The Story of an Outstanding Orang Asli Student in Bota
The orangperak.com editor smiles as 21-year-old Shamien A/P Seliman delivers an inspiring speech to her fellow villagers at the Orang Asli village of Kampung Tumboh Hangat, located in Bota, Perak, on February 3, 2018, at the Kampung Tumboh Hangat Infodesa Lab.
The event was held to celebrate the success of this Orang Asli student, who received an offer to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Accounting at The University of Queensland in Australia, sponsored by MARA. This achievement makes her the first Orang Asli student in Perak Tengah to successfully pursue studies abroad. Her success in securing an international offer proves that Orang Asli students in our country have the same opportunities as everyone else. This achievement by the student from Bota indirectly challenges the negative perceptions held by those who often underestimate the capabilities of Orang Asli living in rural areas. This is the reality today; many in our society underestimate the potential of the Orang Asli, and this should not be the case. We should provide support and encouragement so they can stand on equal footing with the rest of us.
Shamien A/P Seliman delivering a speech at the ceremony
Also present at the ceremony was YB Dato Mohd Nasharuddin Bin Hashim, the Bota State Assemblyman, who has consistently monitored the progress of Shamien and other Orang Asli children in the village. In his speech, he stated, "Shamien's success can truly inspire the community out there to keep striving for success. Shamien has proven that poverty is not a barrier to success!"
YB Dato Mohd Nasharuddin seen warmly with Shamien
For introduction, 21-year-old Shamien A/P Seliman is an Orang Asli student living in Kampung Tumboh Hangat, Bota. She was born on July 14, 1997, at Changkat Melintang Hospital, Lambor Kanan. She is the third of six siblings. Sekolah Rendah Suak Padi, located next to the village, was where Shamien received her early education. She then continued her secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Seri Iskandar. Armed with excellent exam results every year, Shamien successfully secured a place at MARA Ketengah International College for her A-Levels in Accounting.
While speaking with Shamien, she recalled her school days when her parents would always promise her a reward if she achieved excellent results in her final year exams. Don't be surprised to learn that the promised reward was only RM3. Even though the reward was only RM3, it brought great joy to this Orang Asli student. This is the difference between the Orang Asli community and us in the city; they truly appreciate gifts from anyone, no matter how small. To them, it is a high form of appreciation and a sign of being loved.
Dayang A/P Kim Sui with her daughter, Shamien A/P Seliman
For our loyal readers at orangperak.com, Shamien's father, Seliman A/L Apoa (53), works as a fish pond caretaker in Tronoh. Her father earns only about RM1,000+ to support the family. Shamien's mother, Dayang A/P Kim Sui (43), helps the family by running a small stall in the village.
May Shamien's success be an inspiration to all members of society out there. Remember that poverty is not a barrier to success. We at the orangperak.com team, as the management for the Perak Tengah area, are very proud of Shamien's success and are excited to share her story with the public.
