“Seeing progress in community empowerment, both in the villages and within our organization, tells me that we are on the right track,” says Cass Mah, Partnership and Development Manager at Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Malaysia.

Since 2014, GPF Malaysia has been working closely with the Orang Asli, Malaysia’s Indigenous peoples, through initiatives that provide access to clean water, improve education, and create livelihood opportunities. By combining practical solutions with a deep respect for cultural heritage, the organization helps communities build resilience, strengthen identity, and chart their own path toward sustainable growth.

Cass’s journey with GPF Malaysia began in 2020, when her first visit to Kampung Terubing opened her eyes to both the challenges and the remarkable resilience of the Orang Asli. Today, she plays a key role in developing partnerships, amplifying Indigenous voices, and ensuring youth have opportunities to thrive while staying connected to their roots.

In this interview, Cass shares her personal transformation, strategies for empowering communities, and her message to women who want to turn intention into action.

Read more: Women in leadership: Cass Mah