Mum was born Lim Yit Lian on 9 October 1925 in a small plantation house near Sungai Pinang, Penang. She was baptized in the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Balik Pulau and Christened Theresa.

Mum had her early education at the Balik Pulau Convent. Although she did not complete her primary schooling, Mum continued to educate herself by reading anything she could get her hands on.

When the Japanese Military took over Penang during the Second World War, Mum worked the land in the plantation together with her family. They planted vegetables and tapioca, which was the staple food during that time.

After the war, Mum took up successive jobs as a housemaid and a cook, among others. She saved just enough to support herself through a tailoring course, which she graduated in 1960.

(...to be continued)