Karamjit Singh : Meet Malaysia’s ‘Flying Sikh’ Who Put the Nation on the World Rally Map

For decades, these three qualities have defined Karamjit Singh, the Malaysian rally driver better known as the “Flying Sikh”.

With his fearless driving style and never-say-die attitude behind the wheel, Karamjit has become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable names in motorsport, a racer who did not simply compete for himself, but carried the Malaysian flag onto some of the biggest rally stages in the world.

Born in 1962, Karamjit began his rallying journey in 1984. What started as a passion for racing eventually grew into a career filled with major victories, international recognition and moments that changed the history of Malaysian motorsport.

And perhaps his biggest achievement came in 2002. Karamjit made history by becoming the first Asian driver to win the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship (PWRC), achieving the feat on his first attempt. The victory was more than a personal milestone.

It placed Malaysia firmly on the international rallying map and showed that a driver from this part of the world could compete and win on the global stage. But one world title was only part of the story. Karamjit also became a three-time Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) champion, winning the title in 2001, 2002 and 2004.

Over the years, he became closely associated with Malaysian motorsport and local machinery, including Proton models such as the Satria GTi and Proton Putra, competing in major rally championships.

Why ‘Flying Sikh’?

There is a reason the nickname “Flying Sikh” became synonymous with Karamjit. His driving was known for being bold, aggressive and fast, the kind of approach that kept spectators on the edge of their seats and made him a formidable presence on the rally track.

But behind the speed was something just as important: discipline and determination. Rallying is not simply about putting your foot down.

It demands concentration, precision, courage and the ability to make split-second decisions while navigating some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Karamjit mastered that balance and turned it into a career that inspired generations of Malaysian motorsport fans.

For Karamjit, retirement was never simply about reaching a certain age. Even in his 60s, he continued to compete and prove that experience can be just as powerful as youth. In October 2022, Karamjit and co-driver Jagdev Singh competed at the Suwarnadwipa Nusantara Circuit in Jambi, Indonesia, taking part in three races with a Proton Gen2 Turbo.

The veteran pairing continued to show their competitive spirit, securing:

• M3 class champion and fifth overall in the Rally Sprint
• M3 class champion and fifth overall in National Rally Championship Round 3
• M3 class champion and fourth overall in National Rally Championship Round 4

For many athletes, the 60s may signal the end of a competitive career but for Karamjit, it became another chapter. His journey is a reminder that age may change the number on your birth certificate, but it does not have to determine the size of your ambition.

Karamjit’s story goes beyond trophies and podium finishes. His career has become an example of perseverance of continuing to chase a dream even when the odds may not always be in your favour. He represents the spirit of an underdog who refused to believe that success belonged only to those with bigger names, bigger resources or easier beginnings.

Now, that remarkable journey is heading to the big screen. Karamjit’s extraordinary journey has inspired TERBANG, an action-sports drama produced by Astro Shaw in collaboration with Woohoo Pictures.

Directed by Chiu Keng Guan, the filmmaker behind celebrated films such as OlaBola and The Journey, TERBANG draws inspiration from Karamjit’s life and his journey with Malaysia’s underdog PERT Team as they fought to make their mark in the world of rally racing.

The film features Irfan Zaini, Jack Tan, Zizan Razak, Nam Ron, Shweta Sekhon and Diana Danielle. At its heart, TERBANG is more than a story about cars and racing. It is a story about chasing something bigger than yourself, standing back up after setbacks and believing that an underdog can still make it to the top.

And that is perhaps what makes Karamjit Singh’s story so enduring. He did not just race against other drivers, but he raced against expectations.

From the dirt tracks to the international podium, the “Flying Sikh” showed that with courage, determination and an unwavering belief in the dream, even the seemingly impossible can become reality.

TERBANG hits cinemas nationwide from 17 September 2026 and will also be available in 4DX, giving audiences an immersive experience with motion-enabled seats and environmental effects such as wind, water and scent.

For a new generation discovering Karamjit’s story through cinema, the message remains the same:

Never let your circumstances decide how far you can go. Sometimes, you just must keep your foot on the accelerator.

Source : Gempak 

Image Credit : Era.je , Facebook/Karamjit Singh