Program Highlight: Indigenous Knowledges in Malaysia
Recently, CISaustralia collaborated with the University of Adelaide to curate a customised program led by Dr Kameljeet (Kam) Kaur. The program was created in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Universiti Malay. This program offered students an immersive exploration of Indigenous cultures and traditions in Malaysia.
This program was designed to broaden and enrich students’ understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Cultures, exploring worldviews and methodologies of knowledge transfer. During the program, participants engaged with ecological knowledge and land management practices within Indigenous communities in Malaysia, while also delving into concepts and frameworks related to Indigenous perspectives on health, sustainable futures, and land rights.
During the two week program, students were fully immersed in Malaysian culture. Standout experiences included performances by the Orang Asli, the oldest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia. Students had the unique opportunity to learn directly from the Orang Asli, participating in workshops on indigenous education and engaging in conversations with Orang Asli youth and fire rangers from local village.
The program began in Kuala Lumpur, where the students attended a symposium hosted by the University of Malaysia. The focus lecture of the day was “Decolonisation & Indigenous people”. The group then travelled to Pekan, where they had the opportunity to interact with the Orang Asli community, gaining insights into their culture and rituals. Following an initial adjustment period, students embarked on various fieldwork activities within the Orang Asli Village, with a particular emphasis on fire management, carbon footprints, and Orang Asli Education. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into sustainable practices and Indigenous knowledge systems, enriching students’ academic and cultural understanding.
Through this program, students not only deepened their academic understanding but also developed a profound appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions of Malaysia. This immersive learning experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on participants, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding and inspiring a commitment to global citizenship.
