Receiving a foreign award is normally associated with great fanfare but for Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing, his latest experience seemed more somber than joyous. In fact, the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) president looked overawed by the occasion at times.

Recognised for his efforts in educating Malaysians and students from over 140 countries on the salient points of Palestinian issues since the 90s, Lim was awarded the Palestinian Distinguished World Citizen of Peace and Humanity Award.

The efforts included an exhibition in 2003 titled ‘Plight of the Palestinians, A People Denied a Homeland’ and its follow-up this year themed ‘From Grim to Bleak’.

In open support for the Palestinian struggle, Lim said that he felt as though he was receiving the award on behalf of all Malaysians.

“Every Malaysian is a friend of Palestine and we suffer in solidarity with them,” he mused during a brief press conference at the Palestinian Embassy.

“I’ve spent more than 20 years raising awareness for the Palestinian cause and I am honoured to receive this award.”

Lim also announced that a training centre will be built in either Ramallah – the current Palestinian administrative capital – or the city of Jericho.

With a strong ICT bent, the training centre is intended to empower Palestinian youth by equipping them with the necessary skills to go far in life.

Describing Lim as a friend of the Palestinian cause, the Palestinian ambassador Abdelaziz Aboughosh expressed hope that the perennial Middle Eastern conundrum could be resolved.

“Jerusalem is a city with three holy places and we yearn for peace with our neighbours,” he said.

Present at the ceremony was the ambassador’s son Jihad, who is also Limkokwing’s manager of international development.

Apart from the exhibitions, Jihad pointed out that fundraisers like ‘Heal The World’ charity concert were commonplace at the university and funds were raised for the Palestinian cause through such events.

Having seen his fellow countrymen receiving sponsorship to study at the university, Jihad said that the setting up of the centre would be a milestone in Palestinian higher education.

“Knowledge is power and Palestinian people require more skills to improve their livelihood,” he said.

“Around 30 to 40 Palestinian students have been sponsored at LUCT but the formation of the training centre is different as Palestinian educators will train their own countrymen.”