Limkokwing University recently held its Founder's Day celebration, a tribute to the legacy of the late Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing. The festivities, held on the 22nd and 23rd of October, honoured his enduring influence on education and creativity. The two-day event, rich in reflection and forward-thinking, celebrated Tan Sri Limkokwing's vision that has transformed Malaysia's educational landscape, infusing it with creativity and innovation.

Recognised officially by the Malaysian government as the Father of Innovation in Creative Education, Tan Sri Limkokwing was a multifaceted personality – an artist, designer, author, entrepreneur, educationist, and philanthropist from Malaysia.

Tan Sri Limkokwing, the Founder and President of Limkokwing University, played a pivotal role in revolutionising Malaysia’s post-colonial education system and redefining the concept of tertiary education worldwide. He earned acclaim for significantly impacting education, mainly through his university and foundation, spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe. Through these platforms, thousands of individuals from over 165 countries have experienced a distinctive, industry-driven education focusing on creativity and innovation.

Founder’s Day is a time to honour and remember Tan Sri Limkokwing’s extensive contributions to philanthropy, higher education, creativity, innovation, leadership, and design. His significant efforts have contributed significantly to human capital development, especially in Malaysia, Africa, and globally.

The celebration’s highlight was the launch of the Founder’s Day Scholarships, an RM25 million fund aimed at cultivating the innovative spirit in students regardless of their socioeconomic status. On the inaugural day, the first 33 deserving students were awarded their scholarship acceptance letters worth RM1.1 million, propelling them towards a future of creativity and innovation. The Founder’s Day Scholarships testify to Tan Sri Limkokwing’s commitment to making education accessible for all. The scholarships embody Tan Sri Limkokwing’s dedication to global creativity and innovation, values that are foundational to Limkokwing University.

The Founder’s Day celebration was a convergence of the past and future. It was a commemoration and a reunion for alumni who lived through the transformational education Tan Sri Limkokwing championed.

Amir Hossein Shojaei, a Business Development Manager from Iran and Limkokwing alumnus, reminisced about his time at the university, where he learned to push boundaries and think beyond conventional limits, a philosophy that Tan Sri Limkokwing himself instilled. Amir reflected on his educational journey, saying, “Being in Limkokwing, we learned how to think out of the box and how to go beyond. What Tan Sri Limkokwing asked me always to do was go beyond and push my limits. I’ve been applying all those in my professional work.”

Aiman Reeza, now a Corporate Account Manager at Maxis, shared a more personal connection with the late founder. Aiman shared his unique experiences, “Tan Sri Limkokwing really taught me a lot in terms of perseverance, in terms of endurance to survive in the corporate world. Working directly with the late Tan Sri Limkokwing really taught me a lot.” Having received a full scholarship and worked closely with Tan Sri Limkokwing, Aiman’s career trajectory was profoundly shaped by the hands-on experience and global exposure he gained while at the university.

The celebration also resonated with VIPs like Mr. Razi Pahlavi, CEO of Amanie Care Foundation, who was inspired by the late founder’s humanitarian efforts, mirrored in the scholarship’s aim to support underprivileged but qualified students. “The sincerity of the late Tan Sri Limkokwing in terms of pushing humanity upfront in the form of education really inspires and empowers,” Razi expressed.

Ms. Agne Manunmani, the founder of Aplus Ultimate Marketing & Consultancy, lauded the scholarships’ continuation, emphasising the opportunities they open up for students in need. Agne remarked on the founder’s legacy, “What Tan Sri Limkokwing is about — the journey of community service — touched a lot of people’s hearts through education. It’s really very nice.”

The two-day event, flourishing with activities, echoed the University’s motto ‘Be The Best’. Students, alumni, and guests indulge in art competitions, VR gaming challenges, and sports activities, each designed to spark excellence and ambition—qualities that Tan Sri Limkokwing championed relentlessly.

Amidst the celebrations, the university also conducted insightful talks on the future of education and the digital world, capturing the essence of learning and digital interaction in the age of AI and the metaverse. Through these talks on AI’s role in education and explorations into the metaverse, the university showcased its leap into the future while staying true to its ethos. Founder’s Day at Limkokwing University was a reflection of its founder’s vision and a living, evolving tribute to his impact on education and humanity.

Limkokwing University is a microcosm of Tan Sri Limkokwing’s enduring legacy. In this place, education, humanity, and creativity converge, fostering a future as bright as the vision upon which it was founded. The legacy of Tan Sri Limkokwing shines on, immortalised in the aspirations of students, the accomplishments of alumni, and the generous spirit of scholarships that open doors to the leaders of tomorrow.

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