What exactly lies beneath the exterior of that cool, calm & composed soulman whom we know as Taufik Batisah? Check out the following sections to learn more about the man.
Taufik at Today Newspaper06 January 2009
WITH A SONG IN HIS HEART
In this first of a five-part series on the Singapore Youth Award (SYA), Eveline Gan speaks to Taufik Batisah, last year’s SYA recipient in the individual category.
Growing up, Taufik Batisah saw his older brothers as his role models.
“Being the youngest, it was natural that I looked up to my elder brothers. Everything they did was amazing and interesting to me,” said the 27-year-old singer and songwriter.
Now, Taufik’s musical achievements and contributions to youth causes have made him an inspirational role model to others.
Recalling the “tough times” when his mother, who is divorced, struggled to bring him and his brothers up, Taufik said winning the first Singapore Idol competition in 2004 turned his life around completely.
“When I joined the first season of Singapore Idol, I was just trying my luck at the auditions,” he said. It was a gamble he’s glad he took as it has opened doors for him both in his career and personal life.
In 2005, the sales from his first album, Blessings, reached double platinum status, a first for a local English album.
He also produced and composed the single, Usah Lepaskan — which garnered awards at the regional Anugerah Planet Muzik Awards in 2007 — and released his fourth album, Suria Hatiku, recently.
Despite a hectic schedule, Taufik has not forgotten to give back to the community. Not only has he lent his voice to fund-raising efforts, such as the 2008 President Star Charity, he is also an ambassador of various campaigns, such as the Health Promotion Board’s smoke-free campaign and National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign in 2005, and Community Chest’s Youth Day Appeal in 2005 and 2006.
So, it comes as no surprise that Taufik was conferred the Singapore Youth Award for Arts and Culture last year.
Said Taufik: “Winning an award is always a huge pat on your back to keep on going. The SYA is a recognition of my work and that’s something I am very proud of. Youths can look at it this way: If you work hard and believe in yourself, your dreams can come true, too.”
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