Malaysia has lost one of its most distinctive journalistic voices with the passing of Karam Singh Walia today. He was 66.
Karam died this morning, his daughter Sharonjit Kaur Walia confirmed to Asia Samachar.
A former TV3 journalist, he carved a unique place in the nation’s media landscape with his investigative reporting, delivered in a style that blended urgency with cultural depth — often punctuated by Malay pantuns and proverbs. His work brought environmental issues into mainstream consciousness, long before they became headline concerns.
In 2024, as he battled liver disease and kidney complications, his condition drew national attention. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended support, with his political secretary Ahmad Farhan Fauzi visiting the veteran journalist on his behalf.
He leaves behind his wife, Bhagwant Kaur Sidhu, and three children — Sharonjit, Commander Melvinderjit Singh Walia (RMN) and Manpreeti Kaur Walia.
Karam leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, originality and an unwavering commitment to telling stories that mattered.
(The family will release the funeral details at Asia Samachar shortly).
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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
It has been one year since Mata Ji answered Waheguru’s hukam and returned to her eternal home. Her love, strength, and devotion remain with us always. We invite you to join us in remembering her through Gurbani, kirtan and ardaas.
Husband: Late Surjan Singh Bhullar (Baba Bakala) of Ipoh, Perak
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
Kuala Pilah all set for three days celebration of Vaisakhi, birth of Guru Nanak
MESSAGE FROM THE GURDWARA TEAM
Sangat Ji, join us in celebrating Khalsa Sirjana Divas, Vaisakhi and Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Dihara at Gurdwara Sahib Kuala Pilah on 16, 17 & 18 April 2026 ????✨
Let’s come together for three days of devotion, blissful Kirtan, and seva.
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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
Cash Queens series follows several aspiring bank robbers
By Raag & Reel | Movie Review |
What happens when women — poor and unsupported — are pushed so far by society that rebellion becomes their only language?
The new French dramedy Cash Queens on Netflix follows five women who form a bank-robbing gang out of desperation. Some need money; others simply need to feel something in lives stripped of control.
In the opening act, two women browse Barbie dolls for a child’s birthday — but are really deciding what to steal. Kim (Zoé Marchal) persuades Rosalie (Rebecca Marder), who fakes a pregnancy with a bowl under her shirt, to take both. They stash the items but are caught. Malik (Sami Outalbali), a detective and brother of their friend Sofia (Naidra Ayadi), drives them home. The dolls were meant for Sofia’s daughter — which only makes her furious.
The series plays less like a crime caper and more like a hymn to survival. Cornered by poverty and prejudice, these women choose courage over silence.
Their story unfolds through quiet acts of loyalty — covering flaws, shielding wounds, and risking everything for family. Solidarity becomes their sharpest weapon. Judged for being poor, unsupported and female, they carve out dignity through defiance.
The emotional pull lies not in victory but in sacrifice. Each risk taken for one another becomes a testament to resilience. A fleeting triumph turns into their undoing, as they are hunted not just for their crimes, but for daring to resist the roles imposed on them. Yet even in pursuit, their bond remains their truest triumph.
Cash Queens closes on a truth both bitter and beautiful: sometimes the world forces rebellion — and in that rebellion, women find their voice. Sisterhood becomes the one crown no cruelty can take.
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
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj arrives in Malaysia on 4 April 2026 for a Vaisakhi event – Photo: SikhInside
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has arrived in Malaysia to participate in the Grand Vaisakhi Event 2026, organised by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia at Tatt Khalsa Diwan, Kuala Lumpur.
Singh Sahib Kuldip, who assumed office in March 2025 amid a turbulent period for Sikh religious and political leadership in Punjab, is scheduled to speak tonight at the six-day event, which began on Thursday.
He is also slated to present the Holla Mahalla Games 2026 trophy tomorrow, and will deliver another address the following day.
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
The Artemis II mission lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B on 2 April 2026. Main engine cutoff of the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage is complete, and the core stage has successfully separated from the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and the Orion spacecraft. This marks the end of the first major propulsion phase of the Artemis II mission and the transition to upper‑stage operations. – Photo: NASA
By Gurnam Singh | Opinion |
Once again, with the launch of the Artemis II rocket ship by NASA to the far side of the Moon, humanity has set its sights on reaching Mars and, ultimately, travelling even further into the cosmos. Such moments invite not only scientific curiosity, but also philosophical reflection. For me, they echo the profound insights of Guru Nanak, whose vision of the universe remains strikingly resonant today.
Guru Nanak describes the universe as boundless, emerging from a primal void through a singular creative utterance:
ਕੀਤਾ ਪਸਾਉ ਏਕੋ ਕਵਾਉ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਲਖ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥ From the One Word, the vast expanse of creation unfolded; from it flowed countless streams of existence.
At a time when many traditions imagined a limited cosmos, perhaps a single Earth beneath a few heavens, Guru Nanak articulated a radically expansive vision:
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥ ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥ There are countless nether worlds and countless skies; the scholars and seekers have grown weary searching for their limits.
This is not merely poetic imagery. It is a cosmology of infinity. It anticipates, in spirit at least, the discoveries of modern astronomy, the recognition of billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars and potentially habitable worlds.
Against this backdrop, the engineering achievement of Artemis II, capable of transporting four astronauts to the Moon and returning them safely, appears as a remarkable expression of human ingenuity. Yet Guru Granth Sahib invites us to look deeper. It identifies the human mind not merely as a tool, but as the very place where the Divine resides.
Indeed, every technological innovation, every symphony, every theory, and every discovery in human history has emerged from the human mind. The brain itself is almost beyond comprehension, composed of approximately 86 billion neurons, each capable of forming thousands of connections. The resulting complexity exceeds, in its combinatory potential, even the number of atoms in the observable universe!
And yet, Gurbani goes further. It reminds us that the Divine is not confined to distant realms, not in the heavens, nor hidden among the stars, but is present within us:
ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ O mind, you are the embodiment of the Divine Light, recognise your own origin.
If we take this seriously, then the implications are profound. The only way we can know anything, whether the Moon, Mars, or the furthest galaxy, is through the human mind. And if the Divine resides within that mind, then wherever human consciousness travels, so too does the presence of the Divine.
In this sense, the Divine is not absent from Artemis II. It travels with the astronauts, irrespective of their beliefs. Extending this further, if the Divine resides in all beings, then the very basis for hatred collapses. How can one despise another without, in some sense, denying the same Light within oneself?
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Gurnam Singh is an academic activist dedicated to human rights, liberty, equality, social and environmental justice. He is a Professor of Sociology at University of Warwick, UK. He can be contacted at Gurnam.singh.1@warwick.ac.uk
* This is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
Nestlé Malaysia has appointed Rajesh Singh as executive director for supply chain for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, effective April 1, 2026.
He will oversee procurement, export operations, logistics, customer service, as well as demand and supply planning, and will be accountable for a supply chain valued at RM6.5 billion.
Raised in Rahang Kecil, Negeri Sembilan, Rajesh brings more than 15 years of leadership experience within the Nestlé group, along with earlier experience in the automotive industry.
His education spans Japan, France, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, including studies at Paris School of Business, Columbia University and London Business School. He is also affiliated with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK.
Beyond his corporate role, Rajesh is active in the community. He serves as president of Persatuan Hoki Daerah Seremban (PHDS), mentors youth on education and employability, and supports Sikh community initiatives, including the Istri Empowerment Fund at Gurdwara Sahib Seremban.
In the same statement, Nestlé Malaysia also announced the appointment of Normalis Mohd Sharif as executive director of human resources. She was previously human resources director for Southeast Asia at Danone.
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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
Participants learning and engaging in Sudoku to support cognitive health and logical deductions lesson at the SWAN Golden L.I.F.E. program on 25 March 2026 – Photo: SWAN / Asia Samachar
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
A new initiative by the Sikh Women’s Awareness Network (SWAN) is redefining what it means to grow older, with the launch of the Golden L.I.F.E. programme focused on active and fulfilling ageing.
The programme was officially launched on 11 March 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
SWAN, which advocates and promotes care support for seniors, has conducted activities for Sikh women under its Golden SWANs initiative over the years.
The Golden L.I.F.E. (Living, Inclusive, Fulfilling & Empowering) programme has now been conceptualised as a focused, ongoing project for both women and men across all communities.
“The programme aims to advocate and promote the well-being of our seniors to ensure that they continue to lead fulfilling lives, remain engaged with society, and are empowered in their older age — not just exist,” SWAN project lead Dr Manjit Kaur Ludher told Asia Samachar.
Globally, by 2030, one in six people will be aged 60 or over. By 2050, the population aged 60 and above is projected to double to 2.1 billion, comprising 22% of the world’s population (WHO).
SWAN noted that similar demographic trends are emerging in Malaysia. By 2044, 14% of the population is expected to be above 65 years of age, and by 2056, Malaysia is projected to become a “super-aged society”, with over 20% of its population aged above 65 (World Bank).
With this initiative, she said SWAN is taking a proactive approach to planning for the well-being of Malaysia’s ageing community.
Launching the programme, SWAN president Rajinder Kaur described it as “the start of a meaningful journey toward a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future for all seniors.”
She added that while the programme encourages lifelong learning and community engagement, it places strong emphasis on holistic development.
“It reminds us that a ‘golden life’ is not defined by age or status, but by the quality of our experiences and the positivity we bring into our lives and the lives of others,” she said.
The programme’s activities are designed to promote cognitive health, physical well-being, and social interaction. Cognitive sessions include writing, games, and puzzles; physical activities feature chair yoga, joint exercises and line dancing; while emotional well-being is supported through music, arts and crafts therapy, and social interaction.
Karunamoorthy Kumaraswamy (front row, 4th from left) and the participants, with the SWAN team standing at the back of the photo – Photo: SWAN / Asia Samachar
The second session was held on 25 March, with the next scheduled for 8 April. Participants have responded enthusiastically.
“It was a good meet-up, looking forward to more,” said one participant.
The Golden L.I.F.E. programme is open to senior women and men of all backgrounds. Sessions are currently held fortnightly in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Taman Kaya Residents’ Association. SWAN is seeking funding support to expand the programme nationwide.
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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
Children & Spouses: Ravinder Singh & Parveen Kaur Dr Reenisha Kaur & Dr Shanker Darren Rashvinder Singh & Susi Shivraahul Singh
Grandchildren: Gurleen Reyna Kaur & Aarav Rayan Singh
LAST RITES Thursday, 2 April 2026
10;00AM: Visitation at Taman TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam 11:00AM: Cortège leaves the residence 12:00PM: Saskaar (cremation) at Nirvana Memorial Park (Shah Alam)
PATH DA BHOG Saturday, 11 April 2026, 10.00AM onwards Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Shah Alam
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
Gurbinder Singh and fellow riders in the 518km cycling through Desaru, Mersing, Batu Pahat and back to Singapore, as part of the Ride-2-Serve fund raising effort. Asia Samachar is a media of the event – Photo: Gurbinder
By Gurbinder Singh | Singapore |
No matter how ambitious the goal, success is rarely a solo journey. A couple of days ago, along with our team of dedicated cyclist, we embarked on a 518KM charity ride with Ride-to-Serve, cycling through Desaru, Mersing, Batu Pahat and back to Singapore.
What started as a Fundraiser for Sikh Welfare Council (SIWEC), turned into a journey of grit, brotherhood and pure teamwork. Every steep climb, every headwind, every excruciating kilometre under the scorching sun was possible, only as a team.
This journey is also a reminder of how fortunate many of us are and the responsibility we have to give back to society. Every kilometre we rode supports a mission to serve communities in need, regardless of race, language or religion. During the course of this ride, over S$300,000 was successfully raised for the needy. Our appreciation to those who contributed.
(This is an extract of the author’s LinkedIn entry. For the full article, go here. The cyclists ended the ride on March 30, 2026)
The riders in the 518km cycling through Desaru, Mersing, Batu Pahat and back to Singapore, as part of the Ride-2-Serve fund raising effort. Asia Samachar is a media of the event – Photo: Gurbinder Singh
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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
