| Entry: 5 July 2024; Updated: 7 July 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
With 42 years, and counting, of a stellar mission in higher education, Dr Parmjit Singh, founder and CEO of APU University of Technology & Innovation has been thinking long and hard about whether there were any key denominators or personality traits that his more successful students had over those who were successful but not necessarily at the top of their professions. And he believes he has found it.
“I find that students who extend themselves in college/university are those who go on to do really well in their careers,” he said.
He describes the time in college/university as the critical period where the individual’s transformation has to take place.
And what does he mean by this?
“Look, that diploma/degree you get is just a ticket to get your foot in the door for that job interview. And when one walks in the room, what employers are looking at is how the fresh graduate carries themselves; their dressing; how they think; sense of confidence.
“Employers want professionals with degrees (when hiring fresh graduates), not students with a degree,” Parmjit reminded.
Dr Parmjit Singh in a group photo with the organising committee of the KL Sikhi seminar
And how does one ‘extend’ themselves in college or university? It’s by being involved in clubs, societies, community and in the case of APU with students of over 80 nationalities present, expanding one’s socio-cultural horizons with new friendships. Anything that goes beyond the education course one is pursuing.
“How much you get out of your higher education experience (extending yourself) depends on how much you put in,” he stressed.
Naturally life does not function in a straight line. And there will be those who may find the education they pursued does not give them career fulfilment or sense of purpose.
Hardev Kaur at the KL Sikhi seminar 2024
Using an example from his own family, where one of his children, after getting a PhD, is now going back to university to acquire a different skill to pursue a meaningful career, Parmjit encouraged the students to be different. “But you can only be different if pursue something that excites you.”
If you discover your passion in life, pursue it, he urged. “That will satisfy you for the rest of your life.”
But he adds a caveat and this reflects his nature as an educationist who wants to see students (not just his APU students) be successful in their careers. Be practical.
Pursue something that gives you a chance to build a successful career.
Karamjit Singh, founder and editor of the Digital News Asia, is a contributor at large at 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
If you’re into action packed movies, then you may want to give Saazish a go.
Badged as Malaysia’s first Punjabi language action movie, Saazish debuts at selected cinemas nationwide today (June 4).
Saazish means conspiracy. And this movie, deploying both the Punjabi and Malay languages, has a mixture of love, family feud, crime and business.
The movie, running for 80 minutes, features Raveen, son of big gangster Jeeta, whose family has an illegal business in Kuala Lumpur.
Then there is Sandeep, a young man who owns a small cow’s milk business and his girlfiend Jasroop.
Jasroop’s father wants ism keen to get them married on the basis of property as Jasroop was bequeathed her grandfather’s estate conditionally after she turns 18 and gets married.
But there’s competition. Raveen uses various tactics to win Jasroop’s heart. At one point, he kidnaps Jasroop and Sandeep.
The movie features Kulbeer Singh, Avinder Singh, Amaan Singh Virk, Navinder Kaur, Adi Putra, Paul Masih, Balvinder Kaur, Harcharan Singh, Prince Hans and Chanchel Singh.
It was directed by Arjin Singh Uppal and produced by Baldev Singh and Harvinder Singh Uppal.
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
Wife of the LateSardar Ajeet Singh s/o Late Asa Singh
Her soul departed to the heavenly abode at 00:11am, 4 July 2024.
Leaving behind beautiful memories to hold. Her laughter, wisdom, and grace, Forever in our hearts, a special place.
Missed dearly by her brother Harcharan Singh (Sentul), her children (daughters) Kuljit Kaur, Gursharan Kaur, Amarjit Kaur, Surinderjit Kaur, (son) Gurdarshan Singh, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, loving relatives and friends.
Her legacy of love and kindness, In our hearts, will forever blossom.
KIRTAN & SAHEJ PATH DA BHOG
21 July 2024 (Sunday) From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Followed by Guru ka Langgar Gurdwara Sahib Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, Perak
For more details, contact Gurdarshan Singh 012 300 0391 Gursharan Kaur 019 354 0803
As we bid farewell to a spirit so pure. May she rest in peace, In the embrace of heavenly bliss. Her spirit shines bright in our hearts, Forever remembered, never amiss.
| Entry: 4 July 2024; Updated: 10 July 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
Speakers handling a vibrant Q&A session at the seminar entitled Sikhi & Sikh Youth in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects at APU, Kuala Lumpur on June 30, 2024
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
The Sikh youth have a lot of questions about their faith and direction. That was one of the immediate observations that sprang from a Kuala Lumpur seminar organised on Sunday.
More than 100 participants took part in the ‘Sikhi & Sikh Youth in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects’ held at the Asia Pacific University (APU) in the Malaysian capital city on June 30.
There young Sikh women, who are presidents of their respective universities’ Sikh associations, were among the nine speakers at the one-day seminar.
“The key takeaway from this event for me was understanding the various challenges faced by Sikh youths in the 21st Century and the reasons why many are avoiding coming to the Gurdwara and participating in community activities,” Pravinderjeet Kaur Mahel, the Subang Sikh Youth vice president, told Asia Samachar.
The 22-year-old law graduate who is currently pursuing MBA while working in a corporate sector added: “This experience has truly opened my eyes to the importance of bridging the gap between tradition and modernity to ensure the active involvement of Sikh youth in our community. It’s a call to action for all of us to create a welcoming space that resonates with the younger generation and inspires them to stay connected to their roots.”
TO VIEW SEMINAR PROCEEDINGS, CLICK HERE (Recording courtesy of LiveSikhs)
Dr Karminder Singh Dhillon, a retired civil servant and Sikh author who was one of the spearkers, had this to say: “Our youth have a lot to say. There is a lot bottled up inside of them. The questions posed by them surpassed both time and the ability of a 10 member team of experts to respond to effectively.
Dr Karminder, author of 10 books on Sikhi, including The Hijacking of Sikh, spoke on the topic ‘Sikhi in the 21stCentury: Relevant?’
“There were 12-15 questions directed at just me alone based on my presentation. I lumped them into four categories and attempted to answer them. At the end of the day – the achievement was not in our answers but in their questions.”
He added: “All said and done – it was a great seminar. One of the best in my parchaar life.”
The one-day seminar, organised by an independent group of Sikhs, was designed to discuss challenges and prospects faced by the Sikh youth, and at the same time provide them space to share their thoughts and get answers to their burning questions.
In his welcoming address, veteran education entrepreneur Dr Parmjit Singh explored key denominators or personality traits in successful students.
“I find that students who extend themselves in college/university are those who go on to do really well in their careers,” Parmjit, the co-founder and CEO of the APIIT Education Group which includes the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), told the audience. (For more, click here).
Jasswant Singh, an active Sikh volunteer and a lawyer, presented a paper on ‘Living As a Sikh in the 21st Century’.
Dr Parmjit Singh in a group photo with the organising committee of the KL Sikhi seminar
Two academics, Prof Dr Sarjit Singh and Associate Professor Hardev Kaur, both from University Putra Malaysia (UPM), added depth to the seminar.
Dr Sarjit discussed on the ‘Promoting Positive Value Development: The Role of Gurdwaras and NGOs’ while Hardev talked about ‘Dealing With Anxiety and Stress in the 21st Century Living: My Life in the University and How I Coped’.
“Gurdwaras and NGOs must work collectively to address social issues among the Sikh youth,” Dr Sarjit told Asia Samachar. “We need a Malaysian Sikh youth blueprint, which highlights youth intervention programs based on positive youth development framework.”
Participants at the seminar entitled Sikhi & Sikh Youth in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects at APU, Kuala Lumpur on June 30, 2024
The three young speakers were Amanpreet Kaur from UPM, Sharveen Kaur from APU and Jessjeet Kaur from UPM.
How did the seminar go? Exciting, according to one of the participants.
A first-year law student appreciated the ‘interactive Q&A sessions’ as it allowed for meaningful exchanges between the speakers and attendees, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Hardev Kaur at the KL Sikhi seminar 2024
“The one thing that I had picked up was the evolving roles of gurdwaras and NGOs in supporting youth. While I had always viewed gurdwaras primarily as places of spirituality, I learned that they also play a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by the youth,” said Harsimren Kaur Gill from the Universiti Malaya.
She added that the seminar highlighted the importance of youth involvement in various organisations. In the run-up to the seminar, the organising team had also conducted a survey, the results of which can be viewed here.
Some of the participants at the seminar entitled Sikhi & Sikh Youth in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects at APU, Kuala Lumpur on June 30, 2024
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
A young woman has tragically died on an international Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi.
Manpreet Kaur, who had dreams of becoming a chef, boarded the aircraft ready to fly from Melbourne to the Indian city of Delhi on June 20. It was going to be the first time she would see her family in four years, but sadly, she never made it, reports Herald Sun.
The newspaper quoted a friend as saying that the 24-year-old student reportedly “felt unwell” hours before arriving at the airport but managed to board the flight without any issues. However, when she went to put on her seatbelt, Ms Kaur apparently fell to the floor and “died on the spot”.
The plane was still attached to the gate in Melbourne when cabin crew and emergency services rushed to help her.
“When she got on the plane, she was struggling to put her seatbelt on,” her friend Gurdip Grewal told the Herald Sun. “Just before her flight started, she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot.”
It is understood that Ms Kaur likely died of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs, according to the newspaper.
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
| Entry: 3 June 2024; Updated: 5 July 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
Professing to have been raised in the Sikh faith since childhood, a man has turned to the civil court for a declaration that he has never been a Muslim.
The 28-year-old filed the originating summons at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Dec 4 last year, over the contention that he was raised as a Sikh by his late Muslim convert mother, reported MalaysiaKini.
However, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has since applied to strike out the suit without it being subjected to a full trial, arguing that only the Syariah Court has the jurisdiction to determine the man’s religious status, the report added.
According to the man’s affidavit in support of the suit, he explained that his mother, who passed away on Nov 17, 2007, was initially a Sikh who embraced Islam upon marrying his father, a Muslim from Pakistan, on Aug 8, 1993.
The man said he was then born in Malaysia on June 25, 1996, but that his mother continued to raise him as a Sikh, and that he continued to be taught Sikhism in his childhood by his uncle.
The resident of Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, contended that he is not subject to Islamic law because he never professed the faith and his upbringing at home was in the beliefs and doctrines of Sikhism.
“To this day, I still practice Sikhism and regularly visit Sikh temples with my uncles and family and also celebrate all Sikh religious festivals and events such as Vaisakhi, Gurpurab, Akand Paath, Bandi Chor Divas, and Lohri.
“I have never willingly professed Islam at any point in time. I have never prayed in accordance with the Muslim faith or visited a mosque.
“I have never celebrated any Muslim festival or adopted any Islamic beliefs, including consuming only halal food or beverages and fasting.
“To the contrary, I would usually be vegetarian whenever I visited the temple or prior to a Sikh festival,” the man contended in the filing sighted by Malaysiakini.
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
