01-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Nurturing young Orang Asli as potential leaders
KUANTAN: Yayasan Pahang has partnered with the State Education Department to introduce the Pahang Emerging Indigenous School Leaders (PEISL) programme, aimed at nurturing potential young leaders from the Orang Asli community.
This specially designed pilot programme seeks to develop a dedicated pool of leaders from Orang Asli backgrounds, empowering them to serve as headmasters and principals at indigenous schools throughout the state.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the programme's goal was to foster leadership that truly understands and can effectively address the unique educational needs of Orang Asli students.
"PEISL aims to bring about significant improvements in educational outcomes and support cultural preservation by empowering members of the community to take on leadership roles in their schools.
"By offering a specialised platform for learning and professional development, the programme helps cultivate school-level leaders with the capacity to drive educational transformation within the Orang Asli community," he said during the launch of the 'Apa Khabar Orang Kita' Carnival and the 2025 Orang Asli Education Excellence Awards hosted by Yayasan Pahang at its complex.
The three-day carnival was a vibrant celebration of the achievements and contributions of the Orang Asli community, highlighting excellence in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, sports, leadership and religion.
The event, a joint effort between the Orang Asli Development Department, the State Education Department and the Pahang Youth Council, was supported by sponsors, including the Pahang Orang Asli Corporation, the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, and the Human Resources Development Corporation.
The PEISL programme marks a significant step toward self-determination and sustainable development for Pahang's Orang Asli community, ensuring that the schools are led by individuals who are not only knowledgeable, but also deeply connected to their heritage and aspirations.
Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said having previously held the portfolio for Orang Asli affairs, he had a deep understanding of the community's needs, challenges and potential.
"Since being entrusted with the role of menteri besar, I have worked tirelessly to ensure the continuity and expansion of relevant policies."
Various programmes have been introduced to uplift the community, including those under Yayasan Pahang, he said.
"For example, the rural education intervention programme 'Baca Cepat Kawanku' has significantly improved literacy among Orang Asli students aged as young as 7, raising literacy rates in some schools from 30 per cent to 100 per cent.
"In addition, a career-guarantee initiative based on the 'train and place' concept provides Orang Asli youth with vocational training, leading to permanent employment and stable income in sectors such as welding, hairdressing and construction," he said. By T.N. Alagesh
