We’re excited to invite you to the launch of the SIS and BRO Circle this Saturday, 31 August 2024. Starting at 2pm, we have a range of engaging talks/demo planned to celebrate this new initiative.
The SIS and BRO Circle is designed for young adults who are eager to be empowered and inspired. Our mission is to foster personal growth, build lasting friendships, and create positive change within our community. Through monthly events and activities, we aim to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inclusive community that supports and uplifts one another. We look forward to seeing you there!
To register please scan the QR code or click here.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Event | Malaysia: Kirtan programmes at Kangar and Gurdwara Sahib Police Penang on Sept 1, 2024 (Sunday). Click here for the posters.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Bibi, Life is not the same as it was while you were here with us. There are no words to express the anguish of losing you. There is an emptiness left by your absence that cannot be filled. However, your kindness, generosity, and insight endure as a legacy that we will never be able to forget. You are gone but your memories reside in our heart. Bibi, you will always be cherished and loved.
First Barsi In loving memory of our Late Mother Mata Gurcharan Kaur A/P Kartlar Singh, (4.3.1934 – 15.10.2023). Village: Sarhali Kalan, Punjab District: Amritsar, W/O Late Sardar Inder Singh of Kampung Pandan / Taman Maluri.
We humbly invite you and your family to join us for Akhand Path from 6th September 2024 (Friday) to 8th September 2024 (Sunday) at Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Kampung Pandan, Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.
Programme Details: Akhand Path commences at 8.30am on 6th September 2024 Friday Guru Ka Langgar will be served throughout the programme Path da Bhog will be at 8.30am, 8th September 2024 Sunday Diwan and Kirtan Programme commences at 9am follow by Ardaas and Guru Ka Langgar
DEEPLY MISSED BY
Children / Spouses: Kelawant Kaur / Late Kaka Singh Paramjit Kaur Amargi Kaur / Tirlok Singh (USA) Dalvinder Kaur Ranjit Kaur
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
British ar right hate protestors – Photo: BameedNetwork
By Gurmukh Singh | Opinion |
One suggestion from a prominent Sikh Indian, shared by many, is that British Sikhs should keep a low profile. That demonstrations, public lobbying and religious celebrations do more harm than good. Rather that Sikhs should show how they have integrated successfully and contributed to the plural British society and way of life (also the main thrust of the British Sikh Manifestos). On the face of it, this sounds like sensible advice. However, part of it goes against the British Sikh experience since early 1960s when those in my generation came to this country.
It is not possible for some visible ethnic communities, including the Sikhs, to keep a low profile. In fact, I recall a study by the UK Policy Studies Institute many years ago which concluded that, unlike the Jewish people, communities unable to hide identities have been more successful in securing their democratic rights by standing out. They can integrate successfully by showing that they share universal human values with British pluralism.
In fact, lawful activism like lobbying, taking up cases through law courts, demonstrations as part of the democratic process and sharing celebration of key events in their community history bring about better understanding of their way of life. The onus is on each community to show how they contribute to the British way of life. In this respect, the Sikhs have an impressive long-standing record of Anglo-Sikh relations.
Immigration seems to be out of control and is threatening multicultural harmony in the UK. Not only a significant percentage of the white majority but also well-established minority communities in the UK are concerned. British values which attracted us to this country, are under threat.
Those on the left of the political spectrum seem to have a complex about the wrongs done during the colonial period. Yet, little do they realise that most countries complaining about British colonial past, themselves practised the same sins or worse: like slavery, cruel socio-religious practices and exploitation of the masses by corrupt authoritarian rulers. Some visiting politicians from ex-colonial countries never tire of reminding us of the debt which Britian owes them. They forget the historical context and their own post-independence performance in own countries.
Behind the immigration issue are the concerns about religious fanaticism which is isolating communities from mainstream British way of life. In 2001, there were compelling background reasons why late S. Gurbachan Singh Sidhu and I researched and wrote Sikh Religion and Islam (See: Sikh Religion and Islam – A Comparative Study). It was a necessary response to Islamic zealots hyper-active in UK universities. S Indarjit Singh (now Lord) wrote the foreword and the publication was well received in the UK and some diaspora countries.
Religion has an important role in human society. Worldly pursuits for wealth and status need to be balanced by the quest for spiritual harmony. However, no single religion can claim superiority over others and religious zealots seeking converts are missing the purpose of religion.
To conclude with a passage from last week: Extreme religious ideologies will be continually challenged. In response, it is for religions to integrate successfully with the majority way of life while pushing towards a more liberal society which accepts diversity as added value.
Gurmukh Singh OBE, a retired UK senior civil servant, chairs the Advisory Board of The Sikh Missionary Society UK. Email: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk. Click here for more details on the author.
* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Jagdesh (left) and Jasbir on one of their lunch outings. Left: A lovely sketch of Jasbir Singh by ToonistBains
ByJagdesh Singh | Opinion |
When a close friend departs from his life on this earth, especially in a very unexpected and shocking manner, you tend to recall the times together. It’s a very natural reaction. When I got the news that Dr. Jasbir Singh had passed away early Friday morning, I didn’t have this reaction because I was still suspended in disbelief. Only after visiting his beloved wife later in the day that it dawned very heavily into my mind.
Being a mainstay in everything Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) does, it’s not easy to avoid this man and his service. You must’ve been shipwrecked somewhere for years to not know Father. Everybody knew him. Not just because he was such a likeable person, but because he genuinely was a true servant, ever sincere in his motivations for the Panth and for Sabha.
We’ve had so many lunches together, by virtue of being in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, where ribbing each other was par for the course. I mean we could get really out of hand giving each other a hard time, making fun of each other like teenagers. All while having our favourite Roti and then cha. If not that, we would gossip like old housewives about the odd scandal going on, just for the fun of it.
It was also during these conversations that I would get golden nuggets of advice about the upbringing of my children, and how I should be caring for them. He gave me these nuggets out of his own experience of bringing up such outstanding children of his own. So, it wasn’t fluff or just academic. It was practical because he himself practised what he preached.
One of these nuggets that I can share with you is this – “Have conversations with your children constantly. When you do it often, even your lectures will be like conversations that your children will accept.” I can vouch that this is true and is very applicable for me personally. Even though I think I raise my voice much far more often than Father ever did with his kids. He was gentler and kinder, but the premise remains the same and his advice was most useful for me throughout the years.
When they were babies, especially my youngest, he would swoop in from some corner of my eyes, pick her up and walk away comfortably, with both laughing happily. Young children gravitated toward him, and he loved them all just like his own. Even at that age, he would have conversations with them. They’d chat about something nonsensical, but there was conversation.
But it wasn’t just his affinity with children whom he knew personally, Father was genuinely always thinking about our community’s youth. He was constantly pushing through his ideas about giving the best for the youth to grow and to be the best of their potential. Just like how he and his wife had brought up such beautiful caring Sikhs and outstanding citizens, Father had an innate sense and belief that every child and teenager in our community can be and should be beautiful caring Sikhs and leaders of the community in their own right.
Even while chewing a morsel of the roti during lunch, we would discuss ways to engage with the youth, through camps and through programs that he was constantly planning for. Enkaurage and RiSingh are two brainchildren of Father’s, amongst many other ideas and programs he personally drove himself.
These are the conversations that have been streaming in my mind over the past couple of days after receiving the devastating news. My memories of him will be of these lunches, and of the jokes we would make of each other whenever we met. Even during Samelans, we would meet during our meals and the making fun of each other never subsided while passionately talking about the participants and the youth. The roti won’t taste as good as it used to, Father. When we do meet again, I’ll still give you a hard time lah, old man.
Jagdesh Singh, a Kuala Lumpur-based executive with a US multinational company, is a father of three girls who are as opinionated as their mother
* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Keshu, fondly known to all. Keshu was a kind and humble soul whose warmth and generosity touched everyone he met. His unwavering compassion and gentle spirit will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness and humility will forever remain in our hearts.
Parents: Late Gagjit Singh Randhawa and Late Mahinder Kaur
Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan, Kuala Lumpur 7 September 2024, Saturday, from 6 to 8pm
For further inquiries, please contact: Gagan (010 – 216 1098) Kiran (012 – 403 0811)
In gentle light, he finds his place, Where dreams of peace and love embrace. With parents dear, he’s now at rest, Their hearts united, forever blessed.
| Entry: 27 Aug 2024; Updated: 28 Aug 2024 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
In quiet grace, your kindness always lit the way, With steadfast integrity, you led by selfless example, And in our hearts, your memory will forever be with us.
1st Mithi Yaad Path Da Bhog
In Loving Memory Of
AVATAR SINGH S/O LATE DARSHAN SINGH
Devoted Husband, Father & Grandfather
Departed on 11th September 2023
Wife: LATE PRETAM KAUR D/O LATE GURCHARAN SINGH
Deeply missed and always remembered by:
Children / Spouses: Dr. Harjinder Singh (IPOH) / Dr. Paream Kaur (IPOH) Late Nareender Kaur (UK) / Dr. Paul Dolman (UK) Raveender Singh (S’PORE) / Sangeeta Palta (S’PORE)
Grandchildren: Ashvinder, Ashlynder, Armaan Dev, Mahaan & Pavan Dev
And brothers, sisters, in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins & a host of relatives and friends.
Prayers to be held at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak, Shah Alam on the 31st August 2024 from 0930 – 1200.
Kindly Treat this as a personal invitation from the family.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
BAC Sikh Society and Kuala Lumpur Sikhs Community Service members distributing food in Kuala Lumpur
By Joash Pandita | Malaysia |
In a powerful display of unity that is well known to the Sikhs around the world, the BAC Sikh Society recently united with the Kuala Lumpur Sikhs Community Service to host and participate in a charity event aimed at supporting individuals facing food shortages. This event was made possible due to the unyielding dedication and hard work of 20 volunteers, each one embodying the core Sikh values of Sewa (selfless service) and community care.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Malaysian financial institution MBSB Group has appointed Kuldeep Singh, who has more than two decades of experience in wholesale markets, as the the Group’s Head of Wholesale Banking.
Kuldeep moves from Citigroup, which he joined in 2008, holding senior roles at the country, regional, and global levels.
In a statement today, MBSB said throughout his career, Kuldeep has been widely recognized for his expertise in product innovation, profitable macro risk management, reengineering global FX business practices, and spearheading proprietary fintech investment in the region.
His responsibilities have extended across various markets, including Hong Kong, ASEAN, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Jakarta, London, and New York.
Kuldeep has also had extensive interactions with senior regulators worldwide and is highly sought after for his deep understanding of macroeconomic environments and their implications for financial markets.
He has actively advocated for the development of capital markets through his appointments to industry bodies, including serving as an ExCo member with the Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA) and the Treasury Markets Association of Hong Kong.
In his new role at MBSB Group, Kuldeep will oversee the Group’s Wholesale businesses across MBSB Bank and MIDF, which include Investment Banking, Financial Markets, Corporate Banking, and Asset Management.
MBSB Group CEO Rafe Haneef said: “We are excited to have Kuldeep on board. His wealth of experience, coupled with his innovative approach to wholesale banking, aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. Our long-term ambition for the group is to deliver double-digit Return on Equity, and to achieve this, we need to focus on delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to our clients.”
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
