Exploitation of indigenous arts and culture is rampant, even by people with good intentions to assist their community, a forum heard today.

Air Asia Foundation executive director Yap Mun Ching said this was partly based on her personal experience evaluating grant applications submitted by social enterprises over the past eight years.

"The issue (of exploitation) is very, very wide spread, but not clear-cut," said Yap, a panelist at a forum on exploitation of indigenious arts in Petaling Jaya.

She noted that ethical concerns which must be considered include how requests for grants to promote indigenous crafts would actually benefit the community...