It’s the first Malaysian, the first Asian and the first university among Commonwealth countries to set up a branch and deliver its degree in the United Kingdom.

It’s also the first of its kind to offer a double degree programme in the UK in collaboration with British partner universities. It marks the first time British universities have agreed to provide their degrees alongside those of a Malaysian university.

The launch of Limkokwing London is part of the university’s worldwide expansion plan. Apart from the mother campus in Cyberjaya, Limkokwing has in recent months opened campuses in Gaborone (Botswana), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Beijing (China). Yet another campus is due to open in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and within the next year, the university has plans to double the number of campuses around the world to 12.

The launch by the Prime Minister will also see the opening of a Centre for Malay Studies to enhance Malay culture in London as well as bridge the Eastern and Western world.

The centre promotes research studies of traditional Malay culture via talks, seminars, exhibitions and short courses highlighting conventional language, film and theatre, clothing, games, dances, batik art, local custom as well as business opportunities in Malaysia.

The centre’s target market is aimed at local and foreign students, tourists, potential business partners or just about anyone interested to learn of the Malaysia’s Malay culture.

“We are doing this so that when outsiders come to Malaysia, there’s no culture chock as they’d know what to expect. By learning our language and traditions, they get to understand why we do things they way we do instead of being a mere spectator of our culture.

“It brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘a Malaysian experience’ as they (outsiders) get to involve themselves in our customs,” said Limkokwing Faculty Development vice president Fajura Juffa Mohd Mustafa Kamal at a Press conference last Wednesday.

She said among the things people can learn at the centre about Malaysia include the country’s food and delicacies, wedding intricacies, general history, wau (kite) and boat art designs and also literature.

Fajura said the centre will act as an avenue for Malaysian students in London to hold any event, gathering or activity, as well as for students in Malaysia who want to do their exhibitions in London.

Limkokwing will promote the centre through London’s Malaysian Students Department, Felda offices, government agencies, brochures and web information.

The Limkokwing London campus also houses the new Think Malaysia contact centre which provides more information on Malaysia. From business and investment opportunities to tourism and education, the centre serves as a contact point between Malaysian business people and potential foreign partners.

Also at the Press conference were the university’s Academic Development senior vice president Datuk Parid Wardi Sudin, deputy registrar Ghadzalli Ahmad, Network Development senior manager Norsyela Jaafar, and various faculty heads and programme leaders