He left his home in Kela village in Punjab’s Bhikhiwind tehsil when he was just 11 years old. Today, Mohinder Singh Bhullar, 90, is a successful businessman in Brunei Darussalam, and a leader of the 11,000-strong Indian community here. The shining face of Indian community abroad is a proud winner of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award of 2010.
“I studied for a few years in Malaysia and, 10 years later, in 1947, shifted to Brunei in search of a job,” said Bhullar, who owns a carpet business.
“When I arrived in Brunei, the oil and gas business was booming. I began working as a bulldozer driver. Later, I started my own sports goods business, which became very successful. I came in touch with the previous Sultan, who was very kind to treat me as a friend,” he recalled.
Since he was “not too educated”, he couldn’t become a citizen of Brunei till 2009.
“I failed to clear my Malay language test several times. Finally, in 2009, I managed to pass the test and was granted citizenship,” he added.
Does he go back to his village? “Of course. I have gone there many times and have a house and some land there,” he said.
What is his one last wish? “To go back one more time to my village,” he said.
With inputs from a report by The Indian Express
In an interview with Diplomacy & Beyond Mohinder Singh Bhullar shared his vision on furthering the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
“I have already invested and many other people of Indian origin residing in Brunei have also invested in India. I would encourage Indians to consider investing in Brunei as well”
- Describe your life journey from a small village in Punjab to being a successful businessman in Brunei Darussalam?
At the age of 11 I came with my Uncle to Sarawak, Malaysia where I continued with my studies. In 1946 I came to Brunei looking for better prospects. I started working as a bulldozer driver with Shell, and did some part-time work to re-string badminton and tennis racquets. Then after 3 years, I resigned from Shell and started my own sports business in a small town called Seria. My wife and I moved to the capital called Brunei Town at that time, in 1955 where we opened a small department store. We also started dealing in other businesses such as books, stationery, school supplies and materials, and science equipment. In 1984 I opened my carpet business which is still going until today.
- You are one of the most popular faces for the large Indian community residing in Brunei. How do you look up to your role as a connecting bridge between India and Brunei?
I feel I am a very good bridge due to my responsible, honest attitude, and good relationships with the Bruneian population.
- What are your expectations from the present regime in India in terms of increasing trade & economy between the two nations? Do you have any plans for making investment in India?
I have already invested and many other people of Indian origin residing in Brunei have also invested in India. I would encourage Indians to consider investing in Brunei as well.
- As per you, how far both nations have arrived since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1984?
Very strong ties have been established due to the hard work of the Indian High Commissioners and their staff, and with the blessings from His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.
- Both countries inked various significant deals including defence when Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari was in Brunei on a five-day visit during February earlier this year. Is it a sign of a fresh and bright start?
4 agreements were signed which is a very good sign of deepening relationships between the two nations.
- How do you think Brunei especially Indians living there can play a pivotal role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ mission?
Indians who retire from Brunei can bring back to India their wealth of experience and find suitable ways to support Mr Modi’s mission.
