- Students and members of Libaong National High School and the Student Ambassadors of Limkokwing University in a group photo
A plaque commemorating the partnership of two nations for a good cause
Limkokwing international student ambassadors giving out school supplies to the students of Libaong National High School
The student ambassadors working on a custom deisgned mural
The student ambassadors of Limkokwing University accepting a certificate of appreciation from the Principal of Libaong National High School, Nilda P. Maglasang
The Student Ambassadors with Vice Governer of Cebu, Agnes Magpale and the members of GVSP
In mid January 2015, Limkokwing University’s International Student Ambassadors flew to Cebu, the Philippines, to help in the rebuilding of a school devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.
In November 2013, the severe devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest recorded typhoon in history, sent ripples of concern throughout the globe. Taking things a step further, the international student community at Limkokwing University decided to jump to action.
Malaysia’s most international university called on its students to strategise a move that could make a real difference. Led by International Student Ambassadors, the student body rallied into fund raising, and flew to volunteer in the clean-up of one of the Philippines’ most destroyed areas.
The result was astounding. Raising over RM50,000 in cash and thousands more in goodwill, passion and pride, through the University’s Heal the World Foundation, the International Students Ambassadors went about rebuilding Libaong National High School for 300 students, in rural Cebu, whose roofs, walls, and books had been damaged. The changes done by the Student Ambassadors brought light to teachers, families, and surrounding community.
“The typhoon damaged more than 200 schools across the region, leaving students and teachers without their supplies and even the basic need of shelter. We couldn’t rest knowing there was such destruction, leaving kids without many immediate options” said Matheo Laruccia, a student of Tourism Management from Brazil that attended the volunteer mission. “In a few months and little effort, we could put the school back together, getting the children back in class and back to normal, playing football and getting active again.”
“I love the concept behind Heal the World campaign, because emotionally, physically, mentally and psychologically this is exactly what we need now,” said Agnes Almendras Magpale, the Vice Governor expressed her thanks, from her office in Cebu.
Various campaign efforts were held during the course of 2013 and 2014, where the student community sourced and pitched in through the wide range of fields practiced within the University in an effort to reach out in a moment of need. Various fashion and art bazaars, a fundraising music concert, the release of an Online PSA shot by students of the Faculty of Communication and Broadcasting and even an online photographic awareness campaign featuring students from over 100 different countries titled “Global Faces of the Philippines”.
On 13 January 2015, student volunteers hailing from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Brazil, Namibia, and the United States of America paid a week-long visit to the majestic Philippines in conclusion of their campaign. Along with the members of GVSP, a local volunteer organisation in Cebu, these student volunteers carried out interactive activities, gave out necessities, food, and new school supplies.
“On campus we feel it’s very important to be aware of our power as young people. The University’s campaign pushed us to achieve this small step forward for the people still picking up the pieces after their lives literally floated away. This has definitely served as an inspiration for all of us involved to strive to make a change in the world,” said project manager, David Gituen Marcus, a Student of Interior Architecture from Sarawak.
Extending and applying efforts into humanitarian causes is a concept that is pervasive within the ecosystem of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. This is a seed of change planted by none other than President and Founder, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing, who amongst other things was recently recognised by the United Nations as an ‘International Goodwill Ambassador’, a title shared by names such as Oscar-Winning Actor Sean Penn, and late Author Maya Angelou.
The Heal the World Foundation is an outreach initiative formed with objectives towards promoting compassion and social awareness through campaigns and fundraising activities for the most pressing global concerns. Launched in 2009, the foundation formed a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and since then has raised funds towards several world issues including, the displaced people of Palestine, Haiti, Pakistan, China and Indonesia.