Datuk Seri Ali Rustam was greeted upon arrival by Limkokwing Vice President, Industry Empowerment, Dato’ Raja Aznil Raja Hisham together with the presences of Melaka Exco members, Excellencies, Heads of State Agencies, JKKK Portuguese Settlement and the media. This historic gathering was to launch officially the ‘Melaka Centre for Creativity in Tourism’ and the Limkokwing Academy of Creativity & Innovation Melaka.

The event kicked off with an enduring visit into the ‘Galleria Malacca’ and ‘Heritage Bazaar’ where art, heritage and culture meet. The visitors caught a sight of antiques, handicraft, local products, delicacies, traditional clothing and more. The guests were also entertained with traditional performances such as the Malay Joget ‘Dondang Sayang Negeri Melaka and Portuguese dance called ‘Ovira Vira Vira’.

“Limkokwing University of Creative Technology can help provide education and improvise Melaka as students graduate in Tourism Management and enhance their industry skills to help the tourism state of Malaysia,” said Datuk Seri Ali Rustam during his speech at the press conference.

Datuk Seri Ali Rustam also expressed his desire for Limkokwing University to share its creative expertise with other parts of Melaka.

“The most important is that people can enjoy of the quality and services offered by Melaka. It’s necessary for people of Melaka to learn how to cook and present the food, how to do marketing, socializing, self-appearances, form the look of a building and create a healthy environment to leave a lasting impression towards the tourists. These are the areas that need a big room of improvement,” he emphasized.

Datuk Seri Ali Rustam officially launched the occasion by penning his signature on the welcome board and witnessed the exchange of MoUs with the new partners consisting of International College DMDI, Melaka Tourism Academy and JKKK Portuguese Settlement.

“The next time when you visit Melaka, you should feel something different of tourism,” added Datuk Seri Ali Rustam.

“Melaka state together with the University will merge culture and heritage with digital technology to add an exciting new dimension to tourism,” said Dato’ Raja Aznil.

“We are very optimistic about this endeavour as the encouragement showered upon us by the various parties such as Academy Perlancongan Melaka, Yayasan DMDI, the JKKK of the Portuguese Settlement and the various state departments during the last couple of weeks with the Limkokwing Global Classroom of international students and the team of Nigerian Trade Commissioners are very encouraging,” continued Dato’ Raja Aznil.

He ended his speech by saying, “The new brothers and sisters that have adopted us into their arms and the Big Bro who have brought us here to Melaka. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us the opportunity to share the abundance of knowledge and heritage that is priceless in this beautiful city. Melaka Maju Negeriku Sayang, Negeri Bandar Teknologi Hijau.”

Limkokwing Academy of Creativity and Innovation Melaka offer students Professional Diploma courses in Tourism Management, Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Advertising Creativity, Graphic & Digital Design, Information Communication Technology, Public Relations and so on.