Annie (like the cave is also called Niah at home in Malaysia). 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.
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 is in charge of 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.
