LIMKOKWING University of Creative Technology (Limkokwing) is helping the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) realise its vision of transforming settlers.

The first batch of Felda students came from rural areas all over Malaysia to the university in Cyberjaya in August 2005.

They enrolled in the Generasi Baru programme, introduced under the stewardship of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Exposed to a new environment where English is the main medium of communication, and creativity and innovation are the focus, many of the Felda youths soon underwent a transformation.

And recently, these students reaped the sweet fruits of success when 416 of them graduated amidst much pomp and fanfare. Many had been offered employment even before they graduated.

Exposed to latest technology

The convocation ceremony was a glittering affair, tinged with a touch of nostalgia when the choir, comprising international students from countries like Estonia, Lithuania and Botswana, took to the stage and sang the motivational song, You Raise Me Up.

Many of the students passed with flying colours. Three of them - Mohd Radzi Rajudin (Faculty of Creative Multimedia), Mohd Jaslin Puasa (Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment) and Nur Ainiah Che Rashid (Faculty of Communications, Media and Broadcasting) - did the group proud when they took home the Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak Gold Award.

“We were exposed to the latest technology at the university and taught some of the most up-to-date skills,” said Mohd Radzi, who hails from Felda Tersang Tiga, Raub, Pahang.

These skills have helped him secure a job as a video editor at a production house in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, he added.

“Studying at Limkokwing has been challenging,” said Mohd Jaslin of Felda Sungai Mas, Kota Tinggi.

“We are expected to think creatively and have to keep up with students from many other countries.

Students’ quality education

“However, I am happy to say that we have risen to the challenge and have acquired the skills needed to become globalised innovative individuals.”

“We will continue to help the second and third generations of Felda settlers by providing them with quality education,” said Najib, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in Social Transformation at the ceremony.

“I want to see them with their success.”

“Their success is Felda’s and the government’s vision turned into reality,” he added.