Orang Asli Culture Showcased Alongside 46th ASEAN Summit

By Aisha Hani Nor Azmir

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- The 46th ASEAN Summit here is not only a platform to discuss the region’s strategic direction in addressing global challenges, but also offers an opportunity for Malaysia’s Orang Asli community to highlight their rich cultural heritage.

The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) booth at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), where the summit is being held, features a display of traditional Orang Asli handicrafts such as tempok (headgear woven from coconut or mengkuang leaves), along with live demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques.

Zarina Razlan, assistant director of the Culture and Heritage Section under JAKOA’s Planning and Research Division, said the booth also includes a showcase of replica houses representing 10 Orang Asli sub-ethnic groups, and allows visitors to try traditional games such as blowpipe and kercang (a traditional puzzle game).

“This is part of our effort to promote the customs, culture and heritage of the Orang Asli, and we hope that through exhibitions like this, people will better understand JAKOA’s role and the uniqueness of the Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia,” she told Bernama.

Zarina added that the community’s involvement in the event gives visitors a chance to appreciate the authenticity and value of Orang Asli craftsmanship while also supporting their economic well-being.

Around 40 Orang Asli representatives are participating in the event, including two traditional dance troupes from the Mah Meri and Bah Sali groups, as well as several fine arts demonstrators.

Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances by the Orang Asli community on a mini stage located within the exhibition hall.

The exhibition and sales booths are open to the public from May 23 to 25 and to ASEAN delegates on May 26 and 27. A total of 36 booths are featured, with 25 exhibitors taking part.

The event, themed The Heritech Malaysia -- a wordplay combining “heritage” and “technology” -- offers visitors live demonstrations of local handicraft production as well as opportunities to interact with digital boards and video displays.

The 46th ASEAN Summit on May 26 and 27 will bring together leaders of ASEAN member states to discuss regional issues, strengthen economic cooperation, and promote the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.

In conjunction with the summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit will also be held.

-- BERNAMA