On 20 Dec 2014, Limkokwing University held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2014 at PICC, Putrajaya.
A total of 1149 graduates from 67 countries received their diplomas and degrees in various disciplines that have provided them with skills and knowledge necessary to become future leaders from Her Royal Highness Sultanah Pahang, Sultanah Dr Hajjah Kalsom (Chancellor of Limkokwing University).
Several ambassadors and representatives from foreign embassies where the students hail from were also present to celebrate the achievements of these future leaders of the world. Families and friends from different parts of the world also graced the graduation hall to witness the remarkable ceremony.
Students who made significant contributions and achievements by participating in events, competitions and other activities were also recognised by an array of special awards: the Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr Limkokwing Award for Leadership, the Dato’ Sri Najib Award for Creativity and Innovation, the Chancellor’s Award and the Command Performance Special Award. Award winners were accompanied by their parents to the stage to receive the awards.
Thandiwe Lindelwe Shongwe from Swaziland (Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Engineering with Multimedia) received the Command Performance Special Award and plans to pursue her masters and a career in music.
“Limkokwing isn’t just a university, it’s an experience on its own and you need to be open minded and come in with the mentality that whatever great opportunities comes along you go for it.”
Irene Goodwill from Botswana (MBA in Project Management) wished to go back to her country and improve the standard of work force in the project management industry. She firmly believes that with the knowledge she has gained at Limkokwing, she can contribute to the economy of her country.
“Limkokwing University is a platform where you are able to have an innovative mind. It enables you to see the weaknesses of your country and try to contribute to enhance the status of your country.”
Emad Eldeen M. Mailoud Aboaurosh from Libya (Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information and Communication Technology) observed, “We have changed, we have made a difference.”
“Coming to Malaysia, to Limkokwing University where globalism and multiculturalism merge, having the chance to meet wonderful people from all over the world, becoming friends and family, spreading our cultures, facing similar problems yet always standing side by side, we are here not just to get this certificate but to celebrate our achievement, and that we should be proud of.”
Louai Ziad Idriss from Palestine (Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Event Management) agreed with Emad and added that the most remarkable things started to take place in his life after joining Limkokwing University.
He was selected to serve as the student ambassador, involved in a global peace foundation that belongs to his idol Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (The Mahathir Global Peace Foundation), and have even managed to spread awareness about the Palestinian plight.
“Now, I am delighted to inform all of you that right after I finished my course, I got hired as an event consultant for one of the most well-known event management company in the Malaysian industry,” he announced.
Limkokwing’s Royal International Goodwill Ambassadors kept the ceremony alive by giving powerful performances to show the unmatchable spirit and energy of Limkokwing University and its students.
The ceremony took an emotional turn when Melissa Fernando, a broadcasting graduate, came on stage and spoke fondly of her lecturer, the late Ms Dewigah Natarajah, whose untimely passing as a result of cancer came as a shock to many.
As a tribute to Ms Natarajah’s unwavering spirit in helping and contributing to the success of her students and the University, it was announced that the University will be dedicating an annual scholarship to pursue a degree in broadcasting and journalism in her memory which will be presented to a deserving student.
The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing by the graduating batch who presented a poster, to celebrate the appointment of Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing as the Royal Ambassador of Creativity and Innovation by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang.
Through his creativity and determination, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has reinvented education and as a result, Limkokwing University has been recognised as Malaysia’s University of Transformation and University of Innovation by the Malaysian government.
HRH Sultanah Pahang congratulated Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing for his ceaseless dedication in making a difference to the lives of millions of students around the world.
“This University is renowned for its ability to inspire students. It is of course the life work of Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and it is wonderful to see the Limkokwing University becomes an increasingly global icon for creativity and innovation in education.”