Hollywood arrived at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in a big way recently, in the form of Mel Gibson and his producer friend, Bruce Davey. The two paid a surprise visit to the campus which is a training ground for some 8,000 students from 120 countries, and just how popular the actor is could be seen from the reception he received.

Hundreds of excited students crowded around the two when they arrived to be greeted by Limkokwing president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. Accompanying the two was Petra Group president Datuk Vinod Sekhar.

The Hollywood giant behind such films as Braveheart, Lethal Weapon, Mad Max and Apocalypto, did indeed cause much stir with his surprise visit; but on his part, he was also taken by surprise by what he described as “a very impressive institution”.

“I know that this is an institution of the arts but you have anywhere from hair design, fashion, to animation to film!” Gibson said, when addressing the hundreds of students who had crammed into the university’s Hall of Fame to listen to him present “His Journey”.

They also witnessed him and Davey being awarded honorary fellowship by Tan Sri Lim.

International flavour university

In his address, Gibson voiced his surprise at the international flavour of the university, saying, “This is an institution into the pursuit of the arts and it’s amazing to see so many people. It’s overwhelming speaking to people from all around (the world).”
Gibson had earlier toured the campus, covering such lifestyle education as fashion, and film and television. The university has in recent months launched the Film and Television Academy, and the Sound and Music Design Academy. The Limkokwing Fashion and Retail School, that has been around for five years, has already established a track record, its students often winning such competitions as the Lancome Colour Designs Award.

Tan Sri Lim said Gibson’s visit was highly educational for the students, the latter’s talk covering such interesting areas as computer-generated movies and the world of directing.

“With the Limkokwing Film & Television Academy in place, the university has now gone full -fledged with lifestyle education.

Tan Sri Lim also saw the significance of a Hollywood big name getting to witness firsthand what a Malaysian education institution is able to accomplish and the many local talents available.

“The world should know we have a lot of talent to offer. Limkokwing is about providing the platform and opportunity for young creative minds to shine.

“The innovative lifestyle education we provide is such they are trained to be versatile, IT-savvy and international in mindset. We have all the tools and the right environment to design the right graduates for the global stage.”