After months of hectic preparation, the Limkokwing Convocation 2022 got off to a grand start. From the beginning, the Hall of Fame exploded into thunderous applause as some 65 flag-bearers marched in swaying flags of the country of origin of the graduates. It was surely a memorable day for them, their parents and the guests who packed the Hall on Saturday 17 December 2022.
For the 857 freshly-minted graduates, receiving their hard-earned scrolls from the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dato’ Raja Aznil Hisham, was a huge sigh of relief. Understandably, they had waited patiently since the pandemic outbreak and now it was time to give a pat on the shoulders as they finally walked off the stage proudly clutching their degrees.
Earlier, a series of three videos were screened highlighting the cultural ambience of the University, the 50-year contribution to education by the Founder, the late Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing, and the J Autumn New York Fashion Show which featured Limkokwing as the only university from Malaysia invited to showcase their talents and designs.
Then it was time for three special alumni to share their success stories with the young graduates and guests. After a brief introduction about the industry speakers, emcee Shiva Kafil of Iran invited Peter Wong, Michael King and Yeo Bee Sean to the stage to deliver their speeches which they did from the bottom of their hearts.
Peter narrated his amazing story of ending up in Hollywood where he worked alongside big names in the movie world. Bee Sean motivated the graduates to never give up on themselves and to chase their dreams to fulfillment. Michael, who hails from Nigeria, attributed his success in the corporate sector in Kuching, Sarawak to the encouragement of the late Founder.
In his speech, Dato Raja Aznil Bin Raja Hisham reminded the new graduates that they are “no ordinary graduates. You are Limkokwing graduates. You are expected to perform better than others.”
He said Limkokwing University is a campus of diverse cultures where students come from over 165 countries to acquire world-class creative technology education and the unique opportunity to intermingle with young people from different cultural backgrounds.
Dato Raja Aznil told the future leaders that “We live in a world that needs reminding every now and then that people from different backgrounds, different countries, and different faiths can all live and work together in harmony, respecting the views and traditions of others and developing lasting friendships.”
The climax of the ceremony came when three fresh graduates gave a personal testimony of their learning adventure at Limkokwing University.
“Due to the pandemic, I really didn’t think I’d be standing here, graduating today,” says Bachelor in International Business graduate, Syasya Farhanah. “ It’s been an experience of a lifetime, immersing in different cultures while gaining knowledge and skills. I was elated to receive the Tan Sri Limkokwing Leadership Award and am happy that I got to make my parents proud!” the Malaysian graduate adds.
“I’m really proud of myself and I have my lecturers and friends to thank for this,” says Diploma in Performing Arts graduate, Priti Sarawanan. “Being surrounded by students of many cultures, I got to learn all about where they come from and what their countries had to offer.”
Graduate Lim Li Ying’s mother, Lean Sim agrees. “My daughter has met many international students from different countries and has also learnt to adopt different cultures,” she says.
“I’m so excited to be here today for such an important milestone of my life,” says Bachelor in Business Information Technology graduate, Zeyad Mohammed from Yemen. “I will cherish the friends and memories I made here for a lifetime,” he adds.
Bachelor in Architectural Studies graduate, Shwan Farhad Hamad from Iraq says “I would like to thank Limkokwing University for the opportunity to be led by amazing lecturers that taught me lessons I will remember forever.”
Earlier, in his speech, the Chairman of the Board of Governors passed on the defining words of Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing to the graduates. Quoting the late Founder, Dato Raja Aznil said Limkokwing University is all about creativity where it is celebrated with zest every day.
“Creativity is at the very heart of innovation. Everywhere in this increasingly competitive world, it is the creative thinkers, the norm breakers who are driving the development of the world’s most successful companies and the world’s most powerful economies. Creativity is the magic that makes ideas sparkle. Creativity is in everyone. But not everyone is into creativity. Make the impossible possible.”
The convocation ceremony ended with a rousing burst of hurrahs and cheers followed by a photography session after which the emcee invited everyone for refreshments at the Plaza.
