Terry Randolph
Experience as a Photographer &
Global Traveler: The ASEAN Indigenous Venue 2025

My attendance at the ASEAN 2025 venue was centered around the display of Malaysia’s diverse indigenous cultural heritage.

Asean Cultural Heritage 2025 relates to the indigenous population of Malaysia that comprises the Orang Asli, Orang Ulu, and the Anak Negeri groups; among others mis-categorized and endangered of non-identity. Despite Malaysia adopting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the country’s indigenous population faces numerous challenges, particularly regarding land rights.The indigenous population of Malaysia comprises the Orang Asli, Orang Ulu, and the Anak Negeri groups; among others mis-categorized and endangered of non-identity. Despite Malaysia adopting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the country’s indigenous population faces numerous challenges, particularly regarding land rights.

The Indigenous World 2025

The Indigenous World 2025 publication was launched in New York at the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This volume is published with the intent that it is used as a documentation tool and inspiration to promote and defend the rights of Indigenous Peoples, their struggles, worldview, and resilience. It includes a special focus on Indigenous youth.

ASEAN Indigenous Venue 2025

Indigenous People of Malaysia

The 2020 Census shows that the Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia were estimated to account for around 11 % of the 32.4 million national population. They are collectively known as Orang Asli (in some respects, a misnomer); but the Orang Asli, collectively, are identified by the government as the Indigenous Peoples of Peninsular Malaysia. They numbered approximately 206,777 in 2020.