Hanim Apeng - A Weaver Dream

Hanim Apeng, or Mak Intan as she's better known as, is an Orang Asli entrepreneur from the Jakun-Jahut tribe, and founder of Asli MakIntan Enterprise. The fourth out of seven siblings, she learnt to make traditional crafts from her parents, following them into the forest to look for wood and materials for weaving projects. She went on to hone her craft-making skills, and learnt as much as she could from attending classes and workshops by others. Now a successful self-made entrepreneur, her work is focused on producing original Orang Asli handicrafts and homemade soaps, snacks, and upcycled products. She is also a community leader, supporting other Indigenous communities by collecting and selling crafts, and is part of the Weaving Hopes team, which is an arts and cultural response to climate degradation, and which empowers Orang Asli youths and women on climate action in global and local spaces. Hanim joins us to share her story.

Image credit: Facebook / Hanim Apeng