2 days ago
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.
