Masni Mat Dong dons her tribal headdress. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Growing up as an Orang Asli from the Jakun tribe in a small kampung, Masni Mat Dong understood, from an early age, the troubles that her people went through.
“My father was a waste collector and we weren’t well-off. There were seven of us siblings at home in Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong Sg Lembing in Pahang. My parents couldn’t afford to raise me and I was given up for adoption when I was six months old,” says Masni.
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Staying rooted to her community
Masni Mat Dong dons her tribal headdress. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni Mat Dong dons her tribal headdress. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni giving words of encouragement at a motivational talk to indigenous parents. 'Their love is timeless and their role is paramount', she says. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni Mat Dong at a motivational talk to indigenous parents. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
'Every book is a journey, every library is a universe, 'says Masni Mat Dong who was speaking at the opening of Sg Kiol Library which will serve the indigenous community. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni’s biological parents couldn’t afford to raise her but always impressed upon her the importance of a good education. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni at four years old, holding a crab. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni standing tall after her Masters Degree graduation ceremony. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni (in black) was raised by her aunt and uncle and grew up with her cousins. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni (in gray and purple) during her fieldwork trip's focus group discussion, celebrating the powerful narratives of indigenous women. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni Mat Dong (second from left) pictured with her husband Loh Voon Shin (first from left) and her family. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni Mat Dong (right) pictured with her husband Loh Voon Shin. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
Masni Mat Dong (centre) with her colleagues who are also her best friends. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
In her fieldwork, Masni focused on the marginalisation of the Orang Asli who continue to live in poverty. Photo: Masni Mat Dong
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