News Headline
Amit Malhotra to head Disney ops in Singapore, Malaysia
As part of its corporate restructuring, the Walt Disney Company has promoted Amit Malhotra as its country head for Singapore and Malaysia. Reporting to Mahesh Samat, executive vice president and managing director for Walt Disney International, South Asia, Malhotra will be responsible for all of Disney’s businesses in the two countries.
As part of his responsibility, Malhotra will focus on building and strengthening consumer engagement with Disney brands across digital platforms, creating localised content and accelerating the growth of Marvel and Star Wars brands to better connect with the audience in Singapore and Malaysia.
He will, however, continue to oversee the operations of the linear television business and local content production for Southeast Asia (SEA).
A veteran of 13 years with Disney, Malhotra has worked in various leadership roles across media and the studios businesses throughout Asia for the company. Prior to this appointment, Malhotra was Disney’s vice president and general manager for media networks, responsible for businesses across all functions in the media networks portfolio in SEA. He was also responsible for the Maker Studios business in the region.
Disney’s South Asia hub was recently merged to integrate its Southeast Asian regional markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam with Disney India under the leadership of Mahesh Samat.
“We continue to push the boundaries of creativity and the use of technology across all our businesses. I am excited to lead our immensely talented teams in Singapore and Malaysia as we continue to grow and engage the fan base of Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars,” said Malhotra.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
