The call that changed her path – The Star

CREATING social impact has been the key driver of Wong Xiao Cheng (pic)’s life ever since she was introduced to the concept of social business – enterprises that serve the common good while remaining financially sustainable. That aha moment at a youth summit when she was an undergraduate was, in her words, “the missing piece” she was looking for as she reflected on what she wanted to do with her life. Looking back, the 34-year-old credited a scholarship award from the Star Education Fund (SEF) for giving her the freedom to explore, question and ultimately commit to a calling rooted in social good. “Without the SEF scholarship, this path would not have been possible,” she said. Raised in a modest household, Wong was shaped by resilience and determination from an early age. Her father worked as a carpenter and construction worker, while her mother supplemented the family income with part-time tailoring from home. Growing up, she carried her mother’s constant reminder: education would open doors. Despite scoring nine As in her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations, she found herself faced with financial constraints in pursuing tertiary studies. The SEF scholarship changed that, enabling her to pursue Australian Matriculation at Methodist College
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