A milestone for Orang Asli folk
Community spirit: Native Discovery envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. Efforts to normalise and advocate allyship with the Orang Asli community have resulted in a robust support network.
PETALING JAYA: Being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners has been a transformative milestone for Native Discovery, a project committed to fostering allyship with the Orang Asli community.
Founded in the spirit of community collaboration, Native Discovery has expanded its reach and impact since its inception, igniting a movement towards indigenous allyship throughout Malaysia.
Co-founder Daniel Teoh said the recognition has significantly enhanced the organisation's legitimacy in the local social impact space and among the Malaysian public.
'It also allows us to establish stronger connections with both local and international stakeholders.
'This credibility has been crucial in engaging international universities, non-governmental organisations and social enterprises to collaborate on building a sustainable future for the Orang Asli,' he said in an interview.
Over the past two years, Teoh said Native Discovery has achieved significant milestones.
He said efforts to normalise and advocate allyship with the Orang Asli community have resulted in a robust support network.
'We find that our efforts are bearing fruit now,' Teoh added while highlighting the importance of these collaborations in supporting indigenous communities.
Looking forward, he said Native Discovery plans to continue building momentum for the movement.
'Our hope and goal remains to continue building momentum on indigenous allyship,' Teoh said.
The organisation envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli.
He also shared his encouragement to other fellow Malaysian changemakers.
'A truly Malaysian Malaysia is extremely feasible and not out of reach. We can build it together,' he added.
Native Discovery envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli.
In 2022, Native Discovery was singled out by SGHA for its impactful community-led tourism initiatives, which empowered the Orang Asli.
Teoh said the recognition not only validated their efforts but also opened doors for future collaborations and growth.
'Meeting and sharing experiences with other winners opened doors for potential collaborations,' he added.
SGHA is returning for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Affordable goods make Rahmah Sale worth the trip for Orang Asli
SUNGAI SIPUT: The MADANI Rahmah Sale Programme (PJRM) held at the Orang Asli One-Stop Centre (OAOSC) here has brought meaningful relief to the surrounding Orang Asli community, offering essential goods at affordable prices. Despite the long journey, a rubber tapper from Legap Regroupment Scheme (RPS), Long Busu, 56, said he was willing to drive nearly an hour to the centre to obtain essential household items at reduced prices. Describing it as a highly beneficial government initiative for the low-income group, the father of six and grandfather of 10 said the programme organised by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) had significantly eased the burden of the Orang Asli, particularly those in remote areas. 'It is quite a long journey to get here, but because the essential items are sold at low prices, I still came to do my shopping. 'It's really worth it. I bought rice, chicken and cooking oil, which are cheaper here than at the supermarkets,' he told Bernama recently. Ali Busu, 53, from Kampung Bawong said the programme had brought relief to the Orang Asli community in Bawong and Legap RPS as they no longer had to make the long journey to Sungai Siput town to buy their daily necessities. He said the initiative not only saved time and travel costs but also offered quality goods at very reasonable prices. 'Even though the prices are lower, the goods are good and fresh. There's no difference between the chicken, meat or dry goods sold here and those at the big markets. 'I also save on grocery expenses and that extra money can be saved or used for other things,' said the rubber tapper who has four children. Meanwhile, Zalinah Zabidi, 28, expressed hope that the programme would not be limited to a single location but expanded to other areas in the Orang Asli settlements of Bawong and Legap RPS. 'Some other residents knew about the sale, but they didn't have transport, so they couldn't come. If possible, this sale should be brought from village to village so more people can benefit,' she said. Zalinah, a general worker at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bawong, said the PJRM was very helpful as it not only reduced household expenses but also fostered community bonding. 'When there's a sale like this, it's not just about buying things, but also a chance to meet villagers from other areas, gather, chat and share problems,' she said, adding that the programme should also include health screenings or other services such as aid registration.
Sinar Daily
12 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Early exposure to sexuality in schools sparks worry among parents abroad
IN a quiet suburb of a Western country thousands of kilometres from home, a Malaysian mother of two juggles the everyday demands of parenthood - but her greatest concern isn't about groceries or the cost of living. It's about values. With two young children under the age of five, the mother - who requested anonymity for privacy reasons is caught in the crosscurrents of modern education and personal conviction. Her daughter, barely four, currently attends a private religious kindergarten. It's a costly decision, one that weighs heavily on the family's finances. But it's a choice she stands by, even if it means tightening their belts. 'I actually want to send my daughter to a public school, of course, it's more affordable. "But I fear what she might be exposed to, she told Sinar Daily recently Her hesitation stems from the fact that, in many parts of the Western education system, discussions on sexuality, gender identity and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) themes are introduced as early as four years old. This approach, especially in the Western world, meant to promote inclusivity and acceptance, is viewed by many as progressive and necessary. For this Malaysian mother, however, it raises deeply personal and cultural questions. 'My general concern is exposing kids so early on about LGBT and multiple genders as part of the education system. 'While being inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ and multiple gender community in our society is important, we must also find the balance to respect other people's religion and beliefs,' she said. She makes it clear she is not against co-existence or acceptance. In fact, her own circle of friends includes members of the LGBTQ community. 'Some of my very close friends and colleagues are part of the LGBTQ community, but we learn to accept each other's differences and respect each other's values. 'There is absolutely no condemning of each other's beliefs, values or religions… as long as we learn to live with each other,' she said. But where she draws the line is the idea of early, structured exposure to topics on sexuality in schools. A man wearing a mask takes part in the formation of the world's biggest LGBT pride flag at Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 22, 2025. (Photo by Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP) 'I can't force people to convert to Christianity or impose my religious values on them. I would expect the same from the LGBTQ community. 'We live in a very diverse community. We learn to live together peacefully and respectfully. We acknowledge they exist, but in no way do I need the government or school or someone to intentionally expose my children to their sexuality at such a young age,' she said. For now, the private kindergarten remains her family's middle ground. A compromise between embracing diversity and preserving the religious framework she wants her children to grow up with. But the looming question of public school still hangs over her. As her children grow and education becomes more structured, she knows more difficult decisions lie ahead. Raising children has become not just a matter of nurturing but navigating religious and cultural values. Unfortunately, this mother is not the only one experiencing mixed emotions over inclusivity, acceptance and early exposure. Two more Malaysian mothers living in North America shares similar sentiments. Both women - Muslims, said they were still figuring out the best way forward before their children enters formal education, in Malaysian terms 'Standard 1'. For these mothers, returning to Malaysia where things are much more conservative and discussions on sexuality and multiple genders are still a taboo, remains a distance. One mother said: 'For now, we will have to educate and impart knowledge and values the best way possible, may they remember our beliefs and the right way to handle things', adding that although Islam does acknowledge intersex (khans) or ambiguous genitalia, there is a way to approach things.
Sinar Daily
12 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Malaysian youth need critical media literacy to navigate LGBTQ+ conversations online
LGBTQ+ content is no longer hidden in the margins of the internet, it's front and centre across social media platforms where young Malaysians spend most of their time. From trending TikTok to Instagram reels celebrating global pride movements, exposure to diverse sexual identities is now part of the everyday scroll. However, this isn't something that can be filtered out or turned off; it's embedded in the digital culture shaping the next generation. In a country as religiously and culturally diverse as Malaysia, conversations around LGBTQ+ topics remain sensitive and often polarising. However, with global content flooding the feeds of young users daily, experts say that shielding them is neither practical nor productive. Instead, what's needed is preparation, rooted in critical thinking, empathy, and moral clarity. The need for critical media literacy University Putra Malaysia, Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Laboratory of Youth and Community Wellbeing, Head Laboratory, Dr Aini Azeqa Ma'rof said today's generation is growing up in a completely different environment compared to their predecessors. 'TikTok and Instagram are not just for fun, they are powerful tools that shape how young people think about identity, relationships, and society. 'Among the topics that often appear on these platforms is the issue of LGBT, usually framed around ideas of acceptance, diversity, and human rights. 'For many young Malaysians, the challenge is not just in understanding what they see online, but in making sense of it within the moral, cultural, and religious values they have grown up with,' she said in an interview with Sinar Daily. She stressed the importance of equipping young people with media literacy skills that go beyond simply knowing how to use technology. They need to learn to ask more probing questions. Who is producing this content? What values are being conveyed? Does this reflect or challenge my own beliefs? 'This kind of reflection helps them make sense of diverse perspectives without being easily swayed by sensationalism or extreme views,' she explained. In Malaysia's unique context, where Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indigenous beliefs intersect, the youth need tools to reflect critically while remaining anchored in their cultural and religious roots. Photo: Canva Balancing empathy and moral clarity Dr Aini also highlighted the need for empathy, not as blind agreement, but as a way to acknowledge human dignity while holding firm to personal values. In a multicultural country like Malaysia, social maturity means respecting others without feeling personally threatened. 'Moral clarity is no longer about memorising a list of do's and don'ts. It's about learning how to make ethical decisions, balancing personal beliefs with social responsibility,' she said. She believes the solution lies in collective conversations, parents, educators, and community leaders must engage youth in open dialogue. Not to lecture, but to guide. Not to dictate, but to nurture reflection and confidence. In the meantime, University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Social and Development Sciences, senior lecturer, Dr Wan Munira Wan Jaafar shared a similar view. She pointed out that platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become arenas where identity, values, and global norms are constantly negotiated. 'Young Malaysians are exposed to global perspectives every day. 'We must invest in comprehensive media literacy education that goes beyond technical skills to include moral reasoning, intercultural understanding, and critical engagement with content,' she said when contacted recently. Preparing young Malaysians isn't just about protecting them, it's about empowering them to think deeply, act wisely, and engage the world with both strength and compassion. Photo: Canva Values-based education for a multicultural society She noted that in Malaysia's unique context, where Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indigenous beliefs intersect, the youth need tools to reflect critically while remaining anchored in their cultural and religious roots. Dr Wan Munira said some schools have already introduced values-based media literacy modules in moral or civics classes. These programs encourage students to analyse viral content and engage in respectful, structured discussions. 'The key lies in dialogical education, where the aim is not to promote a particular lifestyle but to create safe spaces for inquiry and understanding. We must differentiate between discussing a phenomenon and endorsing it,' she added. According to her, approaching the subject from a socio-cultural rather than ideological standpoint helps students understand how global narratives shape local identity without forcing them to abandon their core values. She further said that at the university level, interdisciplinary courses in communication, sociology, and religious studies are already examining Western portrayals of gender and sexuality, contrasting them with Malaysian perspectives to foster dialogue rather than division. 'These analyses are then contrasted with local norms, allowing students to appreciate both divergence and coexistence without being forced into binary positions,' she said. Ultimately, both academics agree that silence and fear-based avoidance do more harm than good. When difficult conversations are handled with wisdom, they promote understanding, not conflict. In this digital era, preparing young Malaysians isn't just about protecting them, it's about empowering them to think deeply, act wisely, and engage the world with both strength and compassion.
