These 100 FELDA students were selected from Limkokwing University’s unique Generasi Baru (New Generation) programme. The Generasi Baru programme conceived by the University aims to equip and empower the next generation of the Federal Land Development Authority’s (FELDA) rural settlers with tertiary education in various courses such as animation, broadcasting, digital photography, interior design, hair design, fashion and apparel design, graphic design, advertising, information technology, and business and tourism management.

The Generasi Baru programme was launched by the current Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2005.

Having arrived recently at Limkokwing University’s London campus at 106 Piccadilly, under the supervision of lecturer, Jake Morton, the students made a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington—the world’s largest decorative arts and design museum—and bringing with them tremendous enthusiasm and energy in their keen desire to explore and absorb British culture.

From their visit, the students have gained an insight into London’s appeal as a major tourist attraction. Tourism is the biggest source of revenue for the city, driven by the rich history and heritage preserved by the city that brings millions of visitors to the United Kingdom each year.

And then there’s also the attraction of the world’s largest fashion brands and retail outlets. Several fashion students in the New Generation Study Tour group have enjoyed many expeditions to several parts of town that specialise in different genres of fashion retail.

London is fast becoming a major player of a new trend in fashion production, in strong pursuit of the new world domination of Tokyo. Japan’s capital city was responsible for the global market demand for authentic, handcrafted, ethnic-based fine productions, in reaction against mass-produced monopolies.

London’s increased adoption of this new trend has given rise to many smaller shops in secret corners of the city that are known to a very young, very informed and highly-enthusiastic consumer market. Early predictions have it that these smaller outlets will become the new major market in the near future as the aesthetic favoured by the young and fashionable inevitably influences other market sectors.

Similarly, the interior design and furniture sectors are enjoying a major growth in terms of both designers and retails units. This provides first rate material and paradigms for the projects and market analyses of the University’s business students here in the capital.

Meanwhile, the city’s consumer technology and publishing markets—illustrated by two of the biggest Apple stores in the world and the five-storey Waterstones bookstore—are ideal learning grounds for IT and media students.

The number of international galleries in London is second only to that of New York. These galleries showcase some of the best photographs, paintings and other forms of media that make innovative use of technology for creative outcomes. The museums in London are second to none in terms of their collections and exhibitions, and are used constantly by the University for research trips to aid learning for courses and projects.

The influence of London on Europe and the world grows by the day; its culturally diverse population is made up of peoples and tongues (and foods) from every part of the new world, making it a truly global community and culture.

Khairul Effendi, 20, who is currently studying Digital Photography, summed it up perfectly: “I came to London to learn about London and the UK, but I think I am learning about the whole world in one city!”