Creating a profound impact from humble beginnings
Introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, my name is Cass. I am the Partnership and Development Manager. I’m a mother of one boy and grew up in an urban setting in Kuala Lumpur.
Growing up, I was more exposed to corporate career paths and had little engagement with NGOs, aside from orphanages and charity homes. I worked in the consulting and banking industries for about eight years, which built much of my foundational skills in program and client management. Subsequently, I opened my own business, focusing on children’s development, because I realized I had a passion for it.
During COVID, my partners and I closed the business, and I stumbled upon a job vacancy as an Education Officer at Global Peace Foundation Malaysia in 2020. That chance meeting has brought me to where I am today.
What inspired you to focus your career on empowering Indigenous communities?
I didn’t have much exposure to the Orang Asli before this, honestly, as I grew up in an urban setting. However, I always had an inclination towards teaching and guiding children, which led me to join Global Peace Foundation Malaysia.
Visiting Kampung Terubing in December 2020 sealed the deal for me. I saw their impoverished living conditions, but they were resilient, adapting to challenges and kindly inviting us into their homes.
Additionally, I learned more about the Orang Asli from our team members, who were also Orang Asli, and realized that at our core, we are all the same and deserve equal opportunities to grow and thrive.
This inspired me to pursue this career path, using my skills to empower their lives for a better future.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “#AccelerateAction,” encourages progress in areas that impact equality and empowerment:
(i) How does this theme reflect your personal journey in the impact creation sector?
I resonate with this theme, as it recognizes women’s roles in all layers of society, bringing actionable impact to themselves, their families, and communities.
Personally, I was previously more focused inward, only considering the needs of my family and myself. However, after joining the NGO sector, my eyes were opened to the inequalities in accessing basic needs or rights, which I had taken for granted.
Seeing progress in community empowerment, both in the villages and within our organization, tells me that we are on the right track.
(ii) Based on your experience, what methodologies or initiatives have proven most effective in advancing this objective?
- Bringing their voices to the forefront remains one of the most effective strategies. This can be achieved at various levels, such as within their community, educational institutions, and even in public forums.
- Encouraging more opportunities for public speaking builds the Orang Asli’s confidence and determination while adding authenticity to their sharing.
- We also believe in creating and sharing videos that effectively tell their stories, showcasing their real struggles, resilience, hopes, and dreams with a desire for growth.
- Focusing on youth is crucial, as they represent hope for the next generation to break negative cycles while upholding traditional values and beliefs.
As a female leader within the impact creation sector, what would you identify as the primary factors contributing to your success?
Having a strong support network is definitely one of the factors that allows me to balance my multiple roles daily, both at work and at home. My family—my husband, child, and parents—plays a huge role in enabling and inspiring me to contribute more in this sector. At work, our team and leadership always push me to grow and step out of my comfort zone.
Are there particular challenges related to Indigenous peoples that you anticipate GP will encounter in 2025? What recommendations or guidance or prevention would you offer in preparation for addressing these forthcoming challenges?
One key challenge I see is the disconnection of Orang Asli youth from their roots, as many migrate to urban areas for education or work. This migration often weakens cultural identity and knowledge transfer.
To counter this, Global Peace Foundation Malaysia can nurture culturally rooted entrepreneurship, such as eco-tourism or agroforestry projects, allowing youth to generate income while staying connected to their heritage.
Establishing mentorship networks that link urban Orang Asli youth with community elders and offering hybrid educational programs that integrate Indigenous knowledge with modern learning will also be important.
On International Women’s Day, what message or advice or guidance would you share with women aspiring to make an impact?
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” – Khalil Gibran
On this International Women’s Day, I want to remind all women aspiring to make an impact that change doesn’t always begin with grand gestures—it often starts with small, consistent acts of courage, kindness, and purpose.
While it’s inspiring to look to leaders who’ve paved the way, remember that impact doesn’t have a single form. Each of us can carve our own path, in our own way, and at our own pace. Whether it’s raising a voice, helping someone in need, starting a project, or simply showing up each day with integrity—these moments matter.
What’s most important is to act. Let’s not wait for the perfect moment or title. Let’s begin where we are, with what we have. Because the world needs not just our ideas, but our actions.
Editor’s note:
For further insights into women’s leadership within our organization, we invite you to explore two additional articles in the “Happy International Women’s Day 2025!” series, highlighting the contributions of Linda Heng and Mia Yusri.
