Koperasi Sengoi Pribumi Perak (KSPP), a cooperative of the Semai people, was first set up to provide the much needed economic opportunies to the villagers who would otherwise have no access to saving and credit facilities. Today, KSPP serves more than 1000 Orang Asli members from over 30 villages in Perak.
Koperasi Sengoi Pribumi Perak (KSPP) – Celebrating Empowerment & Transformation
A Leader's Inspiring Path
Reluctance refers to a feeling of hesitation or unwillingness to do something. When someone is reluctant, they might be hesitant, resistant or unwilling to take a particular action, position or make a decision. Alang Shana, a gentle 26-year-old Semai woman, preferred to quietly weave handicrafts for Sengoi Craft, located in Kampar, Perak and work behind the scenes. Yet after just one year as a staff member at KSPP, she was chosen to be the KSPP supervisor. Although she initially faced uncertainty, Alang’s desire to uplift her community propelled her forward past her hesitance.
as a secretary for her village coop.
Now Alang is in her late 40s. Alang has led Sengoi Craft to rebrand into Shop Sengoi, which sells not only handicraft but also second-hand goods and village produce from the Orang Asli community themselves. She is not only a manager of the KSPP staff team, she also founded and manages Shop Sengoi Bergerak, a mobile shop which travels to villages to ensure her community thrives.
CARE has journeyed alongside Alang, providing training, tools and exposure. With determination and resilience, she has not only excelled but also shared her knowledge, training her staff to continue this mission of empowerment. Alang even started a small business from her own home, showcasing her commitment to economic empowerment.
KSPP Annual General Meeting 2024 with Alang Shana at the front row, most left.
As KSPP evolves, its leadership embraces the challenge of exploring new ideas and opportunities, staying true to its mission and vision for the community. Like Moses, who started off full of reluctance but who eventually led his people through the wilderness, they are guided by faith, resilience and the resources at hand to lead their community towards a brighter future.
%20with%20Shop%20Sengoi%20Bergerak%20in%20one%20of%20the%20village.%20Photo%20credit%20Bah%20Onas.jpg)
Alang (at the far left) with Shop Sengoi Bergerak in one of the village.
***
Story written by Kharis Low - Pusat CARE Kampar.
Taken from Malaysian CARE's quarterly newsletter - Care Contact, Oct 2024 Edition.