APU Students Are Preserving Orang Asli Cultural Heritage Through Technology
The students have documented the Temuan Tribe through a documentary.
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has produced a documentary spotlighting the culture of the Temuan tribe in Hulu Selangor
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
The Temuan tribe is a Proto-Malay ethnic group indigenous to western parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
The documentary was created through a collaboration between APU's School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), and Sekolah Kebangsaan Tun Abdul Razak.
The project is part of APU's Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), bridging academic research with real-world applications. By working closely with the Temuan community, students developed empathy, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for cultural inclusivity.
The documentary project unfolded over two visits to Kampung Serendah and Kampung Tun Abdul Razak
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
During the first trip on 4 December 2024, the team conducted a reconnaissance mission to engage with community leaders and secure approvals for filming.
The second visit on 14 December 2024 coincided with the vibrant Pesta Seni Belia Orang Asli, offering the perfect backdrop to capture the Temuan tribe's cultural pride.
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
Led by supervisors Harjinder Kaur and David Ng Kok Meng, both academic staff of SoMM, the diverse student team utilised advanced tools, including drones, to document the Temuan tribe's environment and practices.
The aerial perspectives added depth to the narrative, showcasing the intricacies of Temuan cultural demonstrations, such as weaving and bead-making workshops, and the crafting of pensol (traditional bamboo flutes).
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
"This project was more than just an academic assignment; it was an eye-opening journey that deepened our respect for Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry," said Morgan Mak Lee Ann, a Media and Communication Studies student
Beyond filming, the project also fostered a two-way exchange of knowledge. At Sekolah Kebangsaan Tun Abdul Razak, the principal, Samsuddin Ahmad, explained how the school integrates Temuan traditions into its curriculum, inspiring pride in younger generations.
Simultaneously, APU students learned about the tribe's history and modern challenges, enriching their understanding of Malaysia's cultural diversity.
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
For APU students, the project went beyond technical skills development
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
Students combined elements of sociology, anthropology, and digital marketing during the programme.
The student team comprised of Morgan Mak Lee Ann (Media and Communication), Haziq Thaqif Mohd Faizul (Interactive Technology), Richerson Yovannlim (Accounting and Technology), Joanna Mable Chan (Digital Marketing), Noreldin Mohamed Taha Mansor (Global Marketing Management), and Muhammad Abdullah Ashfaq (Digital Marketing).
The documentary holds the potential to raise awareness about the Temuan tribe's heritage among both Malaysian and global audiences
As the team wraps up post-production, they hope the documentary will serve as a bridge between the Temuan people and a broader audience, shining a spotlight on their heritage and inspiring collective efforts to protect and celebrate Malaysia's diversity.
From left to right: Roslan, community leader; students from APU; Harjinder Kaur, faculty member of SoMM; David Ng Kok Meng, faculty member of SoMM; Samsuddin Ahmad, principal of Sekolah Kebangsaan Tun Abdul Razak.
Image via APU (Provided to SAYS)
Associate Professor Dr Devinder Kaur, Head, School of Marketing and Management, summarised the initiative's significance, stating, "This documentary exemplifies APU's dedication to using technology as a tool for cultural preservation and societal impact. By embracing projects like these, we empower our students to become global citizens who not only excel in their fields but also contribute meaningfully to the world around them."
Meanwhile, Gurpardeep Singh, APU's Chief Operations Officer, added, "By empowering students to engage with communities, we aim to foster partnerships that protect the planet while promoting peace and prosperity for all."
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