It was big sister duty. - Siew Lan

Siew Lan could only go to school when her younger brother could finally attend school.

The parents reasoned that the older sister could also care for the younger brother if they attended school together. Siew Lan would walk him there, make sure he ate his lunch, and walk him home.

She was seven. He was six.

When her brother entered into higher levels of education, Siew Lan was told to drop out of school to work. She was needed to help put him through school.

Siew Lan’s wages went directly to her brother's school fees, textbooks, and extra tuition.

The parents tried to compensate for her time and labour by telling the younger brother that he should always provide for his sister.

"Remember, Siew Lan sacrificed for you. You must take care of her when you're successful."

The younger brother nodded. However, this was not legally stipulated. It would be done based on the younger son's goodwill.

Her brother graduated with a degree. Found a good job. Got married. Started a family.

She never married. Who would want a woman with little education and barely any savings?