An award or medal counts among an individual’s most valued possessions. It is often proudly displayed, and rightfully so, as a reminder of one’s achievement.
On display, they serve to inspire others, motivating us to push beyond our own perceived limitations.
They are a constant reminder for us to always reach for the stars.This is the real value of an award and why receiving one is regarded as one of the highlights of one’s career.
Perhaps even one’s whole life.
However, amassing such honours and awards are never the end goal.
They are merely recognitions for one’s excellence in the nobler pursuit of advancing mankind and making the world a better place for all.
And no one knows this better than Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr Limkokwing.
He has received over 730 awards, honours and recognitions from both industry, governments and NGOs across five continents – for his many personal achievements and on behalf of his namesake Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
The Maverick
Even though his name is now a globally recognised brand that stands for creativity, innovation and excellence, Tan Sri Limkokwing remains a humble man.
“The future will always be defined by people who have the tenacity to succeed no matter what the odds may be and reach beyond the ordinary. They achieve extraordinary success, and in doing so they transform countries.” – Tan Sri Limkokwing.
His natural talent and unique vision, coupled with limitless drive and passion, have led him to achieve what others might take several lifetimes to achieve.
When he was still in his twenties, Tan Sri Limkokwing founded Wings Creativity Consultants, the very first local creative agency in Malaysia.
It wasn’t long before his little agency became a force to be reckoned with, going toe to toe with the biggest names in the industry.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Nation Builder
As one of Asia’s most respected communications and creative maestros, Tan Sri Limkokwing has been called upon to advise five of Malaysia’s six Prime Ministers, even in the darkest hours of the nation’s history.
While his contribution to nation-building in his native Malaysia is well-documented, the Limkokwing brand today is known more as an internationally-recognised, award-winning tertiary education services provider.
Tan Sri Limkokwing played an instrumental part in bringing forward new legislation to improve and broaden tertiary education in Malaysia, culminating in the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.
In 2002, Limkokwing was among the first private colleges in Malaysia to be recognised as a University College, later becoming a full-fledged University in 2007.
This helped to open the doors to others and in doing so, forever transformed the private tertiary education landscape into the vibrant industry it is today.
It is in this chapter of the Limkokwing story that the Founder and President of Limkokwing University embarked on a new mission, providing a uniquely practical, industry-relevant education format that has spearheaded nation-building and progress in many countries abroad.
Beyond Malaysia
By providing world-class educational, development and humanitarian opportunities, he has helped link various governments to its people.
Today, there are Limkokwing University campuses in Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, London, Cambodia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Sierra Leone, training the next generation of transformational leaders and entrepreneurs.
In 2019, Limkokwing is set to open up four more campuses in Africa, namely in Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia and Rwanda.
Among all his achievements in Africa, the one that stands out the most was when he helped to deliver “A Better Life for All” by strategizing the victorious South African presidential campaign of Nelson Mandela in 1994.
For his invaluable contribution in helping end apartheid, Tan Sri Limkokwing was awarded South Africa’s highest national honour, the “Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo.”
He remains the only Malaysian to have received this honour.
The Icon
To reshape the future of Malaysia and Malaysian education, he pushed beyond limits and boundaries with big ideas and a bold commitment to accomplish what once seemed impossible.
“Influential people should be seen as a force to be harnessed for the development of society and the betterment of humanity. We know that those who are fast and sharp on their feet are always the ones stretching borders and breaking barriers in whatever they do.” – Tan Sri Limkokwing.
With over a hundred personal and public sector awards and 15 royal recognitions, it is well understood by all that Tan Sri Limkokwing is a man that moves mountains if they stand in his way.
He proudly displays all of these awards and recognitions on campus, to inspire both staff and students.
The Royal Designer of Malaysia has left giant footprints in a world where the arts were looked upon less favourably and in doing so, he transformed not just its image, but also its impact.
There’s just no telling what he will do next.