AT first glance, Ahmad Aman, 22, looks like just any other man working hard to realise his dreams and provide for his family.
But behind his unassuming demeanour is an interesting life story for Ahmad has come a long way to be where he is today.
He is an Orang Asli from the Jah Hut tribe from Kampung Benderas in Temerloh, Pahang. Unlike many other Orang Asli youth who have either returned to their village or stayed close to it after completing school, Ahmad made his way far beyond the confines and familiarity of the village and community he grew up in.
“After finishing secondary school, I couldn’t see myself continuing to live in my village. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against it as that is part of who I am and my heritage. But deep down, I knew that I had to go to the city to further my studies and give it my all to improve myself as best I can.
“I did not want to do what others before me have done. After hearing about how another Orang Asli youth had gone to Kuala Lumpur to study further and work there, I decided that I would do the same and take my chances. I want to try to lead by example and share my experiences and the knowledge that I have gained with family and friends back home, to prove to them that if we believe in ourselves and put our minds to it, then we can make it,” he said.
Ahmad headed for Kuala Lumpur and enrolled at SOLS College in Segambut, where he learnt English, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Information Technology and how to install and maintain solar panels.