A new chapter in the saga of creativity and innovation first written by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology since its inception in 1991 leapt out from the pages of planning into reality today.

YB Datuk Dr. S Subramaniam, Minister of Human Resource delivers a speech during the MIC scholarship award ceremony at Limkokwing University on June 30th 2010.

At a simple but energy-charged launching ceremony, the Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Dr. S. Subramanian, declared open the Limkokwing Academy of Creativity & Innovation after which, he toured the temporary complex escorted by the President of Limkokwing University, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing.

“I am very grateful that you actually decided to invite me to launch the Academy of Creativity and Innovation. Of course, through the Academy, you are going to open many more doors to build new skills and, I hope, unlock vast resources of talent and expertise that lie untapped in our citizens who otherwise do not have the opportunity to build their skills to access high income careers.”

• Second chance to first class careers

Indeed, the holistic vision behind the Academy was to give Malaysian school leavers and youths who do not possess the entry levels a “second chance” to acquire 21st century skills in high income domains such as film & video-graphy, digital video and animation, web design, 3D animation and sound engineering, which are among the 38 diploma-courses it provides.

In his opening remarks, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said the Academy’s role is to equip students with new creative skills to help enhance the country’s competitiveness and fast-track students to high value careers in the creative industry.

YB Datuk Dr. S Subramaniam, Minister of Human Resource delivers a speech during the MIC scholarship award ceremony at Limkokwing University on June 30th 2010.

“This is to meet the growing demand for new concepts, new ideas and new content, the new Academy has been designed to be skill-driven and totally industry relevant: so that it will require less time for students to complete their training and exit into industries where they will be experts in software engineering and web publishing, digital animation and product innovation, virtual reality and digital technology”.

• Winning strategy

Tan Sri Lim also said if the endeavour succeeds, the nation succeeds as well, because it will have at its disposal a highly skilled, highly motivated and a highly innovative human resource to power nation-building.
“For us to achieve what has been clearly articulated by the Prime Minister in his vision of an innovation economy, we need to reinvent the way we develop and build our human capital”.

• Fast track careers are designed here

The Academy, located in a new block within the Cyberjaya campus, is replete with high-tech facilities and equipment and it is due to be operational by September this year.

A member of the Limkokwing University network, the Academy offers 2-year diploma programmes, which are delivered by trained professionals with an accent on innovative hands-on learning and teaching methods.

Courses are affordable and come with an advantage – any institution in the country that accepts Prior Learning Experience will be able to convert the Limkokwing Academy programmes into credits for exemption – meaning that the diplomas also allow its graduates to further enhance their knowledge and skills in the future.

• Creativity unlocks innovation

Earlier in his keynote address at the Worldwide Gallery, Datuk Dr. Subramaniam, told his audience that creativity is what drives the nation forward and the setting up the Academy was, therefore, vital and timely.

“Creativity and the ability to think and the creative ability to produce new ideas and new thoughts is vital and, I am sure, this Academy is well-equipped to provide the nation, its industries with training that will up-scale and up-skill its people. I am sure it will provide an alternate pathway where skills and talents will play an important role in determining the new human requirements for the country.”

• Enterprising opportunities

The Academy of Creativity & Innovation is an empowerment accelerator where students acquire the best industry knowledge and graduate within two years ready to plunge into high value careers in multimedia and other high demand professions.

The more enterprising ones may want to think about establishing their own business or become a technopreneur to tap vast opportunities that await them as many companies and corporations are constantly sourcing for new talents, new skills and new innovation.

• Impossible is possible

The launching event also had its poignant moments when young multi-talented Limkokwing alumni, Ruben Prakash, a graduate of multimedia design, spoke proudly of his accomplishment.

Ruben – an orphan who grew up under the care of Datin Paduka Mother Mangglam of the Pure Life Society – went on to secure a full scholarship from his benefactor, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, a philanthropist well known for his concern for underprivileged people.

“When I came to Limkokwing, I was afraid my peers would judge me because of where I was from, but my friends treated me like family and supported me. They never let me down. The lecturers were also very supportive and helpful. I thank Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing for designing this open free and creative campus environment.”

• Self-discovery empowers

He said his 4-year scholarship at Limkokwing University was a life-changing transformation for him.
“Here, I made many friends. Here, I found my creativity. Here I found myself.”
A future trainer at the new Academy, Ruben is quite sure that anyone, even an orphan, can enter a “high income career pathway” when given the opportunity.

• Tell your friends

Do you know of anyone who is searching for career fulfillment, someone who wants to acquire 21st century industry skills and land a career that will take him or her far beyond their wildest imaginations?

Limkokwing Academy of Creativity & Innovation is scheduled to start programmes on 13 September 2010, so call 603- 8317 8888, or visit the academy for priority attention.

Hundreds swarmed the Limkokwing University 21^st Century Career open day as the university showcased its award winning ecosystem.

The Career Day was designed to empower students with the right mindset, skills and experiences to they can succeed in a global, technologically driven and fast moving 21^st century.

“Careers of the future will require individuals that are able to thrive with technology at their fingertips imbued with the skills and knowhow to create innovative solutions within a competitive global environment,” said Dato’ Jayles Yeoh, Limkokwing University Vice President of International Development.

Each Faculty were introduced to the visitors during a workshop and a course presentation by senior lecturers and staff.

Hands on workshops and talks with industry players, classroom experience by academics and student’s management and introductions by student’s services and management teams were also part of the event.

“I never thought of seeing people from so many different cultures and the environment here and I hope I can be part of this environment after I graduate from high school,” said high school student Chan Sin Yee from Chung Hua high School, Seremban.

A Design Exhibition was presented by the Faculty of Design and Innovation themed “Heaven and Hell” with designs revolving around domestic crimes and toy design followed by workshops on illustration and marker rendering.

“I was very impressed with the work done by the students here and it got me interested in Limkokwing courses,” said Fiona Ling from SMJK Nah Hwa from Perak

The visitors also had the opportunity to discover the campus facilities during the campus familiarisation tour where the school business units such as The Limkokwing- SMECorp Branding Innovation Centre, Wings café, Making Headlines and Fit to Fly were showcased.

Parents were also welcome during the event and Limseng Chean paid a visit to the University with his family as he is planning for his children future tertiary education.

“The designs and the artwork showcased today got me very interested in what Limkokwing has to offer,” said Mr Chean.

Visitors were addressed by Professor Emeritus Dato’ Ar Parid Wardi, Limkokwing University Vice Chancellor at the Limkokwing University Hall of Fame.

Said Dato’ Parid “Today is about understanding the things we do and not about memorising. You have been given a unique opportunity for education and you should value it,”

Limkokwing University students and staff alike were also an integral part of the event with a song performed by the sound and music academy lecturers titled “I’ll be here waiting for you” and a fashion show themed “She has a Fahsion Vice” was showcased presenting the latest fashion garments created by the University fashion design students.

The highlight of the day’s programme was a play organised by a new group of theatre enthusiasts consisting of students from the Faculty of communication, Media and Broadcasting titled “Thumbelina in Red”.

Thumbelina in Red brings you some of your favourite fairy tale characters together in a musical. You’ll meet familiar ones like Thumbelina, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Blind Mice and our very own version of a twisted ol’ Fairy Godmother who’s alter ego is none other than an evil Witch! Both children and adults alike will be entertained by the singing mice, pigs and more, which is exactly what makes Thumbelina in Red the tale of too many tails.

Limkokwing University kicked off the first ever World Cup held on African soil last Friday to the blazing sound of “Vuvuzelas” as students flocked to the University Plaza for an event solely focused on the football fever season.

The instruments which are long plastic horns popular with South African soccer fans could be heard playing throughout as Limkokwing students from nations around the world came together to kick start the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Sound and Music student Jonah Sithole belted out a tune, as he was accompanied by a colourful procession of 20 flags, each representing a country participating in the World Cup.

Dubbed Diski day, the event was named after the dance which represents the traditional South African rhythmic way of imitating soccer moves.

“It’s good to see that such an international event like the World Cup which brings so many people together is taking place in Africa. It truly is a privilege and an honour to be able to witness this,” said Charlotte Makala a Mass Communication students from Tanzania.

Students were treated to competitions enabling them to win cash prizes of up to RM5, 000 and enjoyed various acts including song, dance and performances which entertained throughout the night.

As the night carried on, students waited excitedly for the events highlight which was the famous Diski dance. Performed by the University’s very own students, the dance built up the hype for the opening match which was broadcast live at the University Hall of Fame.

“This is such a historical time for Africa. People have always known Africa as a country but now they will learn that it is a continent with sub countries filled with tradition and culture. We are extremely happy to have such an international event happening on our soil,” said Anderson Nlisana, Botswana student and Emcee for the night.

Asked about the opening match between South Africa and Mexico, Anderson said that he hopes South Africa will win on their first match and hopes that at least an African team reaches the semi finals and possibly the world cup final.

21st Century Career – Limkokwing Open Day

Limkokwing University 21^st Century Career Open Day will showcase an Ecosystem designed to empower students with the right mindset, skills and experiences so they can thrive and succeed in a global, technologically driven and fast moving 21^st century.

The 21^st Century Career Open Day will provide workshops by industry players, campus facilities familiarisation tour, a classroom experience by academics and student’s management and introductions by student’s services and management teams.

Every applicant during the open day receives a free iPhone 3GS 16GB* (*Terms & Conditions Apply). The University has developed an iPhone application for students to be able to view class schedules, assignment briefs and notes or to check results for the best integrated study.

The open day will also showcase a musical “Thumbelina in Red”, scripted and set up by students from the Communication Faculty, a fashion show from the Fashion and Retail Design faculty as well as band performances by the sound and music design academy.

Limkokwing University’s fitness centre, Fitofly, was swarmed with talented and aspiring music composers in their quest for a berth in the television reality show Keynote.

The University was one of the several locations chosen to hold preliminary rounds of the popular TV show that scouts for budding talents who have the potential to make it big in the music industry. “Today’s audition was ‘hot’,” said Director of Keynote, Jay Seelen Raj. “There were a lot of talented people and we are going to have a hard time determining the finalists.”

“It is required for a composer to be flexible in music genre and students from Limkokwing University have displayed this ability as they are exposed to a variety of cultural influences hence,” he added.

The atmosphere in the fitness centre was a mixture of exuberance and anxiety. Some strummed their guitars to calm their nerves while awaiting their turn to perform in front of the judges.

Said Fin Jamal, one of the contestants who is a lecturer at Limkokwing International House: “I am here because fellow lecturers challenged me and I want to win the bet. However I was nervous.

“I believe that melody and lyrics have to match to be melodious,” he added Neroshen Thanaseharan, a 20-year-old Sound and Music student at Limkokwing is optimistic.

“I think I had a good audition, I was comfortable with the judges. I first started getting into music at age 14 but my 3 years here at Limkokwing has taught me and showed me new aspects of how to produce music. I was exposed to things I was not aware of before.”

The competition will begin on 15 June 2010 and will be aired on Astro Ria channel.

The red carpet was rolled out in true Limkokwing tradition to welcome an official delegation from the Republic of Uganda last Friday amid the resounding sound of drums.

On hand to receive them was Vice-President of Special Projects, Dato’ Fajura Juffa who then accompanied the delegates on a campus familiarisation tour, and introduced them to the extensive facilities available at the University.

The delegation included the Mayor of the City Council of Kampala, Al Haj Nasser Ntege Sebaggala, two of whose children are studying at the University.

“This is an excellent campus as is evident from the facilities it has. It allows the younger generation to have an opportunity to learn and showcase their knowledge,” he said.

“Malaysia has achieved tremendous development in a few decades since Independence in 1957, I want to share the knowledge I have observed here with the government of Uganda,” he added.

In Malaysia for the first time, Ms. Naluyombya Nulu, a delegate here for the Malaysia International Affairs Forum (MIAF) Conference said: “The campus has such a striking design which makes it look like such a lively place. The students seem very active as well.”

Ms. Nulu added, “I believe mere paper qualification is not enough.  There must also be practical learning.”

Former University lecturer and elected Chairman of the Apac district in Uganda, Nicholas Opio Bunga said it was important to blend industry experience with academic learning.

Mr. Bunga added: “University education has to be a balance of theory and practice for it to be appealing for learners. I will suggest to the Ugandan Education Ministry to incorporate into our education system what I have witnessed here.”

“Generasi Baru” refers to the new generation of rural children of land settlers who participated in the Government’s land development projects known as Felda (Federal Land Development Authority) schemes.

“I’m grateful to Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing for raising the level of education among Felda settlers,” said Noraini Binti Arbain, 2007 Limkokwing University Generasi Baru graduate.

Noraini who currently holds a job at RTM’s Klasik Nasional FM as a deejay further said that she is not only more independent but is also more confident.

“Limkokwing University of Creative Technology has helped me achieve my ambition and aspire for better things,” added Noraini.

Limkokwing University aims to provide high school leavers with an opportunity to obtain tertiary education at a world class university.

“I used to be a factory worker and am very lucky to have come here and be exposed to a new environment. I have also gained tremendous confidence in meeting people,” said 25 years old Siti Roslina Che Kamarudin, a 2008 Limkokwing University graduate in Interior Design.

Roslina is now a technical assistant in the project and design department in Kumpulan Hamodal, a real estate company.

Mohd. Fazli bin Fadzilah, 22-year-old Diploma in Graphic Design graduate is grateful for the opportunity provided by his stimulating experience here at Limkokwing University.

“Not only was I lucky enough to further my studies at this well-known and recognised global university, I was lucky to have the opportunity to meet people from around the world and to improve myself.

“I had zero graphic design and management background; I am now a Branding manager for ‘Karnival Jom ke Felda’. I advise Felda school leavers to grab this opportunity offered to them.”

Generasi Baru is an initiative by Limkokwing University to assist second generation Felda settlers by providing them with the opportunity to obtain higher education across various disciplines.

Since the first intake in 2005, Limkokwing University has produced almost 2000 Generasi Baru graduates from 14 different programs with a success rate of 80%.

Through their three years experience here at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Generasi Baru graduates have acquired the knowledge, skills and most of all the confidence for their next step in building their careers. Even with a handicap in the English language these initially shy bunch now posses the confidence to meet people and communicate their ideas.

The Generasi Baru Transformation press conference was chaired by the University Vice Chancellor Dato’ Parid, Dato’ Naza and Dato’ Fajura, Vice President, Special Projects. A moving video of past Generasi Baru graduation ceremonies and valedictorian speeches was shown at the beginning of the press conference.

Dato’ Fajura Juffa renewed calls for other 15,000 Felda school leavers to grab this golden opportunity to further their studies and take advantage of the Global Classroom Programme to gain knowledge and skills from the global exposure.

Students from the Faculty of Communication, Media and Broadcasting took part in a seven-day educational trip to Bali recently. They soaked up the island paradise’s unique culture and traditions, capturing their experiences in words and visuals that will be used in their final-year projects.

The travelling party consisted of 31 students in total along with two lecturers. Part of the students’ daily assignments included writing feature articles and updating daily journals as well as capturing visuals of the picturesque island, in both still image and video formats. The collective materials would be used to produce their final-year project—a Global Classroom website which promotes the programme’s Bali extension.

13 sites and tourist attractions were visited as part of the trip’s itinerary: the Limkokwing Bali campus, Bali Museum, Uluwatu Temple, Garuda Wishnu Kencana, Kintamani, Celuk, Ulundanu, Jati Luwih, Tanah Lot, Holy Water Temple, Bedugul, Jimbaran and Kuta.

Students from other faculties have made their way to Bali as part of the Global Classroom programme. 200 students from the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment experienced Bali in April last year to conduct research and draw inspiration from the island’s various inspired structures. This was followed by foundation year students who conducted research in Bali as part of their social-communication project last June.

A few months after that, 58 students from the Faculty of Design Innovation spent a week in Bali in October, exploring and soaking up the island’s rich cultural past as well as conducting research at various heritage sites around the island. Most recently, 37 students from the Faculty of Communication, Media and Broadcasting spent a week at Limkokwing’s Bali campus last November as part of their Global Classroom programme where they managed to compile a book about their insights, Balinese history and other facts gathered during their time on the island.

The Global Classroom programme is a revolutionary way of learning, specially-designed for a student keen to tackle the challenges of a globalised marketplace. The programme allows Limkokwing students to carry out their semesters in countries that will add learning experience and values to their fields of study, via the university’s global network with access to campuses in five continents.

Limkokwing University is the leading Asian university in innovation with a combined student population of 30,000 from 150 countries studying in 12 campuses across three continents in Asia, Africa and Europe.

]]> http://voize.my/limkokwing/inspired-education-on-island-paradise/feed/ 0 http://voize.my/limkokwing/sudanese-culture-shines-at-limkokwing-hall-of-fame/ http://voize.my/limkokwing/sudanese-culture-shines-at-limkokwing-hall-of-fame/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:44:53 +0000 Joanna http://voize.my/limkokwing/sudanese-culture-shines-at-limkokwing-hall-of-fame/

It was evident that the night would be a visual display of cultural sights and sounds as students thronged to the Hall of Fame in anticipation of the first Sudanese Cultural night held within the University’s walls.

With guests coming from in and around Kuala Lumpur, young and old were treated to a night which illustrated the colourful culture that belongs to the people of Sudan.

With some dressed in Sudan’s traditional garb, the ‘Jalabiya’ – a loose fitting dress accompanied with a large scarf worn by women and the ‘thobe’ – a long shirt worn by men, the night called for patriotism and cultural pride for all.

Consulate of Sudan in Malaysia Tarig al Toom was the night’s guest of honour and was welcomed by fellow Sudanese who were proud to display the hard work and effort they put into the event.

‘It is my first time here and it is such a pleasure being here to witness the beautiful gathering of students from over 150 countries willing to experience the culture that we are so proud of in Sudan.’

With a history that is closely intertwined to that of ancient Egypt, Sudan is the largest country in Africa which is rich in culture and inhabited with nearly 200 ethnic groups speaking over 900 languages and dialects making it one of the most ethically and linguistically diverse countries in the world.

The night was a culmination of sights, sounds and activity as the blend of music from various regions in the country along with poetry by greats such as Mohammed Wardi and Mohammed el Amin followed by song, dance and skits all demonstrated the uniqueness that is Sudan.

This event was organised by students who took a lot of time to make this cultural night work.

‘It was great to see so many Sudanese students come together and join in on this cultural night. This is a good way for other nationalities to experience the wonderful culture that we have,’ said Ali Abdel Aziz Ali a Sudanese student studying at Limkokwing University.

Tan Sri Limkokwing after recieving the Honorary Lifetime President of Lim Association Malaysia award

Tan Sri Limkokwing sharing a few words of gratitude after his conferment

“Tan Sri Lim we wish you and Limkokwing University can bring more innovation and creativity to the country and bring Malaysia to a greater height. We all know the fact that Tan Sri is an extraordinary man who brings changes.

“As we know our Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak said that this country need innovation and therefore we need people like Tan Sri to continue in sharing his ideas on innovation and creativity,” he said adding that Limkokwing has bridge the gap of human capital.
Meanwhile, Tan Sri Lim in his acceptance speech said: “I am speechless on receiving this award. I am deeply touched and shall try my best to measure up. I do see this as one of the meaningful awards I have received, one that-will give me a lot of pride.

“My parents would be very happy if they were here today.  I certainly did not plan to be the first Lim in the world to establish a university. But it is good to know we are ahead of the millions of Lim in China and across the world.

He stressed the accomplishment that he gained should be shared by all other communities in the country in the spirit of One Malaysia.Tan Sri Lim also added that Limkokwing University, as the first varsity bearing the surname of Lim, will continue to move forward as one of the important education endeavours the world has ever seen.

At the same ceremony Tan Sri Lim announced a RM10 million scholarship fund under the Limkokwing Foundation, as a move to sponsor Chinese students in the acquisition of smart skills.
“By gaining relevant education and skills, they (the Chinese students) will place them in high-tech and high-income careers.
“To ensure the success of this move, I shall work closely with the Lim Federation on its implementation,”  he said adding that the RM10 million scholarship is not limited for children from Lim Assocation,  but is open for any qualified students.

He also recently presented RM1.8 million worth of scholarships to the Federation of Lim Associations, to ensure a better future for the Lim’s generation and he wishes that the younger generation would be educated on culture and the importance of education.

Early this year Tan Sri Lim became the sole non-Muslim, Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing to be awarded the International Contribution to Humanity and Philanthropy, by Ramadhan Foundation.

His contribution to Malaysia and to global education was recognized by several other organizations throughout 2009. These included the Hero of Philanthropy award by the Forbes Magazine for his support of numerous causes and moral and financial assistance to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate.

In 2005, Tan Sri was named the Ernst & Young Malaysian Entrepreneur of the Year for ‘his extraordinary efforts to improve international humanitarian relations, build human capability and enhance cross-cultural understanding for the world.