“I would get palpitations every time I drove to work. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack – it felt like I was going to die,” she recalled.

She eventually learnt she had anxiety and had to get on medication.

“After a year, I decided enough was enough and quit my job at 39,” she told FMT. “Everyone thought I was crazy as I held a senior position and didn’t have another job lined up, but my health was important and I wanted to be there for my children.”

Having been athletic since young, Chew decided to become an RPM instructor, leading group indoor cycling classes. And, upon realising she enjoyed helping people improve their physical strength and stamina, she became a certified personal trainer and TRX coach, a form of suspension training.

“It wasn’t big money but it was so satisfying seeing people get healthier,” said the now 53-year-old, who used to take part in duathlons and triathlons.

Four years ago, she decided to try hiking and fell completely in love with it. Despite having only hiked for about a year, she quickly went on to scale mountains in Asia, including Gunung Kinabalu, Gunung Semeru in Indonesia, and Four Sisters Mountain in China.

Then she went on the trip that would change her life: a 20-day Everest circuit trek in Nepal. “My guide thought I was nuts to attempt it without prior experience… and during winter at that!” she recalled with a laugh.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Chew succeeded in climbing several mountains during this trip, including four peaks above 5,000m. She also visited some of the villages that had been destroyed in the earthquake of April 2015.

Moved, she decided to return to Malaysia and do something for the community. “I can’t explain why exactly, but I felt extremely compelled to help them,” she said in reflection.

When international borders reopened this year, Chew booked a three-month solo hiking trip to Nepal in February. But before leaving, she asked her friends to donate old clothes and books, and, within a month, collected 10 boxes full.

There, she revisited the remote village of Phapre and spent five days living with the villagers between hikes.

“Most of the items went to those from lower castes who were called ‘untouchables’,” Chew said, explaining that these people were shunned by others as it was considered bad luck to even speak to them.

She remembers being moved by the reaction of a six-year-old girl who wore a dress Chew gave her. “I’ve never seen that kind of joy. You see happy kids here, but that joy was so different.”

Chew is further determined to raise funds for the renovation of a school library in Nepal. “It’s made of stone and cement, and it gets very cold, especially during winter,” she said.

They plan on installing wood flooring, and adding more tables, chairs and bookshelves. In addition, she and some friends have decided to sponsor the education of two Nepalese girls.

During the trip, Chew also visited Gorkha, the epicentre of the 2015 earthquake, located a 13-hour jeep ride away from Kathmandu. She recalls being affected by the generosity of the residents there.

“Even though the lady I stayed with had practically nothing in her house, her neighbours pitched in. One brought some onions, another gave us tomatoes… it was extremely touching.”

According to Chew, some of the children there have not changed their clothes in over two years as they have nothing to change into. As such, she plans to collect more clothing, especially winter wear, before her next trip to Nepal in October.

Some of her friends have even suggested she bring them medical basics such as paracetamol and deworming tablets.

In the meantime, while she is still home, Chew is collaborating with a friend to come up with a video series that aims to empower women.

“It took me a long time to find my own identity, so I want to try to help other women to rise and shine in their own way,” she said.

As it’s a journey of self-discovery, Chew added, one must figure out what they don’t know and question preconceived notions.

“Some friends say they can’t do what I do, but it’s all about believing in yourself, taking baby steps, and also knowing your limits.

“Once you find your identity, there’s a lot of joy and peace,” she concluded.

Those who would like to contribute towards Nepal’s needy communities can contact Chew at 016-2192280 or via her Facebook account.