World Malayalee Conference 2008 in Singapore
As the world is converging to a closely knit "Globosphere" due to rapid advances in technology, business processes and standardized rules and regulations, it is imperative for Malayalees spread across the continents to come together on a global platform to discuss and debate how to tap the global opportunities.
"Rhythm of Kerala by World Malayalee Council Youth Forum"
"World Malayalee Council (WMC) formed on July 3, 1995 in New Jersey on the last day of the first World Malayalee Convention with a view to network Malayalees around the world is organizing a unique global event this year," said Andrew Pappachen – WMC Global Chairman.
Singapore shall witness the congregation of Malayalees from around the world, during the sixth World Malayalee Conference to be held August 22- 24, 2008 at the Grand Ball Room at the scenic Orchid Country Club, Orchid Club Road, Singapore. "The organizing committee has been working towards making the event a grand success with Singapore being the Business hub of Asia," said Dr Karippur Nanda Kumar, General Convener, 6th World Malayalee Conference, President, WMC (Far east & Australia Region), Singapore.
Described as the convergence of Malayalees from across the world in Singapore – the business hub of Asia Pacific, World Malayalee Conference 2008 will provide a unique opportunity to the Malayalees around the world to converge under a global platform. The conference will be packed with events with global Malayalee professionals, entrepreneurs, WMC province leaders and businessmen from America, Middle East, Europe, India, Africa and Asia Pacific. It will also have distinguished speakers and panel discussions on business leadership, entrepreneurship, Malayalee culture, tourism and traditional medicine. With exhibition booths showcasing business and investment, culture and heritage and collaborative opportunities the event is expected to be a treat for all participants.
This global conference will provide Malayalee professionals to participate in an international forum of peers. It will open up new windows for exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences and establish a global network that will aid business and entrepreneurship initiatives. Above all, World Malayalee Conference 2008 will attract large number of delegates and their family members from across the globe. Singapore is one of the oldest destinations for Malayalee migration.
In the last few decades Singapore has progressed economically and higher importance is being given to India and China as partners for progress and growth. Kerala and Singapore now have plenty of opportunities to collaborate, leveraging complementary strength. World Malayalee Council (WMC) is a global organization with a mission to network Malayalees, create a global community able to communicate and cooperate with each other and continue the connection through generations WMC promotes good will and friendship among all Malayalees. WMC encourages Malayalees to heal each other especially those in need. WMC demands its members to be good individuals and good citizens. WMC has a three tier organizational structure with a global council, six regional councils in America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and Far East & Australia and local chapters called provinces.
Andrew Pappachen said, WMC has implemented several projects in Kerala to help the economically disadvantaged, which include village adoption, women’s employment training, scholarship for poor children, old age care etc. WMC has provided timely help to the Tsunami victims in Quilon and Alleppy districts in Kerala and has built a community center and library in Ayiramthengu. WMC has established a Mobile health Care unit, which provides home health care for the poor in various districts in Kerala. WMC provinces in Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Houston, New Jersey, Dallas, Kuwait, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddha, Bahrain etc. have implemented local charitable projects.
Andrew Pappachen, the founder and current global chairman of the World Malayalee Council celebrated his sixtieth birthday with friends and family in New Jersey in May this year. Andrew Pappachen, a community leader in the US is well known for his long record of social, political and community activities for the last 30 years. As a pioneer, Andrew Pappachen played key roles in the formation of various cultural, social, political and religious organizations and was at the helm of these organizations, including Kerala Association of New Jersey, Kerala Center in New York, Coalition of Indian Organizations New Jersey, Asian American Political Coalition, Asian American Heritage Council of New Jersey, Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Federation of Kerala Associations and the World Malayalee Council.
He also served as the President of Newark Festival of people, a multicultural organization, in New Jersey Governor’s Arts Advisory Council and as a member of the County democratic Committee. He is currently the President of Asian American Heritage Council of New Jersey and was the Grand Marshal of the Asian American parade held on June 1 along with the Governor of New Jersey.
Andrew migrated to United States in 1973 at the age of 25 for completing his Master’s Degree in Chemistry. Upon arrival here, he took a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the famous Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey and became a Certified Public Manager in the Sate of New Jersey. He has been an employee of the City of Newark, New Jersey sine 1974. Currently he is the Manager of Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation. Andrew also teaches in the college as an Adjunct professor. He has authored three books under the pen name of Andreos published by the Author House, USA, A Journey Through Generations – an autobiography and two novels Secrets of passion and Love With the Ghost, which are translated into Malayalam.
Andrew believes that the most important thing in life in not to make money and enjoy the luxuries but to share your wealth and experience with those in need and serve the humanity whatever way you can. He says, "World Malayalee Council and its members, while enjoying and experiencing the technological development and economic boom, must be aware that there are fellow Malayalees and human beings yearning for a more dignified and better life. As we celebrate the holiday season, I urge you to dedicate some of your time for humanitarian activities and set aside portion of your wealth for the poor and the needy. Most of WMC provinces are engaged in humanitarian activities and I applaud all of you."
Andrew lives in Montville, New Jersey with his wife Somini and children Simmy and Kevin. Simmy is a young entrepreneur, partner and president of Nyingzemo, manufacturer and supplier of Custom designer rugs from Nepal. Kevin works in the financial field.
BY R PADMANABHAN
