Shereen Ajani

Shereen Ajani is an orang asli of the Temuan tribe who yearns to see her people receive the same opportunities that she has as the first of her people to pursue a law degree at University Malaya.

She founded Projek Mahasiswa Orang Asli (PMOA) an association comprising over 150 Orang Asli undergraduates and postgraduates from both local and international universities. PMOA focuses on creating pathways for Orang Asli students to access internships, scholarships, and employment opportunities, helping them build skills, networks, and connections crucial for their future.

Shereen also represents her community on global platforms. She interned at the New Zealand High Commission under its engagement program for indigenous people, where she explored education-based collaborations between the High Commission and PMOA. Inspired by New Zealand’s empowerment of its Māori community, Shereen aspires to implement similar initiatives for Malaysia’s Orang Asli.

Shereen’s contributions have earned her recognition, including being featured in Khazanah Nasional’s “Negara Ku, Negara Kita” campaign, where she highlighted the importance of inclusivity in nation-building. She credits her education, funded by Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli, for providing her with the tools and confidence to advocate for her community while preserving its traditions and customs.

Shereen made history in July of 2023 when she became the first to hold the position of Chairperson for the Board of Visitors of Gombak Orang Asli Hospital.