Maly Chhing was born in Tani, Kampot on April 14, 1944 to Douk Chhing and Khout Yith. She was the youngest of her 6 siblings. Maly wed Leuch Chonn in 1960. She had two biological children, Chhany and Valentina and later adopted Sinoun and Leela. Maly graduated with a diploma and teaching certificate and was known as a very talented seamstress.