Entrepreneurial development of orang asli jakun and semelai (malaysian aboriginal tribes) in rompin, pahang: are they advancing in entrepreneurship?

Abstract

Traditionally, the Orang Asli are hunter-gatherers, fishermen and arboriculture cultivators. Recent study shows that the Orang Asli are gradually discarding their primitive economic activities to enter into diverse business areas such as retailing, tourism, workshops, food stall, logging and manufacturing. Government efforts in developing the Orang Asli, through the provision of basic facilities, regroupment and resettlement, have also gradually transformed the Orang Asli population. Repeated exposures to the government’s previous projects have impacted the Orang Asli to venture into entrepreneurship. This is believed to be the first study of entrepreneurship among Orang Asli Jakun and Semelai tribes in Rompin, Pahang. This paper is intended to evaluate the demographic profiles and characteristics of these tribes who have diverged from traditional paths to venture into entrepreneurship and the impact of cultural factors on their progress as entrepreneurs. And also the effectiveness of government-organised development projects in improving their standard of living and in instilling entrepreneurship. The study is concluded with recommendations based on personal interviews with around 100 Jakun and Semelai entrepreneurs, ‘tok batins’ (village chiefs), an d the government officers and workers (Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli or JHEOA), with specific suggestions on how the Jakun and Semelai are advancing in entrepreneurship.