Cubby is the CEO of Aquila Media Group and while he is not a Muslim, he has learnt to trust his team of experts in the Muslim lifestyle field, while bringing his own experiences earned over 18 years in building a digital publishing business. This is the start of his weekly opinion pieces to give the Aquila Style audience insights to his thoughts on various subjects.
Islam is a religion of peace and understanding
When I was first earmarked to lead the Aquila Style business back in March 2012, I have to be perfectly honest. There was a sense of apprehension. While confident that I can rejuvenate and rebuild what was then a print publication and turn the print approach fully digital, there was a level of uneasiness from my part that a non-Muslim was to direct all aspects of the business from editorial, social media strategy, creative, technology, distribution and fund-raising.
I didn’t want to come across as a personality that didn’t fit the profile that should lead a Muslim lifestyle business.
As it transpired over the last three years, having spoken to numerous partners ranging from columnists, editorial syndicators, technology vendors and potential investors, I have been so warmed by their appreciation of what Aquila Style stands for and what we are shooting for – promoting the best of Muslim high achievers – ‘despite’ me being a non-Muslim.
Just last year, a very good contact from the United Arab Emirates who has been orchestrating potential deals for Aquila said something that took me by surprise. “Cubby, don’t be so apologetic about being a non-Muslim. People like us are surprised that you are so passionate about this Muslim lifestyle field, about wanting to use Aquila as a platform to exuberate the most positive sides of Muslims around the world.”
Racism or cultural misunderstanding?
When my sister first told my mother that she was getting married to a Malay, my mother was in utter disagreement. In her mind, she always thought her children would marry a Chinese and in a perverse way, that’s an almost Nazi-esque train of thought. Does that make my mother a bad person? Did her opinion at that time ranked her as that Chinese stereotype who despises non-Chinese?
At that time, I have already known my (by now) brother-in-law in fairly good terms. I pride myself as a good judgement of people and he came across as a splendid character, someone who is driven, came through the ranks in his career, a cracking senses of humour and most important of all, love my sister to bits. Eventually, after six months of convincing my mother, she succumbed and agreed.
Today, almost 10 years later, my mother is that passionate mother-in-law who cares for her family, Muslim or not. She has gone out of her way to help my brother-in-law in times of needs so in essence, time is always the best gauge to understand and know a person.
My brother-in-law is a passionate Muslim and I respect and learn so much from him about Islam. My sister has also adopted the wonderful virtues that comes with Islam and I have seen with my own eyes, how they have approached their business with such passion, honesty and dedication. The way they have nurtured their two daughters is virtue-focused, with Islamic classes conducted every Sunday.
Multicultural society in a Muslim-minority country
Here in Singapore, Muslims belong to the minority group. Even as a child growing up – and I dare declare this on behalf of all my non-Muslim friends – there has never been us-against-them mantra. I have fostered so many friendships with Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus over the years and I have found out very quickly – terrible personalities come in all colours.
Sure, as with any cosmopolitan country, good friends crack racist jokes while in good company. Does that make us racists? Great friends in their own space are fully entitled to have a bit of fun but I want to take this opportunity to stress that it is absolutely unacceptable to seed such comments in a public forum because quite simply, unhealthy in times we are living in now.
I was very proud and honoured when my Malay buddy – someone I have known for many years – made me his best man at his wedding. That was a special moment for me, to be able to stand in front of his Muslim family and them accepting me as a person and as a great friend.
In a nutshell, compassion and understanding of other religions is the baseline to how society should progress. In the next instalment of my upcoming weekly pieces, I will reveal how Aquila Style is planning to improve our editorial strategy.
And of course, please feel free to leave your comments here below. Whatever your thoughts or opinions are is utmost importance in how we can improve our service for you. Should you want to find out on any specific topics or questions that you want me to address and clarify, please feel free to contact me directly at cubby.leong@aquila-media.com.
Cubby Leong
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