In an effort to produce more creative and innovative Malaysians, Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology has linked up with Global Art & Creative Sdn Bhd, the largest chain of art centres in the country.

Limkokwing’s senior vice president Mrs Gail Phung and Global Art & Creative (GAC) founder and managing director Mr Mahair Goh have signed on the dotted lines, cementing the tie-up that would pave the way for cooperation between the two sides. It will, among others, facilitate efforts to strengthen the programmes by the art centre, with Limkokwing involved in moderating and benchmarking.

Calling the link-up a meeting of leading creative minds, Phung said it should lead to many exciting ventures as both parties are focused on creativity and innovation, and are keen to change the landscape of training young minds for the global environment.

“We are happy to collaborate with Global Art in moderating their programmes and providing quality assurance. Licensees play an important role in the way this collaboration works as this will enable a lot of students to seriously take up art. They will be able to use our Cyberjaya campus as a centralized training centre,” she said, adding that the university college would be happy to host study tours for the centre’s students.

After moderation, GAC students who have completed their advanced level could seek subject exemption when they enroll in a Limkokwing foundation programme that is design-related.

New way to nurture creative minds

Goh said his students have done well in competitions in cross-cultural art throughout the world.

“In light of the new economy, studying art is not about becoming an artist alone. All businesses today demand creative and innovative minds,” he said, adding that the centre’s programmes are available all across Asia and “hopefully the rest of the world in the future”.

GAC is certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as being the largest chain of art centres in the country. It has 250 licensees in Malaysia, and is found in 11 other countries (Thailand, China, Hongkong, Vietnam, Australia, India, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Sri Lanka and New Zealand), with a total student population of 100,000. In Malaysia, the population stands at 40,000. Apart from constantly organising seminars, forums and exhibitions in the name of promoting art and craft, GAC is committed to pursuing R&D in designing new programmes that will upgrade industry standards.

GAC programmes are targeted at children from pre-school to secondary school level. An early education in art, explained Goh, will give students certain advantage in terms of creativity and dexterity. “Our concept also focuses on the capability of a student in terms of composition of a drawing, instead of just the ability to draw. By giving them basic analytical drawing skill, they will be able to express their ideas effectively and creatively.”

Limkokwing’s involvement reflects the university college’s support for the education of young people in every aspect and its commitment in producing future generations who are able to contribute effectively to the nation’s growth.