Kuala Lumpur, 23 April 2025: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), with support from Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), has launched a new report from a pilot implementation project focusing on Inclusive Education for Orang Asli. This report offers fresh insights, amplifies Orang Asli voices, and proposes support for more culturally adapted solutions to address long-standing educational inequalities faced by Indigenous communities in Malaysia through three components.

The components are:

• Actors on the Ground: Mapping Orang Asli Education Stakeholders
• Voices from the Ground: Towards Strength-Based and Culturally Responsive Education for Orang Asli Children
• Lessons from the Ground: Orang Asli Education Programme Implementation Insights

“The launching of the report marks not just the conclusion of a significant research journey, but a renewed commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring no child, especially from the Orang Asli communities, is left behind in education. A key insight from this collaboration is the urgent need to bridge the disconnect between policy intentions and on-the-ground implementation. It calls upon us—government, private sector, civil society—to collaborate closely, listen carefully, and act decisively,” said Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of YSD. 

Key recommendations from the report includes reframing the educational narrative to centre on the strengths, culture, and values of Orang Asli children, ensuring that the community, especially parents, is actively involved in shaping and executing education policies. Additionally, the report stresses the importance of fostering long-term, collaborative partnerships among all stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, and the Orang Asli community, while addressing systemic barriers such as transportation, socioeconomic challenges, and access to essential services like clean water.

The Inclusive Education for Orang Asli project was carried out over five years since November 2020 and grounded in a deep, community first approach. It began with a comprehensive stakeholder needs assessment and evolved into pilot programmes designed to be implemented with the community. Implementers worked closely with key local figures including the Tok Batin (Orang Asli village head) and parents to ensure that each intervention was rooted in trust, cultural relevance, and shared ownership.

“This project reflects IDEAS’ commitment to ensuring that inclusive education is not just a policy buzzword, but a lived experience for all children, including those from historically marginalised communities. By listening to and working alongside Orang Asli voices, we are taking a necessary step toward reimagining education that is equitable, locally grounded, and future-ready,” said IDEAS CEO, Aira Azhari.

The research also utilised indigenous participatory research methods such as photovoice and sharing circles, to enable Orang Asli students and parents to express their perspectives. “In Malaysia, indigenous research methods are quite limited, and we hope to expand this more to ensure Orang Asli voices are included in the plans and interventions that affect them the most,” said Dr Suria Angit, IDEAS senior fellow and lead researcher for the project. 

“While Actors on the Ground acknowledges that education policy has pivoted towards more targeted interventions for Orang Asli children, Voices on the Ground found that more coordination and support is still needed at ground level to improve inclusion. This particularly takes place in the context of communication between educators and parents,” added Dr Suria. 

IDEAS hopes the insights from this publication will become a vital resource for policymakers, funders, educators, and grassroots organisations working to realise the promise of inclusive, equitable, and community-rooted education for all.

Please visit our website to download the reports. (Links Below)

• Actors On The Ground
• Voices On The Ground
• Lessons On The Ground

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About Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD)

Yayasan Sime Darby or Sime Darby Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad. Established in 1982, the foundation revolves around five pillars which are Education, Environment, Community & Health, Sports, and Arts & Culture. Led by an independent Governing Council, the foundation is managed by a dedicated team who works closely with the three (3) YSD donor companies in areas of mutual interest. Since its inception, the foundation has expanded its wings from offering scholarships to outstanding and deserving individuals to funding impactful conservation, outreach and development programmes. For more information, visit www.yayasansimedarby.com 

Download the Media Statement PDF File Here

For enquiries, please contact:
Ryan Panicker
Assistant Manager, Advocacy and Events
T: 03 – 2070 8881/8882 | E: ryannesh@ideas.org.my