Makers / Crew

Diaspora - people who have spread or been dispersed from their homeland

Dia - him/her/them in Malay

Singapura - S'pura in short

Dia S'pura

Diaspura

We're Diaspura Films.

For my second feature film, I want to get up close and personal to a matter that everyone has to deal with - family. We all have to learn to live with our family members. And while every family is different, often, we only see the image of the harmonious family on screen, where unity is the goal.

But in reality, many families are not perfect. In fact, many of us are familiar with estrangement within family members, whether temporary or permanent. I want to show that not achieving perfection does not have to constitute as failure of all members of the family. As long as proper understanding of each member's role and behaviour is achieved by having an open discussion.

A while back, I was excited when a good friend's son decided to spend a whole month with me for a holiday break. It made me wonder again how it's like to be a parent, something that was never in my books, until 10 years ago. That was when I was approached by a colleague to donate my sperm! It made me question: what’s it like to be a father? What kind of father will I be? How do I prepare? But also, do I actually even want to have a child if I had the chance?

After my friend's son left, I realise that among males, we still struggle to communicate well. And things get more difficult when dealing with someone from another generation. With this film, I want to offer ideas on how an uncle can communicate with a nephew, while battling his own challenges of being a childless and single man.

Some years ago when Dzul asked me if I would consider to financially support a film project, my answer was clear – this will never happen. A financial investment should have a financial result.

In 2024 I finally agreed to become the main sponsor of Salam Gembira directed by Dzul. Making this film was his biggest wish. How could I say no.

I realised that the impact of my support was so much bigger than a simple financial return. People could realize their dream to travel abroad, to act in a movie, follow their passion to mention a few. Some of the audience had a life-changing experience realising what they really are. My initial support became the best investment I have ever done – making people happy in a way money cannot buy. What better return can you get? 

Now this second film is about family and the inability to talk. From own experience and talking to people, this is a huge issue. This film might change people’s perception on family and help them realise what is really important in their lives. I am excited to see it happen. On a personal note, my life changing experience has already happened, with Dzul, a partner beyond my nicest dreams. 

I didn’t set out to become a film producer.

After leaving the corporate world in 2019, I simply followed what felt natural—bringing people together, creating spaces, and saying yes to things that felt meaningful (even when I didn’t fully know where they would lead).

Somewhere along the way, I realised I had been “producing” all along.

Community events, cultural programmes, charity initiatives like Gift4All in the Netherlands, working with the Singapore Netherlands Association, co-hosting a travelogue series called Ole-Ole Temasya… it never felt like a job description. It just felt like me—organising, connecting, making things happen, and enjoying the process a little too much.

I’ve always been drawn to people and their stories. The kind that don’t need to be perfect, but feel real, honest… and somehow create connection.

So when filmmaking came into the picture, it didn’t feel like a big shift. It felt familiar.

In 2023, I co-produced Salam Gembira, and something clicked.

That quiet knowing of—
oh… this is what I do.

Producing, for me, is instinctive. It’s where creativity, intuition, and care for people come together. It’s holding a vision, while making sure everyone feels seen in the process of bringing it to life.

And somehow, without overthinking it, I found myself exactly where I’m meant to be.