By Anne Das
What happens when four unapologetically bold women over 70 take the stage, not to look back but to speak forward? At 22 Hale Street, Echoes of Life brought together women from across Ipoh and beyond in a room filled with curiosity, laughter and quiet truth-telling.
Many in the audience, especially those in their 50s and 60s, were visibly moved by the stories shared. The conversations touched on purpose, reinvention and the realities of aging with intention.
The event opened to a full house. Attendees from Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore filled the intimate heritage space, drawn by the promise of honest conversations about growing older and living meaningfully.
The session was guided by moderator Sindy Kong, who introduced each speaker with warmth and insight. The afternoon featured four remarkable women: Puan Sri Dato’ Sandra Lee, See Foon Chan-Koppen, Lily Fu and Betty Yeoh. Each brought a lifetime of perspective and purpose, offering reflections on how they continue to evolve and give back in their own ways.
Puan Sri Sandra Lee spoke about retirement as a time to realign with what truly matters. A long-time advocate for inclusive development, she shared the story of co-founding Daybreak, a centre supporting persons with disabilities in Perak. Her passion for empowering others continues today through various ventures, including her leadership role in RES, an agriculture robotics company.
“Daybreak taught me that everyone has something to offer,” she said. “My job is to make sure the door stays open for them.” For Sandra, giving back is not a phase. It is her passion.
See Foon, familiar to many in Ipoh for her long-standing food writing and candid opinions, encouraged the audience to stay engaged by following what sparks joy. She spoke about the importance of curiosity and contribution, even after formal careers end.
“Let your passions guide you,” she said. “Stay curious and do what you can with what you have.” You don’t have to begin with a grand plan, start small, she said. She shared how small acts like donating her antique collection for a cause have brought unexpected meaning. “I may not be chasing deadlines anymore, but I am still showing up in ways that feel right.”
At 77, Lily Fu has done more than just age gracefully. She has continued creating spaces for others to thrive. As the founder of SeniorsAloud, she leads a vibrant community platform helping older adults stay active, learn new skills and live purposefully.
She reminded the audience that the desire to grow and give never disappears. “We do not stop being who we are after retirement. We just keep unfolding,” she said. Her documentary Meniti Senja and her book project Our Stories, Our Legacy are two examples of how she continues to preserve the voices of older Malaysians.
Betty Yeoh, a veteran women’s rights activist and co-founder of AWAM, spoke about the power of staying committed to a cause, no matter your age. Reflecting on the long journey to see the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act passed, she reminded the audience that sustained change comes from collective effort over time.
She shared how meaningful work doesn’t end with retirement. For her, it continues through mentoring, advocacy and staying involved in systems that still need reform. “Legacy doesn’t have to be loud,” she said. “It can be in how we support the next generation, how we keep using our voice and how we show up even when it’s hard. Growing older doesn’t mean stepping back. It means stepping in with wisdom, resilience and purpose.”
The event ended with honesty and strength. The speakers made one thing clear that life after 60 doesn’t pause. There’s still more to do, more to say, and more to give. Ask ourselves, what brings me joy, and do that. Let joy be the compass for what comes next.
This event was the brainchild of Jacky and Wendy of Ria Mobility (formerly known as AGIS Mobility) and brought to life by the Living Library team of SeniorsAloud, who are committed and passionate individuals who believe in sparking more honest, intergenerational conversations for seniors across Malaysia.
The Living Library series has already been held four times in Kuala Lumpur, with this session marking its first appearance in Ipoh to get seniors to have conversations around needful and challenging topics that matter.
For those who wish to stay connected or learn more, visit www.seniorsaloud.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsAloud/about
