Gurmit Singh K.S., born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, emerged as a powerful voice in the nation’s environmental movement during a time when such concerns were far from mainstream. Raised in a Sikh household grounded in principles of service, humility, and responsibility, Gurmit’s early years were spent observing Malaysia’s rapid transformation from a lush, natural landscape into a modern industrial state. Witnessing the environmental degradation that accompanied this development ignited a lifelong passion for conservation.
Gurmit Singh’s academic background in engineering provided him with the technical foundation to understand the environmental impacts of unchecked urbanization and industrial growth. However, it was his sense of social responsibility that led him to shift from a conventional professional path to full-time environmental and social activism. He quickly realized that Malaysia lacked an organized civil society response to growing ecological threats, and he was determined to fill that gap.
In 1974, Gurmit founded the Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM), one of the earliest non-governmental organizations in the country focused on environmental advocacy. This marked a turning point not only in his life but also in Malaysia’s environmental history. Under his leadership, EPSM became a platform for public education, policy lobbying, and grassroots activism. The organization played a critical role in raising awareness about deforestation, pollution, and the importance of sustainable development.
Throughout his career, Gurmit Singh was not afraid to speak truth to power. He challenged government policies that prioritized economic gain over environmental health and held corporations accountable for harmful practices. This approach earned him both respect and resistance. Gurmit faced bureaucratic hurdles, public indifference, and even personal threats. Yet his persistence, clarity of purpose, and ability to engage across cultural and political divides made him a respected figure in both activist and policymaking circles.
Beyond environmental issues, Gurmit Singh also championed human rights, democracy, and social justice. He believed that environmental protection could not be separated from the broader struggle for equity and ethical governance. He was a founding member of several civic groups and regularly contributed thought-provoking articles and speeches that linked environmental sustainability to national well-being.
In recognition of his contributions, Gurmit received several honors, including the Langkawi Award, which is Malaysia’s highest environmental accolade. Despite these accolades, he remained humble and always redirected praise to the communities and young people who joined him in his mission.
Gurmit Singh passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape environmental policy and activism in Malaysia. His life’s work laid the foundation for today’s environmental movements in the region. Through his vision, determination, and integrity, Gurmit Singh K.S. transformed public understanding of environmental issues and empowered generations to think critically about the future of our planet.
Today, he is remembered not only as Malaysia’s pioneering environmentalist but also as a moral compass in a time of ecological crisis. He remains a true inspiration whose roots in green activism continue to bear fruit.