Tune Protect launches the Orang Asli Financial Literacy, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship (FLEE) Programme 2018

Launch of FLEE Phase 1 – Ice-Breaking, Ideation, Brainstorming, City Walkabout & Business Pitching

In 2018 Tune Protect Malaysia launched their Flagship Orang Asli Financial Literacy, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship (FLEE) Programme as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative emerging as one of the first organisations to participate in uplifting the financial literacy of the Orang Asli youth. Understanding the need for the career development of the Orang Asli youth, Tune Protect in a tripartite collaboration with the Founder of Grow the Goose, Nina Othman and Majlis Belia Orang Asli (MBOA) embarked on this programme that we developed carefully together.

FLEE is 3-phase programme that we launched in September 2018. A total of 13 participants from the various Orang Asli tribes and states were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of youth from Perak and Pahang. This pioneer group joined the bootcamp in Kuala Lumpur that ran for 4 days. A series of activities was planned for the participants who greatly enjoyed the sessions. Starting off the day was a brief introduction of the Company followed with fun ice breaking activities.

Pioneer Phase 1 bootcampers from Perak and Pahang at the launch of FLEE in September 2018

Treating them to a Walkabout Escapade midway through the course was an eye-opening experience for the participants, who were delighted with the highlights of Kuala Lumpur. It was the very first time on escalators for all of them. With their minds opened and inspired, they went back to the bootcamp with fresh ideas they wanted to brainstorm with each other and their trainers.

The youth from Pahang pitched the idea of starting a banana plantation or fish farm

The youth from Perak pitched the idea of starting a village sundry shop

The youth from Perak pitched the idea of starting a village sundry shop but after consulting the village elders and community, they ventured into starting up their part-time village beauty saloon. The youth from Pahang embarked on an aquaponic banana plantation very soon after they returned.

The youth from Pahang started their aquaponic banana plantation after very soon after the bootcamp.

Group 2 consisted of youth from the Temuan tribe in Selangor, the Semelai tribe Negeri Sembilan and the Temiar tribe from Kelantan. Understanding that the Orang Asli participants do not have access on financial literacy matters, the training stressed on introducing them to a financial reality check for themselves and empowering them with dreams and aspirations to move forward towards a focus in life, job attainment and satisfaction. A brainstorming session on a Business Pitching session was part of the curriculum for the participations towards the end of the Bootcamp.

The aspiring entrepreneur from Selangor pitching his idea of publishing a book

The Temiar youth from Kelantan pitching ideas about developing their village into a tourist destination

The Semelai ladies from Negeri Sembilan pitching ideas about starting a business selling bamboo straws or fried bananas (pisang goreng)

The OA youth and the trainers during the closing of the bootcamp

When Phase 1 for 2018 came to an end it was time for the participants to return to their respective villages to discuss their ideas with their elders and communities. Those who obtained the approval to proceed could look forward to Phase 2 in 2019.