KUALA LUMPUR, July 25, 2024 – RYTHM Foundation, the social impact initiative of the global conglomerate QI Group, hosted an impactful roundtable discussion on July 23, addressing two critical challenges faced by Malaysia’s indigenous communities.
The ‘Roundtable Discussion on Indigenous Communities: Education & Livelihood’ renewed the focus on these groups’ urgent needs and struggles, emphasising the necessity for sustainable and inclusive solutions. Participants included representatives from indigenous communities, civil society organisations, teacher training institutes, and public and private universities.
This roundtable follows the success of RYTHM Foundation’s ‘Community Convention on the Indigenous in Malaysia’ held last year in partnership with University Kebangsaan Malaysia. The convention formulated more than 30 resolutions to address critical education, health, livelihood, and statelessness issues.
With the indigenous facing challenges like job shortages and healthcare, the livelihood recommendations included creating detailed development plans for greater Orang Asli representation, promoting eco-tourism, and respecting land rights. This group also suggested that universities, corporations, NGOs, and the government step up support efforts and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The panellists addressing the educational challenges primarily proposed providing hostels, improving transport, and using culturally relevant curricula for Orang Asli children while fostering stronger partnerships for better academic outcomes.
“This roundtable shared our experiences, insights, and challenges in working with and for the indigenous communities in Malaysia,” said Santhi Periasamy, the Head of RYTHM Foundation. “We learned from each other, exchanged best practices, and identified areas of collaboration and advocacy.”
The event also marked the launch of the ‘Sikulah Bateq’ (Bateq School) teaching module, a framework designed to support basic literacy and numeracy for Orang Asli preschool and early primary children. The book integrates academic learning with essential life skills.
Santhi said the module is crucial to the Foundation’s mission to support and elevate Orang Asli communities through education.
“It is designed to engage Orang Asli children in meaningful learning experiences and foster a love for reading, writing, and mathematics. By building these essential skills, we are laying the groundwork for their future success and well-being.”
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, emphasised the importance of affirmative action by society, the education system, and the employment sector for the Orang Asli.
“We have failed them (the indigenous). There needs to be greater efforts to ensure their inclusion and well-being,” Datin Sri Umayal noted. “Malaysia’s indigenous communities are part of Malaysia, and Malaysia is part of them. We should do everything we can for them to progress without destroying their culture, values, and identity.”
The brainstorming sessions also highlighted RYTHM Foundation’s transformative Community Adoption Programme (CAP) for indigenous communities. This initiative has enhanced academic support, youth development, and women’s empowerment in Sabah and Pahang. An upcoming CAP with an Orang Asli community in Perak will further showcase the potential for sustainable change through collaborative efforts with communities and stakeholders.
About RYTHM Foundation
RYTHM Foundation, the heart of social impact for the QI Group, champions Education, Empowerment, and Environmental Sustainability. An acronym for “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind,” RYTHM embodies the QI Group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Since 2005, the RYTHM Foundation has reached over 80,000 individuals across more than 20 countries, partnering with over 115 organisations to launch more than 50 sustainable projects. Our initiatives, particularly in education, women’s empowerment, and inclusive support for youth and individuals with disabilities, have garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ghana. Discover more about our impact at www.rythmfoundation.org
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