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
Rajpal Singh (4th from left) presenting MAPD mock cheque to MSEAF representatives, including recently retired Federal Court judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal (6th from left) who is a trustee – Photo: MAPD
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
The Malaysian Association of Punjabi Dignitaries (MAPD) has raised RM55,000 in support of two education-based organisations.
The funds were presented to the Malayan Sikhs Education Aid Fund (MSEAF) and the Tara Foundation during MAPD’s 2025 gala dinner held on July 17 in Kuala Lumpur.
MAPD comprises Malaysian Punjabis who have been conferred Datukships or higher honours by the federal or state governments.
Leading the association for the 2024–2026 term is lawyer Rajpal Singh, who also serves as president of Gurdwara Sahib Sentul.
Other key officer bears are Harban Singh (VP), Dr Amarjit Singh Gill (VP), Jarnail Singh Daliwal (Secretary General), Mohd Salim Mohd Rafik (Assistant Secretary General) and Kevin Jit Singh (Treasurer).
Its committee members are Ramesh Kodammal, Majid Manjit Bin Abdullah, Dr Mahinder Singh Marne, Dr Jekinder Singh, Baldev Singh Randhawa, Baldev Singh Kailay, Harvinder Kaur Bhall and Gordev Singh.
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
Sergio Gor, a close aide of President Donald Trump who is currently the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, may become the next US ambassador to India.
Trump has nominated Gor, whom he described as a ‘great friend’, to oversee frosty US-India relations that have worsened with the planned doubling of US tariffs on goods from India next week.
“Sergio is a great friend, who has been at my side for many years. He worked on my Historic Presidential Campaigns, published my Best Selling Books, and ran one of the biggest Super PACs, which supported our Movement,” Trump said, lauding Gor’s work in hiring staff for his second term.
“For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social account.
He would also serve as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs, Trump added.
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
Panjabi-speaking Malaysians are being warned to stay alert against a new wave of scam calls that begin with a familiar greeting: “Pehchanea menu?” (“Recognise me?”).
The callers typically claim to be relatives or friends from India or Canada, hoping to trick victims into engaging in conversation and eventually parting with money.
“These are not long-lost relatives or well-wishers. They are scammers who have found yet another way to target our community,” cautioned one recipient of such a call.
The modus operandi is simple. The scammer dials from an overseas or even local number, greets the recipient in Panjabi, and casually asks: “Ki haal hai Uncle/Aunty/Paaji/Bhainji? Pehchaaniya?” (How are you, Uncle/Aunty/Brother/Sister? Recognise me?).
If the victim responds with confusion—“Nahi, kaun hai?” (No, who is this?)—the caller presses on with lines such as: “Ki gall ji, sanu bhul gaye?” (What’s this, you’ve forgotten me?). The goal is to build enough trust to manipulate victims into sharing personal details or sending money.
Asia Samachar spoke to a number of Malaysians who have received those calls. Thankfully, none of them have fallen victim. But we have heard one other or two cases where the callers have managed to wrangle a few thousand ringgit from their victims.
CALL NO 1:
“I got a call. I didn’t hang up. He said he’s my relative coming to M’sia. I said ‘welcome’. He said he’s doing really well and if I need any financial help, call him. In his next call, he claims he’s in jail because of a car accident and needs $4,000 Canadian to bail him out. I said “Sorry” & blocked the number.”
Jokingly, the recipient added that he has now lost a Canada relative who would have remitted to him money if he had asked.
CALL NO 2:
“My cousin in India got a call from another one of our “cousins” from UK out of the blue. Said he was in a pub brawl and someone fell and died. He has been arrested with a few others. He is now in the police car and they are asking 5,000 pounds to let me go. Please bank in to the policeman’s account. Passed phone to policeman to give bank details. My cousin had assumed who he was and asked are you Ranjit. He said, ‘Yes, paaji. Tuseen mainu pehchhan liya. Please help me. Please don’t tell anyone.’
“My cousin asked his son to take him to the bank. He was excited. For the first this long-lost cousin is asking for help. Must help. The son became suspicious and called Ranjit. It turned out that Ranjit was happily having dinner at home!”
Lesson from the call: Always verify, especially when they ask for money or financial details.
CALL NO 3:
“I received a call last week.. He asked me several times, Pehchanea menu. When I said no, he tried again. When I tried to politely rebuff him and ask him to disclose who he is, he claimed he is my petijah [nephew] – Rani’s son from Canada. I told him I don’t know any Rani in Canada. He got annoyed and asked me to cut the line if I don’t want to continue with the conversation. Now I realise that it was a scam.”
CALL NO 4:
“I thought it was a random call from someone in Canada because I have loads of relatives from India residing in Canada now. Many of them I don’t even know. I get introduced to them at weddings in Punjab.
CALL NO 5:
“I received a call from someone who claimed to be my cousin’s son from Canada. He requested for financial assistance. I told him ‘No’. The next call was vulgar.”
Have you received such a call? Do share your experience.
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
New Release | Rohanraj Singh Saaj, a passionate young Malaysian kirtani, has released a Shabad track Mere Laalan Ki Sobha (ਮੇਰੇ ਲਾਲਨ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ).
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
Rangeelu Gujarat 2025, an immersive celebration of Gujarat’s rich culture, is set to take place at a North London park despite noise disturbance concerns raised by some residents.
The three-day festival will be held at Roe Green Park in Kingsbury beginning Sept 5 after Red Lotus Events were granted a licence by Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee, reported local media portal Harrow Online.
The organiser said the event will help create “diversity, understanding and more cultural awareness” of the community.
Red Lotus Events creative director Mira Salat said they “have empathy for the neighbours” who may feel some disturbance during the festival but said the three days “will create so much more joy” than that.
“We would, with open arms, welcome everyone to the festival. There is so much to do there and so much to learn from, we are sure everyone would really enjoy it,” she said.
Residents and councillors had raised issues about the potential for the noise to disturb neighbours and students at the nearby Kingsbury High School, according to the report. However, the organisers have agreed to start the acts later on the Friday to ensure that students “are not disturbed as much as possible” and made assurances that noise levels will not exceed an agreed 65 decibels.
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
Maharaja Ranjit Singh And Return of The Koh-I-Noor Diamond – SikhLens
By SikhLens | Malaysia |
Prepare to be captivated by a historic tale like never before. The animated masterpiece,Maharaja Ranjit Singh And Return of The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, from SikhLens, brings to life the extraordinary journey of the Lion of Punjab.
Experience the grandeur of his empire and the epic quest for one of the world’s most famous diamonds in stunning animation. Watch the full film now on YouTube and discover a new way to connect with history. #sikhlens #TheReturnOfKohinoor
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
Our beloved Manji was the heart of our family-known for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. She leaves behind children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless cherished memories. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. Rest in peace, dearest Manji.
Husband: Late Kala Singh
Children / Spouses: Late Darshan Singh / Late Jaswant Kaur Jaspal Singh / Fatima Anita Manjeet Singh / Sarjit Kaur Sukhwant Singh / Jasbee Kaur Tarlochen Singh / Joginder Kaur Roop Kaur / Late Baldev Singh
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
PATH DA BHOG Saturday, 6th September 2025 10 am -12 noon Gurdwara Sahib Greentown, Ipoh
We humbly invite you and your family to join us for Kirtan Darbar followed by Sehaj Path da Bhog. Guru ka Langgar willl be served.
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your presence, prayers, floral tributes and assistance rendered during our recent bereavement.
Our beloved grandmother, Madam Harcharan Kaur @ Amar Kaur, passed away peacefully on the 21st of August 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and lessons that will forever remain in our hearts.
She was more than a grandmother to us—she was the thread that bound us together. She was our storyteller, our guide, our comfort in difficult times, and our greatest cheerleader. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of delicious food, and her home radiated warmth, laughter, and open arms. She taught us the importance of family, of kindness, and of finding joy in the simplest things.
To us, she was Manji. She had a way of making each and every one of us feel special—through her words of encouragement, the thoughtful gifts she showered us with, and the heartfelt Ardas she offered whenever we achieved something. She touched our lives in countless ways and helped shape us into who we are today.
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we choose to celebrate the beautiful life she lived—a life defined by resilience, generosity, and unconditional love. She leaves behind children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a legacy of memories that will carry her spirit forward for generations.
We will miss her stories, her laughter, and her presence, but we know she will continue to live on in each of us.
Rest in peace, dearest Manji. You will always be with us. We love you.
| Entry: 21 Aug 2025; Updated: 24 Aug 2025 | 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
Parents: Late Giani Janggir Singh Late Sdrni Bacchan Kaur Village: Bhai Ka Bhagta, District Bathinda of Kampar/ Petaling Jaya.
Parents Late Sdr Gopal Singh Late Sdrni Kartar Kaur of Rasa
Wife: Sdrni Serender Kaur (Tolay)
Son: Gurmeet Singh (Junior)
IN EVER LOVING MEMORY Jordmela & Sahej Paath Da Bhog Sunday, 7th September 2025 10.00 am – 12.30 noon Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Address: Lorong 51A/227B, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia)
Please treat this as our personal invitation
PLEASE TREAT THIS AS OUR PERSONAL INVITATION
Link to posting at Facebook and Instagram
| Entry: 20 Aug 2025 | 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
Ashvir Singh Johal appointed new Morecambe FC days after Panjab Warriors won approval for a club takeover
By Asia Samachar | Britain |
Morecambe FC has appointed the first Sikh manager in British football history days after the national league club was saved from financial turmoil by Panjab Warriors.
Ashvir Singh Johal, who arrives at the club having never managed a first-team side before, joins from Notts Couty where he worked as a B Team head coach.
The new Shrimps boss is now also the youngest manager in the top five tiers of English football, landing the job at just 30 years of age.
“Morecambe Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Ashvir Singh Johal as the Club’s new First Team Manager.
“He arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with an excellent reputation as a forward-thinking coach and leader, bringing with him a wealth of experience in player development, tactical innovation, and building high-performance cultures,” the club said in a statement shared at its website.
Ashvir spent 10 years at Leicester City, coaching players in the academy setup from U7s all the way through to U18s, during that time Leicester City went through their most successful period as a football club. His first experience at first team coaching came when he joined Wigan Athletic in 2022 as first-team coach in the Championship.
In June 2025, at 30 years old, he completed his UEFA Pro Licence with the FA, the highest qualification in management and football coaching.
Panjab Warriors communication head Gurpreet Singh and CEO Ropinder Singh being interviewed by the BBC Sport
A day earlier, the club confirmed its acquisition by Panjab Warriors with the formal approval from the National League, resulting in the lifting of its suspension. Its embargo will also be lifted once all outstanding football related debt are paid.
“We can confirm that we have received funds from our new owners Panjab Warriors this morning to pay all outstanding Wages, HMRC liabilities and all other Football Creditors which will all be paid by Wednesday 20th August 2025 and will be in the Bank Accounts of all individuals by the end of Wednesday.
“This marks the end of Jason Whittingham’s tenure as owner, who took control of the club through Bond Group Investments in May 2018. All at the club, would like to thank Jason and wish him the very best for the future,” the club said.
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
