CYBERJAYA - Studying at Limkokwing University is very challenging as students have to think creatively to ensure they are able to compete with foreign students, says diploma of interior design student Mohd Jaslin Puasa.

The 21-year-old graduate from university’s unique Generasi Baru programme and native of the Felda settlement in Sungai Mas, Kota Tinggi, Johor, was among the three recipients of the prestigious Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Gold Awards.

He was among the first batch of 416 Generasi Baru students who graduated from the university.

Mohd Jaslin, who is the ninth in a family of 10 siblings, said his brothers and sisters agreed that it was beneficial for Malaysians to mingle with international counterparts and take on new challenges in a multicultural environment. One positive outcome was that he received the Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak Award.

International student population

“We have to work hard so as to compete with other students, but we never lose hope. Instead it has driven us to succeed,” he said. “What is important is that we manage to blend into the campus surroundings and international student population.”

He was pleased that he had realised his dream to be an interior designer. Three years ago, he had declined an offer to study at a public university.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Utama Najib Tun Razak, who is also the chairman of the Cabinet committee for Felda, presented scrolls to the students.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were the Deputy Higher Education Minister, Datuk Idris Haron, Limkokwing president Tan Sri Dato Lim Kok Wing and Felda’s chairman Tan Sri Dr Yusof Noor.

Another graduate, Mohd Radzi Rajudin, 23, said he was surprised to have been selected for the award. “I felt honoured when I learned about this,” he said.

Confidence booster on campus

“I feel proud as it is the best gift to my parents who have helped me a lot,” said the diploma holder in Creative Multimedia from Felda Tersang 3, Raub.

The third recipient, Nur Ainiah Che Rashid, 21, said her involvement in a wide range of activities at the university has boosted her confidence.

“Before this, we lived in a shell at the Felda settlement. However, since I joined Limkokwing, I have obtained a lot of experience and this built my confidence to meet people and deal with challenges.”

“My course, broadcasting has also helped me to gain other values and develop my personality,” said the resident of Felda Lepar Hilir, Kuantan.

At the convocation, 416 Generasi Baru students from various programmes, including interior design, broadcasting, packaging technology, digital animation and multimedia, received their diplomas.