About 1,000 students received their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the Limkokwing University graduation ceremony held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on 14 December 2017.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Limkokwing University Chancellor, DYMM Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Hajjah Dr. Kalsom DK.
Also in attendance were UN Global Compact Network Malaysia President, Dr Puvan J Selvanathan; National Professors Council President & CEO, Professor Datuk Dr. Raduan Hj. Che Rose and Honorary Doctorate recipient Prof. Madya Datin Dr. Fauziah Ibrahim.
The dignitaries were joined at the ceremony by proud parents, as well as representatives from embassies and high commissions from Afganistan, China, Egypt, Fiji Islands, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libya, Malta, Maldives, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistand, Yemen and Zambia.
This year’s graduation ceremony theme ‘Design Your Future’ was aimed at recognising the next generation of leaders who embody the concept of being a global citizen with Universal Responsibility.
Founder and President of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Lim Kok Wing addressed the graduating class, reminding them not to forget all those who had sacrificed to put them on the path of success.
"No matter how quickly the world is changing, you have the ability to do well, like the thousands of #Limkokwing Alumni who are busily making their own footprints across the #world." - TS @Limkokwing pic.twitter.com/24TM1kIL2D
— Limkokwing Uni (@Limkokwing_MY) December 14, 2017
“As you move on to build your own careers, you must always remember the unwavering love, support and patience of your parents. You may never know how much they have sacrificed just to see you succeed. And how far they will go just to keep you close,” he said.
For Iranian Shiva Kafil who received her Master of Business Administrators in Entrepreneurship scroll at the ceremony, the University was a gateway for both growth and change. Shiva was also the recipient of the Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing Award for Leadership in recognition for her leadership qualities and contribution to academic, professional and social development.
"I learned things here that you wouldn't learn from books or anywhere else." - Shiva Kafil #Iran pic.twitter.com/5c4MYdKiVo
— Limkokwing Uni (@Limkokwing_MY) December 14, 2017
During her eight years in Malaysia, she has organised charity bazaars, raised money to build schools in the Philippines, participated in award-winning projects, worked backstage at fashion shows, and even became a model herself.
“I learned things here that you wouldn’t learn from books or anywhere else,” she said. “The outside world is like an ocean with more opportunities to grow.”
Her experience at Limkokwing University has enabled her to nurture her global networking skills by making friends with people from various countries, learning to speak in different languages and gained the opportunity to know about cultures she had previously only seen in movies.
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to sit in class with students from all around the globe,” she added.
The University has been actively participating in various humanitarian and social development as part of its educational programme. These programmes enable students to recognise real-world issues while formulating initiatives to resolve problems and conflict.
“We live in a conflicted world,” said Dr. Puvan J Selvanathan, while emphasizing that the next generation of graduates will play a key role in helping the global community.
“I believe leadership means being stubborn about things you think are right,” he said while emphasising that the next generation of leaders are here to save the planet and humanity.
He explained that the University has been a safe zone for students to build their strength and knowledge, where students are exposed to various cultures as well as ideas, enabling them to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving experience.