All of us have an understanding of what art is. Preserving arts from another era, another culture, is equally important as those that are in the museums. We also included charms from other parts of the world so people can continue learning about different cultures and what it means. Therefore, at Peaceful Niah, we want to preserve and bring knowledge of different art works into the world while supporting human rights agenda.
Annie (Niah)
She founded Peaceful Niah during her recovery from retinal detachment surgery, shortly after defending her PhD. During this period, she reflected on the theory of Locus of Control, initially in relation to luck, and later expanded it to include the indigenous people (Orang Asli/Asla) of Malaysia.
Building on her father’s legal work defending indigenous rights, Niah grew up closely connected to these communities, who often shared jungle honey with her. Through these intergenerational relationships, Niah and her close friends from these communities now support other indigenous groups through financial empowerment and craft-making initiatives.
She continues the expansion of the products to involve turtle conservation, providing resources for children and adults with disabilities with cancer, as well as supporting human rights initiatives in Malaysia.
Doris
Belonging to the Kadazan-Dusun community of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia – one of over 30 indigenous groups in the region. Doris is seen here wearing the traditional attire of her people. The Kadazan-Dusun are traditionally known for rice farming and harvest-based cultural practices.
Doris speaks the dialects of the various indigenous groups. As a long-time friend of Niah, she oversees logistics and communicating with the different indigenous groups in both Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. She is fiercely protective over her roots and the people of the land.
Andrea
The talented Andrea Castañeda Alennikova translates Malaysia’s diverse languages—including Bahasa Malaysia, English, and various regional Chinese dialects—into Spanish and Catalan.
Remarkably, her translations preserve the full power of the original text. Highly versatile and adaptable, Andrea excels in diverse working conditions, demonstrating a profound understanding of Malaysia’s indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities.
Abril
Abril Zhang is currently a doctoral student in phonetics. She hopes that one day she can help people communicate. She plays a major role in logistics and photography for Peaceful Niah.
In her spare time, she makes the origami stars so that your wishes can come true.
Jamsha
Jamsha graduated from software engineering and was the mastermind behind the creation of the website Peaceful Niah. With his skills, we were able to start this project online.
Dr. P
Dr. P —Tenured Professor in Fine Arts and Education— checks for quality control in the products that come from Borneo alongside other places in Malaysia. He is the lead creative designer for the website of Peaceful Niah.