“As a member of the Jahut tribe, my upbringing in a village surrounded by corporate-owned oil palm plantations, distant from basic amenities during my childhood, exposed me to significant challenges in accessing education and confronting social stigma.” These early experiences shaped Mia Yusri’s passion for advocacy and set her on a path to fight for the rights of Malaysia’s Indigenous peoples.

Since 2011, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Malaysia has worked alongside the Orang Asli (original peoples) to address systemic inequalities through education, sustainable livelihoods, leadership development, and community-based initiatives. By combining practical solutions with respect for Indigenous culture, GPF Malaysia empowers communities to preserve their heritage while building a better future.

Mia’s early, on-the-ground work with GPF Malaysia not only deepened her understanding of grassroots needs but also strengthened her leadership, project management, and advocacy skills. Today, as the organization’s field office manager, she continues to drive change, bridging communities, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers to ensure the Orang Asli have both a platform for their voices and access to opportunities.

In this interview, Mia shares her journey from childhood challenges to becoming a national advocate, her strategies for empowering women and youth, and her vision for preserving Indigenous identity while accelerating development.

Read the full interview: Women in leadership: Mia Yusri