Gurmit Singh, who rose to fame acting as contractor named Phua Chu Kang, will end his full-time contract with Singapore’s MediaCorp to spend more time with his family. The break comes after a 20-year successful career. Gurmit, however, is not quitting acting altogether.
“I need to pay them back. If I don’t, I’ll be a horrible father and husband,” he said. “I kept missing important milestones, such as birthdays and anniversaries. I think the audience doesn’t realise this but, sometimes, when I’m hosting a programme, there could be a birthday party for one of my children at home. My family was always supportive and we made do, but I just couldn’t continue this argument within myself.”
Years after the sitcom went off the air, Gurmit is still known as Phua Chu Kang, a testimony to the huge success of the series, popular both in Singapore and Malaysia.
Harbans Singh, retired teacher and the honorary secretary of Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organisation, recently gave a talk on Sikhism to 80 members of Shinnyo-en Singapore, a local chapter of an international Buddhist community. Full story, read here.
Harbans talking to members of Shinnyo-en Singapore, a Buddhist group. – PHOTO courtesy of Shinnyo-en Singapore
Punjab-based environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and Indian ambassador to the Philippines DL Ralte laid the foundation for what is said to be the first Punjabi school in Philippines and inaugurated a new gurdwara building on Nov 28.
Both are located near Panki on Mankada road, according to a statement from Seechewal’s office based in Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab.
The statement said that the Punjabi community living in various cities of Philippines do not have access to Punjabi schools.
“They want their children should study in Punjabi language so that they stay connected with their mother tongue,” it added.
In phase one, 18 rooms will be built with the donation of the community members, it said.
The event attracted Sikhs from cities like San Pablo, Dagupan, Vigan, Tarlak, Urdaneta, Sanhoje, Cebu City, Santiago, Bagio and Kandano.
Seechewal has been going to the Philippines annually for the last 15 years, according to a staff from his office in Sultapur Lodhi.
Seechewal’s fame is due to his efforts to control environmental pollution, including installing underground sewage systems in villages and towns. He took the lead in the cleaning and beautification of River Kali Bein, the historical site where Guru Nanak was said to have disappeared for three days.
Seechewal (second from right) having a discussion with Indian ambassador to the Phillipines DL Ralte.
EARLIER: Seechewal (third from right) having a discussion with Indian ambassador to the Philippines DL Ralte.
In the next 25 years, the chief executive of Singapore’s DBS Bank could well come from a newly-emerging pool of entrepreneurial minded Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnic graduates, according to Piyush Gupta, CEO of SGX-listed DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank.
With the changing nature of work that is resulting largely from great strides in technology, talent is no longer simply tied to knowledge and academic qualifications. A focus on experience, exposure and continuous lifelong education will drive the search for talent in the coming years.
Piyush was speaking to a 120-odd strong crowd at the Singapore Management University on Nov 29 (Sat) on the issue of talent and integration – global competition, local challenges, as the guest speaker at the Young Sikh Association’s Seventh Khwaish Lecture.
DBS is the largest financial institution by asset size in Southeast Asia.
DBS’s Piyush Gupta speaking at a Singapore’s Young Sikh Association event — PHOTO: Hargobind Singh
In his speech, he noted that computers can now do not just blue collar work, but also white collar work, starting with the shifting of many IT services to India.
He provided the example of how DBS is currently working with IBM on an artificial intelligence computer called Watson, originally designed to have the capability to diagnose every sort of cancer, and modified to do the job of a bank relationship manager to come up with a customised recommendation for each client.
Piyush outlined his ‘Four I Framework’ for spotting good talent. He values talent that demonstrates individual accountability – a willingness to go outside the normal bounds of one’s work and take on more responsibility; initiative – going beyond simply responding to that inbox full of emails and creating one’s own outbox, or agenda, to make a positive impact; innovation – being a change agent and demonstrating creative problem-solving skills; and inspiration – painting a vision and getting not just one’s juniors but (perhaps more challenging) also one’s competitors, to engage with your agenda and ally with a broader community and social agenda.
He believes aspiration – khwaish – is what makes us progress as societies, even quoting the Ghalib verse ‘Hazaaron khwaishen aisi’ to drive his point home.
Bhagwan Singh & Co partner Jeispreit Kaur saw this as one of the highlights of Piyush’s presentation.
Jeispreit said: “We learnt so much, especially the need for talent, and the Four Is. How the world is shifting from being knowledge-based to continuous learning and developing skill sets that you learnt outside of school.”
Piyush emphasised the role of both short- and long-term overseas work stints in developing talent, and that it was important to create an environment where people can be immersed in gaining experience.
For instance, DBS practices a ‘2 plus 2’ policy, where employees who have worked at a job for two years have the opportunity to move somewhere else within the company, and whose bosses must release them after two months.
A lively discussion followed the presentation, in which participants engaged critically with Piyush’s ideas. When asked what needs to be done to ensure local talent can remain competitive, he said that critics have often unduly decried Singapore’s presumably rigour- and rote-based education system.
He believes young Singaporeans coming out of the local universities and colleges these days are bigger risk-takers and display greater entrepreneurship. His advice was to treat college as an opportunity to experiment, innovate and do things, not just go to class!
Seminar participant and Singapore Armed Forces military expert Hargobind Singh reflected that, “This was a great opportunity to meet a high calibre CEO in an intimate setting. I thought there was a lot of depth and structure to his presentation. It’s just a shame there weren’t more young adults in the room. I think we really need to engage more with young professionals in the Sikh community.”
The afternoon concluded with a spread of delicious food, around which attendees socialised and networked.
YSA president Malminderjit Singh said the speaker was able to handle well sensitive topics like immigration. “It was refreshing to see him engaging young people after the event and even handing out his name card,” he said.
Chaar Sahibzaade animation movie will be screened in Bangkok over the weekend while Singaporeans will get their chance to catch the story of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh next week.
However, the Malaysian screening of the animation movie, making waves on the global stage since its release on Nov 6, has yet to be confirmed.
It is understood that there is a hickup in bringing the movie to the Malaysian public. There are also concerns whether it could pass the censorship board in the Muslim majority nation.
Thailand screening will be done at the Mall Taphra and the Central World, Bangkok, starting tomorrow (Nov 29).
The Mall Tapha tickets are being sold at the Bangkok gurdwara while tickets for the latter can be obtained from Dosa King Soi 11 (Tel: 02-651-1700), according to a Facebook posting by an active Sikh member of the Thai community.
The Singapore screening of the 2D version over three days from Dec 5 is in collaboration with the Naam Ras Kirtan Darbar, a major kirtan and katha programme held every other year in the republic.
The first screening at the Golden Village City Square will be at 7pm on Dec 5, followed by three screenings (1.30pm, 3.50pm and 6.40pm) over the weekend. [Call 02.97269008 after 10am on Nov 29 for family bookings].
Chaar Sahibzaade captures the lives and sacrifices of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Chaar Sahibzaade has grossed over Rupees 200 million in 7 days since its release on Guru Nanak Guru gurpurab on Nov 6. This photo realistic 3D animation film has raised the bar for Punjabi movies, as an average Punjabi movie normally earns Rp 80-100 million. Sonia Srikureja chats with Director Harry Baweja to find what went behind the making of this epic movie.
What inspired you to make Chaar Sahibzaade?
I’d made 20 films and have always looked back to thank God every time I took a step forward but I felt there had to be a better way to express my gratitude. As a builder I might have built a gurdwara but since I’m a filmmaker it’s only natural to make a film. Initially it started with an idea to base the movie on one of the Sikh Gurus which I wasn’t permitted to, or better put, nobody is permitted to. At the most you can show them as still images. It’s not practical to make a feature film using only still images so finally after requesting the SGPC (Punjab-based Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee), I got permission to animate stories related to Guruji. The closest to Guru Sahib is his family and that’s when the whole focus fell on the Chaar Sahibzaades. It’s quite a recent history of only about 300 years and a story so inspiring that I decided on it.
Was it difficult to verify the storyline for this sensitive historical event?
It sure was. There’s very little historical references. We don’t have all the historical architectural structures. Many have been destroyed or lost. Whatever was available was incorporated in the movie and for the missing puzzle we searched to see what it could’ve been, trying our best to stay true to history and to make sure that the film did not hurt anybody’s religious sentiments. We wanted to make sure everything turned out perfect, everybody enjoys the movie and nobody gets hurt.
Harry Baweja at the Chaar Sahibzaade premiere show in Bangkok on Nov 2 – PHOTO KITIPHORN KHANIJOU
What other challenges did you face?
Since this is my first animation, when started direction, I thought I I’d just need to go once a week to overlook. However, in the last one and a half years I have been doing nothing but sitting in the studios day and night. I needed to make sure all the characters appear as human as possible, working from the little bits to the bigger picture of human nature which means correcting every single character in that frame. It has been a tedious and tiring job.
It was a difficult journey to make such an expensive film with no support. I tried my best to have partners, but nobody came forward. Towards the end I did get investors but it was a very small percentage for distribution not production.
Any advantages of making an animation film?
I could control all the actors, I can make them come and go as needed. I didn’t have to wait for anybody.
How did you feel the first time you watched your film?
Seeing the movie wasn’t something new as I had been going through it for two and a half years. My dream came true the first time I saw the Chaar sahibzaades come alive. Seeing the characters performing in front of me live when I had always only seen them in photographs was a moment I still can’t forget. I still have that 30 second clip with me.
What’s your favorite scene in the movie?
When the two chote sahibzaades shared with their grandmother their dream and the both of them had the same dream. Their grandmother was surprised. Well it wasn’t just a dream, it turned out to be a premonition.
What’s the message you want everyone to go home with?
I want everyone to watch how the chote sahibzaades stood by their principles. Their courage and bravery is just ‘wow’. They had complete faith in God and trusted that whatever he does is for the best. I also hope this movie opens doors for others to make films on such historical references so that all the history that’s lying in books can come out. Any other projects to look forward to?
There’s another Baweja Movies’ film releasing, Happy Go Lucky, on November 21st. Other than that there are no other projects for now as for the last five years my complete focus has been into making Chaar Sahibzaade. I still have the letter I wrote to SGPC in 2009 to express my idea and schedule a meeting with them for permission and input.
How was your experience with the Thai Indian community?
The kind of enthusiasm everyone showed to watch the premier encouraged me to be part of the organizing team. I also love the way you all are in touch with your culture. You are probably doing what Thailand expects from you and yet you haven’t forgot your roots and thats what makes it beautiful.
[Chaar Sahibzaade is being screened worldwide in three languages, Hindi, English and Punjabi, in 3D and 2D]
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
The opening shows in Hong Kong for Chaar Sahibzaade, the animation movie on the brave young sons of Guru Gobind Singh, saw the crowd coming out in full force.
The first show was on Nov 22 followed by two more shows the next day. Saanjh Vicharan Di magazine, the organiser’s of the event, are planning for a another show next week.
“The theatre was full. Everyone was speechless. You had teary eyes everywhere,” said one viewer who spoke to Asia Samachar.
Chaar Sahibzaade revolves around the lives and martyrdom of the four sons (Sahibzaade) of Guru Gobind Singh – Sahibzaada Ajit Singh, Sahibzaada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzaada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzaada Fateh Singh.
The first premiere show of the fully-animated movie was shown in Bangkok, Thailand, 0n Nov 2, with its director Harry Baweja also present. [See AsiaSamachar report here].
Forty one Sikh graduates were honoured at a plaque presentation ceremony organised by the Young Sikh Association, Singapore (YSA) and the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board.
The event on Nov 2 was aimed at recognising the academic achievements of Sikhs, including those who pursue post-graduate studies and continuous learning. It was also an important platform to engage Sikh graduates and to impress upon them the need for them, as intellectuals, to contribute to the Sikh community and Singapore society, according to a report on the YSA website.
Minister of State for National Development and Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman was the guest of honour.
One of the recipients, Sharanjeet Kaur Dhaliwal, 23, had completed a Bachelor of Business programme at Australia’s Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
”For me, the degree was a natural progression in upgrading myself. The diploma was a stepping stone for me. I knew that I had to develop further if I wanted to compete in the marketplace. I do have plans to do a Master’s programme sometime soon,” said Sharanjeet, according to a AsiaOne report.
In the same report, YSA President Malminderjit Singh acknowledged the importance for Sikhs, like all Singaporeans, to upgrade themselves to stay relevant.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond.Facebook | WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 | Email: editor@asiasamachar.com | Twitter | Instagram | Obituary announcements, click here |
Sikhs all the world over recently celebrated the gurpurab of Guru Nanak recently. Sikhs in Jakarta, Indonesia, were equally connected in celebrating the birth of the first Sikh Guru.
Jakarta Gurmat school at Gurdwara Selatan (Jakarta south), celebrated the gurpurb on Nov 9.
The school, which was built on donations from the Sikh sanggat from the region, came into existence last year.
At present, there are 80 Sikh children, some from Indonesian mothers, pursuing Gurmat studies in collaboration with Khalsa Diwan Malaysia and the Kuala Lumpur-based Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy. – Report by Balwant Singh
Fauja Singh, the famed world’s oldest marathon runner, came to Malaysia for a second time recently. As in his first visit two years earlier, he joined the Chardikala Nigh Run organised by the Oh My Guru (OMG) youth group. Star Online has a report entitled ‘103-year-old retired international marathon runner inspires night run participants’.
The Singapore 
