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Asian Star – Gagan Singh

Asian Star – Gagan Singh

Native village/Country, parent’s background
I was born and raised in New Delhi. My father served in a Public sector Undertaking within the Insecticides/Chemical sector with the Government of India. My mother served with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – an umbrella body as a Director within the Environment Management Division.
Your early education
Industrial and Production Engineer from Visveraiah Technological University, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
When & why did you come to Canada?
I had my first stint in Canada in 2004-2006. We immigrated as a family in June 2015 under the Federal Skilled Worker category. The purpose of coming to Canada was to change orbits within our professional sphere and also to afford our family a peaceful and prosperous life.
Your career advancement and present occupation
I am a Certified Environmental Professional (EP) under the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) and besides working towards a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, have applied for the Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with APEGA.
Your regret in life
I have no regrets in my life till date.
Pick any one of your the best achievements
I have achieved whatever I set out to do. I am sure, the community will connect with our new venture – Colors of Alberta. We are positive that this venture will provide a platform to amplify the voice of minorities in our communities.
Were you ever discriminated?
I felt discriminated by the Government of Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Department very recently when I have appeared for 2 interviews ranging from a Program Coordinator to a Manager’s role. The panel’s feedback stated that during the interview I used too many technical terms. My contention is: since when is using too many technical terms a reason for denying someone a job? The panel conducting interviews was biased, discriminatory and technically unqualified to interview engineers for these roles. To top it all, it’s an opaque process which might take years to elicit written statements from the panel on your potential candidature.
What you miss in Canada?
I miss transparency, accountability and subject knowledge in the executive to start with.
Are you happy in Canada?
Not at all but we will ensure we all come together to make this a better place to live and call home. Not everything in life is served on a platter, sometimes not even served for that matter. We will keep doing our best for the broader community nevertheless. Once, we are done, I have a strong conviction that my son would say that he is happy to be in Canada.
Any comments on Canada’s weather
Weather is god given, what we make of the weather is what matters.
Any comments on Canada’s culture
Canada is a model village for the world. We have to continue the good work of our immigrant forefathers. We have to work towards a cohesive, harmonious and welcoming atmosphere in this great nation. We should also ensure inclusive participation of all in the economic scheme of things. No one should be left out. We all belong here. There is enough for everyone’s need and never enough for everyone’s greed.
What brought you success in Canada?
My mantra is pretty simple- I welcome everyone with open arms till they decide otherwise. My openness to people, cultures and ideas is what will make every venture of mine successful. Acceptance and warmth is the key to any and all human interactions.
Are you willing to help new comers?
The newly launched NPO (Not for profit organisation) – Colors of Alberta is a very carefully thought out idea. It promotes and advocates greater economic participation of all communities especially the ethnic and racialized communities. Where absolute inclusion is meaningful participation. No one is left out. We all deserve our place in this robust economy of Alberta which has tremendous potential for all talents and positive ideas regardless of its source whether it’s from a foreign or a home grown graduate. We will continue to build a case for recognizing foreign talent and giving them their fair share in the economy directly proportional to their credentials.
Your message for Canadians of Asian origin
I am a strong believer in result oriented teams, influencers and leaders. When people are not able to see the way forward, they should ask or trust a leader to show them the path to solutions. It becomes imperative on the community’s part, to listen to the leader and follow the path to new pastures. The results are bound to come if the intent is honest. It’s the duty of the broader community to rally behind and support such individuals whenever the cause is aimed at broader benefits. It helps the community to get a voice that is audible in the power centres everywhere.

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