The Putrajaya branch of the Malaysian School Principals Council (MPSM) has agreed to assist Limkokwing University with connecting to all Headmasters and Counsellors in the Klang Valley and Selangor, as they believe a creative ecosystem and global environment will benefit their students.
The delegation paid a visit to the Cyberjaya campus on 6 March 2018, made up of principals and counsellors representing 11 schools in Putrajaya.
Limkokwing University Vice President of Corporate Relations, Dato’ Fajura Juffa Mohd Mustafa Kamal, said a collaboration with Limkokwing University meant an investment in human capital, as Limkokwing students learn more than just academics.
She said the inherent creative talents of all Limkokwing students are nurtured and valued, thus building confidence even in the most demoralised of young people.
“The Malaysian government is now promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and we are also involved in TVET Malaysia. Tan Sri Limkokwing is the advisor to TVET Malaysia and we have centres that offer TVET courses.
“But we must remember, this institution has been a TVET since inception, 20 years ago,” she said, adding that Limkokwing upholds the philosophy of nurturing skills and talent.
She said that it was important to dispel the notion that straight-A students are better than their creative counterparts.
“Those who are less academically inclined are not failures and it’s our job here to identify the forte for them to excel,” she said.
Dato’ Fajura said it is crucial for teachers and parents to understand this, so they don’t alienate talented individuals who are not the brightest on paper.
“Self-esteem and to belong to something that makes sense is very important and that is what Limkokwing is – we provide the platform for them to pursue their skills in a University.
“Just like any other university, we still comply with education standards, MQA certified – the rest is to build the person. That is the difference here,” said Dato’ Fajura.
She pointed out that since 2005, Limkokwing has been receiving students who did not get accepted into public universities because their academic achievements were low, “but after turning to us, these same students have now become entrepreneurs; working in large MNCs and being interviewed on TV as successful individuals.”
“We need support from schools to let students and their parents know that Limkokwing is in the business of building human capital.
“The students here work hard at perfecting their craft, in class, and their PR skills outside of the classroom where they mingle with the 80% international student body we have here at Limkokwing,” she added.
The discussion concluded with the principals agreeing to allocate a spot in their school compounds for Limkokwing University’s enrolment booths during the release of this year’s SPM results.
MPSM representative Datin Norbaya binti Mansor also agreed to connect Limkokwing University to over 700 school principals across the country.
“We, from MPSM want to thank you for your hospitality. This (visit) is not a full stop, but a gateway to the future.
“This tour is part of our ‘Kembara MPSM’ programme which we will present in our national MPSM conference comprising over 700 school principals and counsellors,” said Datin Norbaya.