For four long years, more than 990 Limkokwing students toiled day and night to make come true their dream of graduating as world-class creative professionals ready to redesign the future. 

On graduation day, they had every reason to be proud of themselves as they celebrated their success with their loved ones and friends after getting their scrolls from the University’s special guests-of-honour - the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili and British Peer, Lord Sheikh of Cornhill in the City of London. 

University President Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing also gave away degrees to the high achievers at the event split into morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate the large number passing out.

Future-centric graduates

More than anything else, it was the cosmopolitan fusion of students that made the whole event as colourful as it was meaningful. 

Coming from Brazil, Russia, Denmark, Japan, Singapore, China, USA, the United Kingdom, India, the Middle East and other destinations, these students encapsulated the multinational and multicultural ecosystem at the Cyberjaya campus.

In their midst too were graduating students from Limkokwing campuses in London, Cambodia and Kuching and together the young graduates demonstrated the University’s truly global accomplishments as a respected Malaysian brand.

Voices of harmony

One such international graduate is Thato K. Moruti of Botswana now doing his Master’s Degree in Corporate Communications. He was quick to say Limkokwing University has changed his global outlook for ever.

“I am now more outgoing, and I enjoy learning about new cultures, meeting new people. We are people of different backgrounds but we are also people of different minds and thoughts.”

Thato added, “Limkokwing University has shifted my cognitive ability strengthening the muscles of my thought process. It has developed my zeal in branding, PR and advertising and I am able to write better.

Zhamilya Bayeva of Kazakhstan was philosophical when asked about her future plans.

“Straight after my graduation, I am planning to start working. With some working experience and some money as well, I shall continue with my studies”.

Outstanding graduates

Among the many noticeable talents that drew cheers as they collected their scrolls were Acha Septriasa, Indonesia’s entertainment darling, and Malaz Elnaiem and Jonah Sithole, hosts of the University’s celebrated radio show on Hitz.fm, The Magic of Limkokwing, the World in One Place, airing every Sunday at 10pm. 

They join their growing list of high-flying alumni around the world, already making names for themselves in every sector of industry back in their home countries.

Innovation is new possibilities

Limkokwing’s graduation theme - empowered to design the future – is one designed to develop a sense of purpose that will ultimately drive their future through out-of-the-box thinking, industry skills and 21st century education that empowers them to achieve the impossible.

Above all, exposure to international cultures has given Limkokwing students and graduates a broader understanding of the world that will set them ahead of the peers. 

Highest conferment

“There is no greater pleasure for me than to be given the honour to be part of an institution whose task is to mould our future generation, where I hope and believe the seeds of creativity are sown and the buds of innovation will be allowed to develop and grow”.

YB Dato’ Seri Panglima Maximus Johnity Ongkili said this in his acceptance speech after he was conferred with the Honorary Doctorate of Leadership in Innovation.

He added, “Limkokwing University is an outstanding example of an institution that is able to bridge across the world to connect with markets that are diverse. For example, it could not only produce a song like Satu Malaysia but also develop a video of it that generated 2 million hits from people in 163 countries on You Tube.”

The conferment is recognition by the University for the Minister’s leadership in spearheading national innovation as tasked by the Prime Minister’s vision for upgrading Malaysia. 

First Muslim British Peer

The University also paid tribute to another notable global leader - Lord Sheikh of Cornhill in the City of London.

The first Muslim ever to be elected into the British House of Lords, Lord Sheikh was bestowed upon with an Honorary Doctorate of Social Development for championing harmonious relationship in Great Britain as well as across the greater world.

Born in Kenya and raised in Uganda before settling down in the United Kingdom, Lord Sheikh entered politics and soon was made a life peer by the Conservative Party with the title of Baron Sheikh of Cornhill in the City of London.

A Council Member of Limkokwing University London since 2008, Lord Sheikh believes in serving society.

“I have always believed that we need to become part of the establishment wherever we go and get involved in the profession or business organization in our respective field. By doing so, we can contribute to the advancement of our professional body in the society that we live in”.

Joining the eminent few

Both leaders join a distinguished line up of leaders honoured by Limkokwing for contributions in their chosen fields to enhance the betterment of global society including Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Dr Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak with Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Transformation, H.E. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela with the Honorary Doctorate for Humanity, and YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad with the Honorary Doctorate of Humanity amongst others. 

Malaysia’s global University

Limkokwing University now has campuses in the 3 continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, acting as home to 30,000 students. Within the last 5 years it has trail-blazed in the field, spurring countless governments and young people to explore the world’s opportunities in a way never achieved by a Malaysian institution. 

The University’s website has received close to 240 million visitors in 2011, from 222 countries and territories, and its song Satu Malaysia is recognized as the most played Malaysian song ever, with over 2 million views on YouTube, from more than 170 nations.