From left: UCSI Research and Postgraduate Studies deputy vice-chancellor Distinguished Prof Dr Phang Siew Moi; High Commission of Canada in Malaysia's first secretary Shawn Tinkler; UCSI ICAD director Prof Ts Dr Khairul Aidil Azlin.

Sekolah Sri UCSI Kuala Lumpur students gather around to analyse pages from Beauty In Our Tales—an illustrated picture book celebrating Orang Asli heritage.

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI proudly announces the launch of Beauty In Our Tales, a series of illustrated children’s books celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia’s indigenous communities, the Orang Asli.

Funded by the Canadian High Commission, the project was spearheaded by UCSI’s Dr Siek Hwee Ling and Dr Yong Yu Lin, with students from the Faculty of Social Science and Liberal Arts and the Institute of Creative Arts and Design contributing as authors and illustrators.

“When we teach our children to value cultural differences, we are shaping leaders and a society that is more inclusive and compassionate.

“When children encounter different cultures at a young age, something powerful takes root. They grow curious, they grow respectful, they grow empathetic,” said UCSI Research and Postgraduate Studies deputy vice-chancellor Distinguished Prof Dr Phang Siew Moi.

“This embodies the shared commitment between UCSI University and our Canadian partners to ensure that indigenous heritage is preserved.”

The High Commission of Canada in Malaysia's first secretary Shawn Tinkler, emphasised the importance of reconciliation with the indigenous peoples of our country.

“Much like Malaysia, Canada too is multicultural and multilingual, and we are working to learn from and reconcile with our indigenous communities.

“This project offers Malaysian children the chance to engage with their own heritage. By sharing these stories, we open perspectives, foster curiosity and encourage understanding, which in turn lays the foundation for greater societal harmony in the future.”

To ensure authenticity, UCSI students and staff visited Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay villages across Peninsular Malaysia.

These immersive experiences informed the storytelling and illustrations, ensuring the books reflect the voices and traditions of the Orang Asli.

By preserving and sharing their stories, UCSI and its partners affirm the value of Orang Asli heritage and contribute to building a society that is fair, respectful and inclusive.

As a Harmoni-Mesra campus, UCSI champions cultural diversity, inclusivity, compassion and empathy.

The project culminates in the launch of three picture books, which will be distributed to primary schools across Peninsular Malaysia.