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Asia Pacific Malayalee Conference(APMC) was jointly organised by Singapore Kerala Association(SKA) and World Malayalee Council (Far East & Australia Region, WMC). SKA( website at http://www.singkerala.org/ ) is the oldest registered Indian society in Singapore and was established in 1917. The Malayalees also have a few other organisations in Singapore , looking after the various special interests of sections of Malayalees, while the SKA has taken the pivotal role of upholding and supporting general Malayalee interests here. WMC (web site http://www.worldmalayalee.org/) has been networking with Global Malayalee diaspora with its own chapters overseas as well as with affiliate Malayalee organizations, worldwide. APMC was first conceptualised in mid 2003. There were many questions on the rationale and relevance of such an event. The discussions over the next six months clearly established the objectives of the APMC. Firstly to provide a networking platform for Malayalees, people of Kerala origin and interested businessmen from the Asia Pacific Region to open up new possibilities for mutual growth. The conference was also to aim at highlighting Malayalee heritage, culture, language and values to benefit the new generation. Most Malayalees participated in the discussions, ranging from veteran leaders to young expatriates, felt that it is time for local associations to “move up the value chain” that is move beyond organising just entertainment events and family gatherings. It was felt that the age of electronic mail, internet, messaging services, mobile telephony and such have contributed in no small measure towards bringing people together in a manner that was been unthinkable, just a few decades ago. In the last few decades Singapore has progressed economically and is now looking towards the region, in particular India and China , as partners for progress and growth. Kerala and Singapore have plenty of opportunities to collaborate, leveraging complementary strengths. It was unanimously agreed that APMC is hence timely and relevant. The concept paper on the APMC was circulated to various Malayalee leaders in the region including President, AMMA, Malaysia and Andrew Pappachen, WMC Global Chairman, USA . The support offered was spontaneous and very encouraging. An organising committee was set up under the leadership of Shri Gopinath Pillai and Shri MM Dollah. A team of young and dynamic Malayalees managed the various subcommittees. I am not naming all here but would like to acknowledge their dedication and hard work. CONFERENCE
There were constructive criticisms about Kerala's labour situation and “Hartal”. It was heartening to see that Shri MM Hassan who attended the conference noted these points and agreed to bring this to the serious attention of both the government of Kerala and public at large. Glad to note that Shri Hassan recently (Dec,04) launched “Upavasam” or fasting against in Hartal in Kerala, trying to raise the awareness of how it damages the Kerala's image and affect investment potential. Besides the speeches the conference also provided the opportunity for the much needed networking and relationship building among the Malayalees and interested businessmen from Kerala , Singapore , Malaysia , India and Middle East . As The Straits Times put it, “Being a minority group within a minority race here is not about to deter Singapore 's Malayalees from looking outwards to boost business opportunities for their community.” The second day of the conference had two tracks of half day each. The morning session focused on Language, Culture and Community. Launching the track Andrew Pappachen, Global Chairman of WMC emphasized the importance of global malayalee networking. WMC has presence in over 33 countries and could play a role in linking up the Asia Pacific Malayalees to the rest of the world. Dr Punathil Kunjabdullah praised the thought leadership of Singapore Malayalees and efforts undertaken by the organisers to put together a conference of such scale and representation. The last event he attended in Singapore in the 90's had only 20 attendees most of them organisers! On the importance of Malayalam language, he commented that the mother tongue is the language of one's dreams. Without the mother language one cannot express his inner feelings and will lose his identity. In the discussions on preserving the language and culture, it was highlighted that the mother tongue and culture plays an important role in the character development of young people. There is a need for the community leaders and associations to be more proactive in nurturing the language and culture. Shri MK Bhasi touched on the once vibrant Malayalee literary and cultural activities in Singapore and Malaysia and the need for younger generation to continue and expand such activities. Mr Soorya Krishnamurhty was another distinguished speaker who encouraged the audience to question the blind following of western culture and practices and helped to highlight Kerala's vibrant music, arts and culture. The second half of the day focused on Entrepreneurship, Media and Health topics. On entrepreneurship the panellists suggested that the younger Malayalees of the region should rise beyond the DEL (Doctor-Engineer-Lawyer ) syndrome and embrace new opportunities on business and entrepreneurship. The younger generation should not be inward looking. But they should tap on the Indian networks to their advantage. The parents should also encourage children to take up challenges and accept failures as paths leading to success and not as “thalavidhi”. There were also many suggestions how to encourage younger Malayalees to excel in their professions and take up buiness. For example monthly sessions could be organised to encourage young Malayalees to get in touch with successful business men and professionals. The sessions will also help to network and build relationships. The discussions on the media focused on the role played by the traditional media, cable & TV channels and Internet in promoting Malayalam language, arts, music and culture. The panellists felt that Malayalam language is entering a “Digital Renaissance” period thanks to the emerging infocomm technologies. The organisations should embrace new technologies such as Internet, email and multimedia to get in touch with the Malayalee community and provide online access to Malayalam resources. Hopefully Singapore and the region will see more Malayalam programmes through Internet and Cable channels in the future. The discussions on the health focussed on the issues relevant to the Indian community and also educated the audience on the role of Ayurveda in modern life. CONCLUSION
There were a number of good suggestions for follow up such as organising regular business and professional networking sessions, involving youth in community development, exploring cultural exchanges in the region and organising a Global Malayalee Conference. These are being further discussed by SKA and WMC and moving forward, Malayalees can expect more exciting and valuable events and programmes in the future. All interested organisations and individuals are invited to partner with us and may contact us at apmc_singapore@yahoo.com.sg Support for APMC was unprecedented. Let us build on that momentum and work together on the next steps! Contributed by Dr Karippur Nanda Kumar Vice President, APMC Organising Committee ; Vice President, World Malayalee Council (Far East & Australia Region)
World Malayalee Council Global Village Proposal from A.V Anoop, WMC General Secretary What prompted me to give deep thought to this proposal is the profound nature of a social problem staring at all of us. The Problem of Old Age. The days of “Naalukettu” and Joint Family system have vanished forever. Globalization has helped children to grow wings and fly off to far off places in search of Daily Bread: in search of Success & Prosperity, leaving their very dear, very near ones, back home. Added to this, Life Expectancy is ever on the increase – but health related problems too are ever on the increase. Much as they love their aged parents, grand parents & other relatives, the demands of their profession & situations prevent the offsprings from remaining close by. Consequently, the elders are compelled to painfully grow old, in an atmosphere of loneliness. It affects NRKs as much as the locals too. This is where WMC can step in effectively and make a positive contribution to the Society. Time has come for us to establish a Geriatric Care looking after the relatives of our members as well as Free Section looking after the poor and needy destitutes. This centre, in the immediate future shall have an Orphanage too added on. PROPOSAL: Establishment of WMC VILLAGE in Kerala. PURPOSE : To have a compact, all encompassing location. This shall be put in to effect in Phases based on an approved priority table. Priority 1: b) Establish a Geriatric Care Centre where students trained in Geriatric care under the Initiative, Encouragement & Sponsorship of WMC shall find employment. Note : It is visualized that acquiring initial requirement of land, of say, 3 to 5 acres itself will be a time consuming matter which demands dedicated and concerted efforts. If we can acquire the initial minimum required land and atleast lay the foundation stone by the time of Vth Global Conference 2006, we shall have reason to pat ourselves. Priority 2: b) Office Complex for WMC and IWCC. c) Guest House for Members of WMC on short visit. d) Have a Mini Conference hall & connected facilities to conduct WMC & IWCC Meetings and also run WMC camps & awareness programmes e) Establish Prayer Halls to cater for the requirements of Hindu /Muslim / Christian Inmates. Priority 3 : Note: Indian World Wide Chamber of Commerce (IWCC) can play leading part here. The members of IWCC are eminent businessmen who are all the time in need of trained manpower of various qualifications. The village can incorporate in its curriculum the Programmes tailor made to cater for their needs under the initiative of IWCC. The prestige and popularity that this move will bring to the WMC Village can well be imagined. Requirement : b) Adequate Funds. Proposed Methodology for Execution : a) Identify land at a location NOT more than Maximum 2 hours drive from any major city, which is a prominent communication centre in any one of the Districts of Kerala. To begin with, we may consider acquiring an extent of up to 5 Acres and establish Geriatric care center. Balance land of about 10 acres can be acquired over a period of next 3 to 5 years for which MOU can be arrived at with the parties concerned, in advance. If any of our members happen to have land, which they are keen to dispose off, this can be considered at a mutually advantageous way. Alternatively, if any member is aware of availability of Poramboke land / Revenue land, this too may be considered for progressing with. In the past, there had been efforts made by WMC leadership to acquire land, where they had had successful parleys with Government of Kerala. Members who had dealt with the matter are requested to come forward and shed further light on this aspect. b) Prepare a 5 Year plan for priority wise execution. Here the views of members are welcomed Mission: The immediate Mission is to set the ball rolling and see that acquiring initial requirement of land and laying the foundation for Geriatric Care Centre is achieved before the Vth WMC Global Conference 2006. Funds : I wish to assure all members that I am willing to contribute a sum of Indian Rupees 2 Lakhs as seed capital. Having said this, I wish to request all members to put aside any sum daily or as frequently as possible; may be One Dollar or One Hundred Thousand Dollars and periodically donate it for the creation of this model village. In the Six (6) Regions if, each province having say 150 members contributes say 100 Dollars each that will be sufficient to get the Project going. I am keenly awaiting your Views / Suggestions / Opinions / Constructive Criticisms on the subject. A.V. Anoop, |
The first day of the APMC focused on the theme “Business opportunities in Kerala and Singapore ”. Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, who was the guest-of-honour, highlighted tourism as an area for cooperation between the Kerala and Singapore tourism promotion bodies. “As the economies of South-east Asia recover and as the Asia-Pacific countries grow in affluence, Singapore can be a useful hub for tourists keen to explore the charms of Kerala's beaches, backwaters and... Ayurvedic treatments,” he said. The presentation by Kerala government officials provided an overview of opportunities in Tourism including Eco tourism and Adventure tourism; Hospitality; Construction including roads, resorts and commercial complexes; Education; Traditional Healthcare and Biotechnology. 
In summary APMC was a unique event, a first in the 87 years of Malayalee organisational history in Singapore . Over 30 speakers and panellists presented their views on a variety of topics that range from business opportunities, language, culture, community, entrepreneurship, media and health. The conference attracted over 250 delegates from Singapore and trhe region over two days. The overseas delegates included representatives from Malaysia , India , USA , Australia and Middle East . The conference has played a key role in developing the binding roots of a Malayalee identity. The event was supported by over 15 sponsors from Singapore and Kerala, many of whom showcased their products and services during the conference. 
