Adrian Lasimbang is an Indigenous Kadazan from Penampang, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. He was the former president and founder of Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) the umbrella body for indigenous peoples’ organisations in Malaysia. He co-founded TONIBUNG, a social enterprise based in Sabah. He has over 20 years of experience in developing community based renewable energy systems and appropriate technology solutions to improve the livelihood of rural communities and address environmental issues.

A self-taught innovator, Adrian has installed many micro-hydro and solar mini grids electrifying indigenous villages across Malaysia and trained community groups in resource management and customary rights protection. TONIBUNG runs CREATE (Centre for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technologies) a training centre that aims to empower rural indigenous youths. Adrian also served as a Senator in Malaysian Parliament from 2018-2021. Currently he is the executive director of the Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples. REP is an indigenous-led, multi-stakeholder partnership with the goal of increasing renewable energy systems that respect human rights and leveraging the leadership of indigenous communities to develop solutions.

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