Angela Hijjas OAM

With five children to care for (three step children and two daughters of her own), Angela worked in Hijjas' architectural practice for several decades until the youngest child left home.  She then became actively involved in NGO work for environmental causes, such as the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), where she is Chairman of the Selangor Branch, and the WWF Malaysia where she is a Trustee.

Angela and her husband started a residency program for artists and writers at their home in Kuang, north of Kuala Lumpur.  Malaysian and Australian artists are invited to stay for up to one year, after which an exhibition of their work is held for the public.  This vibrant duo are passionate about developing stronger cultural links between Australia and Malaysia, and they devoted this program as their way of showing appreciation to both countries for all the benefits conferred on them. For her efforts, Angela was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.

The Hijjas residence has a large compound and a unique garden filled with Malaysia’s indigenous species.  The landscape is breathtaking, based on a ‘Malaysian-esque’ tall forest canopy enveloping layers of other species that encourage wildlife indigenous to this region.  Angela is fond of showing guests around her garden, and she also does regular public nature tours at Rimba Ilmu in the campus grounds of Universiti Malaya.

As retirement beckons, she plans to join her husband occasionally on his sailboat journey around the world by stages.  Angela will also continue to do what she can for conservation and cultural development.

For more on Angela’s work, visit www.rimbundahan.org and take a peek at the world she has crafted.

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