A Visionary Leader in Advertising
For our boss and us, the new normal involves him working remotely, spending hours in waiting rooms, yet staying completely in sync with everything. Despite the unconventional setting, he never misses a beat.
At our TTDI office, there’s a constant flow of visitors—journalists, marketing professionals, and industry leaders—all eager to meet the man himself. With decades of experience, he is a source of invaluable insights. If you haven’t had the opportunity to tap into his wisdom, this rapid-fire Q&A session will introduce you to the man we know as Professor Harmandar Singh.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
MALATI: You recently received the Golden Bull Award for Outstanding SME. What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
HAM: I enjoy managing risks—whether in people, opportunities, or expectations. Having spent over two decades giving out awards, receiving one myself, especially from outside my industry, was a surprise. This award isn’t just about me; it’s about my incredible team. They are the real achievers; I merely observe and support them.
MALATI: What prompted you to leave your role as a Creative Director and start your own business?
HAM: I had grown tired of dealing with narrow-minded people who lacked the vision to do something extraordinary. I wanted to escape the “oxygen thieves” who contributed nothing of value. So, I moved on. Early in my career, someone advised me to remove my turban and cut my hair to become famous. I simply told them, “Watch me.”
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
MALATI: What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?
HAM: If you can’t sell your opinions convincingly, stay in bed. You’ll save trees by doing nothing.
MALATI: You’ve spearheaded several innovative initiatives at MARKETING, from personalized covers to digital transformations. How do you keep evolving in such a dynamic industry?
HAM: It’s not just about me; it’s about the ecosystem I operate in—my colleagues, friends, and family. I don’t have “clients”—I have partners who work with me as equals. Instead of chasing fleeting fame, I focus on adding real value to the industry. The people I work with are top-notch professionals who stay focused on their goals and never lose sight of the bigger picture.
Beyond Business – Giving Back and Education
MALATI: Apart from running your businesses, you are involved with MERCY Malaysia and serve as a professor at UPSI University. Can you share more about these roles?
HAM: Every day brings new learning experiences. I am honored that UPSI recognized my contributions in developing their Bachelor’s Degree in Social Communications syllabus. My work with MERCY Malaysia is deeply personal and not meant for public attention. There is always more to be done.
Insights and Inspirations
MALATI: What book are you currently reading?
HAM: Midnight’s Children for the fourth time. I also own six copies of Salman Rushdie’s other book. He is unparalleled as a writer—besides Ted Lim and Paul J. Loosely, of course.
MALATI: You have interviewed iconic figures, from HRH Sultan of Perak to Steve Forbes and Donald Trump. Which interview stood out the most?
HAM: My interview with Steve Forbes at Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Surrounded by CIA agents, I asked him how he handled people who despised him for publishing hard truths. He replied, “I’ll publish it and wait for the phone to ring.” Then, after a pause, he added, “And I won’t pick it up.”
The Many Hats of Harmandar Singh
MALATI: You wear multiple hats—writer, business owner, event planner, creative director. Which role do you enjoy the most?
HAM: Writing is in my DNA. At one point, I was crafting 30,000 words per week. I thrive in the eye of the storm.
MALATI: What advice do you have for industry professionals looking to build their personal brand?
HAM: If you think SALE is a four-letter word, forget about building any brand—including your own.
MALATI: With over 400 TV commercials and numerous awards to your name, do you have a favorite campaign?
HAM: I don’t play favorites, but the Proton Satria launch TVC holds a special place. As a freelance creative, I fought to keep the idea alive after a Creative Director discarded it. Sometimes, the best ideas need a defender.
About the Golden Bull Award
The Golden Bull Award recognizes and celebrates business excellence, symbolizing strength and growth. It is one of the most prestigious awards for successful SMEs.
This article was originally published in MARKETING, a leading Malaysian industry magazine for marketing and advertising professionals. Published by Sledgehammer Communications, the team also organizes high-profile events like the Malaysian Media Conference, Global Digital Marketing Conference, Malaysian CMO Conference, Creative AllStars Conference, Product of the Year Awards, and Dragons of Malaysia/Asia.
By Malati Siniah | Marketing-AsiaSamachar
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