wisdom and kindness, these retired women ensure that everyone feels supported.
StarMetro speaks to several women in their retirement years who continue to play motherly roles through community work, sports, fitness and mentorship.
Community mum
Yeap Siew Ngor, 60, is a cherished, motherly figure within the community of Taman Kok Doh in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
A mother-of-five with five grandchildren, she stays active by organising local events and fostering a true sense of togetherness among the residents.
Despite using a walking stick due to an injury, she helps spearhead Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (Pawe) Segambut as its deputy chairman.
She is also chairman of the Residents’ Representative Council (MPP) Zone 6 at Segambut Taman Kok Doh.
“I am active in community work because if I do not volunteer my time, no one will take the lead in organising activities,” she said.
Yeap also conducts baking and cooking lessons for the women among the residents and plans to launch Dapur Segambut at Pawe.
“I want the community to stay united and active,” she said.
Her son, actor, singer and screenwriter Jack Tan Chek Yao, said his mother always supported her children’s dreams.
“She never says no to us. She gave us a lot of freedom and invested in our growth.
“When my movies are released, she ensures the entire family comes together for the premiere,” he said.
Sundays are like festive reunions as all the siblings and their families gather for meals prepared by their mother, he added.
Yeap, who has nine siblings, said her father was always a cheerful man.
“I think my parenting style is like his – to always stay happy and keep the family together,” she added.
Segambut Pawe chairman Jeyakumar Manokaran said Yeap was a humble person who helped the community in every possible manner.
“She is like a motherly figure and has the ability to pull support from the community, due to her good job-delegation skills.
She is also a good cook and will be leading our Dapur Segambut with homemade recipes. People are looking forward to it,” he added.
Coach mum
Former SMK Bukit Nanas teacher Petrina Low Lai Hun, 70, turned her lifelong passion for educating children into a second career after retirement. She opened the Rhythmic Excellence Academy.
Low is a respected figure in Malaysian rhythmic gymnastics and serves as vice-president of the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF).
She was also awarded the “Ibu Ikon Malaysia 2022” title.
Her journey began with her teaching Malay and Chinese dances for school concerts before being selected for a course conducted by an Australian rhythmic gymnastics coach.
“My students took part in a national-level championship in 1988 and emerged as winners,” said Low.
Although known to be a disciplinarian, her students also knew that she genuinely cared for them.
“Some say when I walk into the hall, the children automatically straighten their posture like gymnasts should,” she said.
Low, who never married, devoted her life to nurturing children through gymnastics.
“I have many godchildren and some now live abroad. When they return, they visit me,” she said, adding that many of them also confided in her about their personal struggles, including family issues.
“I had a student from a disadvantaged family who constantly failed her exams. I promised her a gold bracelet if she passed her UPSR. She did, and I bought the bracelet for her. She was like a daughter to me,” Low said.
She credited her former school principal, the late Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan, founder of the Assunta primary and secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, as her greatest inspiration.
Like Sister Enda, Low believes all her students are her children and they continue to motivate her well into her later years.
Fitness mum
Upon retirement Margaret Chin, 76, who believes women should prioritise their health over anything else, opened a women-only fitness studio with her daughter Allison Chin, 44.
She said her perspective was shaped when she saw many women neglecting their health while caring for others.
“When I visited my ancestral hometown in China, my family name was no longer listed on a heritage wall there because no boys were born into my brother’s lineage.
“Women contribute equally to raising children but often go unrecognised.
“Mothers should not grow bitter because of their sacrifices. They should invest in themselves and prioritise their health,” she said.
Margaret, who worked her way through accounting school, later held leadership roles including being Malaysia Institute of Corporate Governance (MICG) vice-chairman and former president for CPA Australia Malaysia and The Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia.
Suffering a slipped disc during a regular gym workout motivated her to create a safe exercise environment for women.
“We provide support for one another and encourage women to achieve financial independence so that they can make their own choices,” she said.
Allison described her mother as resilient and generous.
“My mother overcame many challenges from a young age just to survive.
“So she is always looking for opportunities to help others,” said Allison.
Their fitness studio client, Sharifah Sharizawati Syed Mohamad said strength training had transformed her life.
“I feel stronger, healthier and happier now,” said the 46-year-old.
Another client, Pat Chan, 75, said exercising had improved her health and boosted immunity.
Swim mum
Tan Kwai Mae, better known as Mae Chen, got involved in swimming and diving after opting for early retirement as a mechanical engineer.
Now in her 60s, Tan spends long hours supporting young athletes and has become a guardian and mentor to many of them.
She served as Malaysia Swimming Federation secretary-general from 2015 to 2023 and continues to hold several positions in local and international swimming bodies. Much of her work is voluntary.
Tan drew inspiration from children and became a mother figure to many of the country’s swimmers and divers, accompanying them to competitions locally and overseas, and supporting them throughout their careers.
“These children train around the clock and follow strict diets. Sometimes I see them sharing one slice of cake among their peers. That is the level of discipline they have,” she said.
Tan often steps in to support athletes emotionally and advocates for them when training schedules clash with school commitments.
“Swimmers and divers need to remain calm before competitions and not be distracted by others. Their mental state is very important,” she emphasised.
Her involvement in sports began after she spent time swimming at Kelab Darul Ehsan following retirement.
She was later invited to help establish professional swimming lessons, which eventually led her into para swimming.
“I was truly inspired by disabled child swimmers,” said Tan.
One of her proudest moments was serving as team manager during the 2012 London Olympics when Pandelela Rinong became the first Malaysian female athlete to win an Olympic medal.
“I remember being too nervous to watch her dive,” Tan recalled.
Another memorable moment was the 2016 Rio Olympics when Pandelela and Cheong Jun Hoong won silver in the women’s 10m synchronised platform event.
Tan said the public often did not realise the sacrifices that athletes make.
“These athletes have very little social life outside sports.
“Sometimes I take them out for dinner and send them back before 10pm. I am like their mother away from home,” she said.
“I will continue doing this as long as my body allows.
“I also take care of my own health so that I can continue serving our athletes well,” she added.
