In a visit to Limkokwing University recently, YB Dato' Muhammad Bakhtiar Bin Wan Chik, Member of Parliament for Balik Pulau and Chairman of MyCreative Ventures, sheds light on the impactful journey of Akademi Bakhtiar and its partnership with the university.
Founded in 2021, Akademi Bakhtiar targets underprivileged yet talented students, providing them with academic tuition and crucial soft skills training. YB Dato’ Bakhtiar’s vision is clear: offering a holistic educational experience transcending traditional classroom learning. The academy’s focus on leadership, communication, and public speaking has visibly transformed these students from modest rural backgrounds into confident and expressive individuals. YB Dato’ Bakhtiar expresses, “We aim to sculpt well-rounded individuals. Our focus goes beyond textbooks. We’re cultivating leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the academy’s proactive approach was evident. They provided students with Samsung tablets and internet access, ensuring uninterrupted online learning. This intervention highlights a deep understanding of underprivileged students’ challenges, especially the lack of essential study tools. Providing students with tablets and internet access ensured continuity in their education. YB Dato’ Bakhtiar reflects, “The pandemic showed us the glaring digital divide. Our response was not just a stopgap but a long-term investment in our students’ futures.”
The recent educational excursion to Kuala Lumpur marks a significant milestone. YB Dato’ Bakhtiar speaks passionately about exposing students to diverse institutions and industries, from Sony PlayStation to Ilham Gallery and now Limkokwing University. These experiences, he believes, are pivotal in broadening the students’ horizons and inspiring future aspirations. “Exposure to varied environments, from creative industries to educational institutions, is key in shaping their aspirations,” says YB Dato’ Bakhtiar. This trip, particularly to Limkokwing, offered students a glimpse into a multicultural academic setting.
YB Dato’ Bakhtiar speaks highly of Limkokwing University’s diverse environment. At Limkokwing University, the students encountered a melting pot of cultures and ideas. With students from over 165 nations, the university offers a unique environment for cultural diplomacy and learning. YB Dato’ Bakhtiar’s admiration for this multicultural aspect of Limkokwing is palpable. He expresses gratitude for the warm hospitality and the university’s offer of scholarships to top Akademi Bakhtiar students, which he sees as a testament to their potential and the academy’s success. “What strikes me about Limkokwing is its cultural mosaic. It’s not just about learning from books but from each other’s experiences and backgrounds,” he explains.
YB Dato’ Bakhtiar envisions a brighter future for these students. He emphasises the importance of creativity and technical skills in modern education, such as data analytics and digital marketing. He encourages students to embrace creativity, considering it key to Malaysia’s economic and cultural development. “We’re not just preparing our students for exams but for life. Skills like data analytics and digital marketing are not just buzzwords; they are necessities in today’s world,” he asserts.
YB Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar leaves us with a powerful message: the right education, tools, and mindset can transform lives, regardless of background. YB Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar’s work through Akademi Bakhtiar and the collaboration with Limkokwing University pave the way for a new generation of confident, skilled, and creative individuals ready to make their mark on the world.
