Many Orang Asli, by force, have been relocated to suburban villages due to the loss of their ancestral lands which are usually located in dense forests. This issue of land loss is due to extensive logging activities. In losing their ancestral lands, Orang Asli communities lose their connection to tradition and history, their homes and way of life. The reality is that the land’s destruction leads to the gradual erosion of Orang Asli culture and their identity.

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In addition, despite Malaysia providing free education from the age of 7 to 17 years, there are more than 70,000 Orang Asli children living in poor conditions with no access to public schools. This is mainly due to the lack of recognition for the Orang Asli heritage and culture in the curriculum.

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This brief aims to break the cycle of poverty among the indigenous Orang Asli community through the provision of quality education and skills training development thus creating economic and social opportunities. It also aims to resolve the housing crisis issue faced by the community.

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The site that I have chosen for this project is located in Bentong, a municipality in Pahang, a state that has the highest population of indigenous people in peninsular Malaysia.

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