Sylvia studied at Fengshan Primary School and Bedok View Secondary School. She chose an education at Temasek Polytechnic so she could start working quicker. Sylvia graduated with a diploma in Hospitalityand Tourism Management. She worked while in school to help support her family. After graduating, Sylvia decided to wait to go to college because her parents could not afford it. Instead, she went to work at the Conrad Centennial Hotel as a secretary.