The Limkokwing University’s Hall of Fame witnessed yet another significant ceremony.  The month of March 2009 celebrates the launch of “Be Empowered: Journey by A Global Motivator”, Y.A Bhg Dato’ Professor Sulaiman bin Osman.

The ceremony was launched by Tun Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid, the chairman of PNB, who is also a close friend of the celebrated Dato’ Professor Sulaiman. Also present on the day was Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Lim Kok Wing, President of Limkokwing University and Dato’ Ar. Parid Wardi, Senior Vice President, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

Dato’ Sulaiman and Tan Sri Lim met in 1974 at the Pesta Pembangunan under the patronage of the late Prime Minister, Tun Razak. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Lim helped in the conceptualization and design of what became the nation’s biggest exhibition to explain the salient points of the New Economic Policy.

As a person who has known Dato’ Sulaiman for some 35 years, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing identified him as the perfect person to aid Limkokwing’s push to acquire more success in the future. In 1992, Tan Sri Lim established the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology and Dato’ Sulaiman was appointed the Deputy Chairman of the Limkokwing University Governing Council.

When the institute became a University,  Dato’ Sulaiman was appointed as Professor in recognition of his leadership in empowerment.

A motivator indeed, Dato’ Professor Sulaiman Osman is simply inspiring. The moment he opens his mouth to speak, words of wisdom and encouragement flow out of him, disseminating positive energy.

Realising that motivation was his forte, Dato’ Sulaiman took up a postgraduate course in motivational study from Cornell University, United States, to enhance his skill in motivation. Prior to that, he went to Universiti Malaya, then Singapore, and obtained a degree in Liberal Arts 1n 1960.

His early education started in the most prestigious school in Malaysia, Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak where his former classmates were among the top Malaysian leaders today.

Born on 19 February 1937, Dato’ Sulaiman faced trying times, growing up in the midst of the war. But that did not stop him from becoming, in his own words, a ‘fantastic’ person.

“This body is not all that we are. God has created us to be fantastic!” was one part of his motivational speech during the ceremony.

His inspiring speech apart, his method of dissemination was exceptionally unique. Citing outstanding examples of human achievement, he engaged the audience with thought-provoking questions and stories, as the crowd responded well with rousing applause.

Described by Tan Sri Lim as passionate in helping people, humble, sincere and selfless in helping others, Dato’ Sulaiman walked and worked hand in hand with people from every corner of society the moment his journey started in government service.

At the age of 30, he was appointed as the District Officer of Kuala Selangor and this is when he launched a hugely successful project to motivate rice farmers.

His other services for his country include being the Deputy Chairman and Director-General for MARA, Director-General of the Social Security Organisation or SOCSO and Secretary for Public Service Commission Malaysia, to name a few.

While he was still working with the government, Dato’ Osman used his time and expertise to carry out social work. He founded the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, a private trust fund that helps the needy by giving out small loans.

His effort on the foundation has uplifted more than 300,000 poor families in Malaysia.

Dato’ Osman retired in 1992. His retirement, however, did not stop him from enriching lives. He set up his motivational company called – Hidup Positif, to continue motivating people, something that he really loves.

With the launching of his motivational video, Dato’ Sulaiman shows no signs of slowing down. Limkokwing is certainly proud to have someone as inspiring as Dato’ Sulaiman to be part of its legacy.