Life is about more than just living, it is about making a difference in the world, regardless of how big or small that difference is.

This was the recurring theme of the Limkokwing produced Make A Difference (M.A.D) musical, which was a moving tribute to the late wife of Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Hajjah Laila Taib, whose life had inspired so many, and was staged at Perhimpunan Belia 2010 where Limkokwing played an important role as Partner.

The musical was produced by Limkokwing at the request of the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation for the launch of the Perhimpunan Belia 2010 where a crowd of more than two thousand people, including VIPs Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah who represented the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation Dato’ Sri William Mawan, and Assistant Minister of Youth Affairs and Traning YB Larry Sng. Limkokwing was represented by Limkokwing’s International Relations Advisor Ambassador Dato’ Hamidah Mohd Yusoff and Adjunct Professor Datin Hanifah Taib-Al Sree.

The audience was captivated by the dazzling lights and the amazing selection of music, which accompanied the production as the cast acted, danced and sang their hearts out. It was every bit a world-class production by the talented cast and crew.

Auditions for the musical were held at the Limkokwing Borneo campus and a total of 25 students from various schools in Kuching, Tunku Putra International School, SMK. St Teresa, SMK St. Joseph, SMK. St. Mary, SMK. Batu Lintang and SMK. Green Road made the final cut with the addition of a strong cast of talented Limkokwing students.

Vocal and dance training sessions followed, and the students rehearsed without fail for over three months, perfecting every bit of their stage performance before they ran through the entire musical for the final time during the Perhimpunan Belia 2010.

The musical, which is told from the viewpoint of Professor Datin Hanifah Taib-Alsree, the daughter of Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Hajjah Laila Taib to her own daughter, aims at inspiring the youth of today to not be afraid of the unknown and to take on every challenge that comes with courage, faith and prayer, which are the enduring traits of the late Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Hajjah Laila Taib.

Flashbacks and dialogue in both English and Bahasa Sarawak portrayed the young couple and their early romance in Australia followed by scenes of the young Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Hajjah Laila Taib as a teacher of a village school with the rest of the students of the school as it rained and floods set in, proving that she took everything in stride and made the best out of whatever was presented to her.

The musical also reminded the granddaughter of Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Hajjah Laila Taib of her numerous achievements for society and of her determination to make a difference in the world. The underlying message served to inspire her to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and face whatever challenges that laid ahead of her.

The roles of the young Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and young Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Hajjah Laila Taib, were played by Sharon Lugun and Hariez Fadzillah Ahmadi, while Uding Luhat and Ixora Kaylyn took on the roles of Professor Datin Hanifah Hajar Taib-Alsree and her daughter.

It was indeed a moving tribute to the late Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Hajjah Laila Taib, which brought tears to the eyes of many who were present at the launch of Perhimpunan Belia 2010.

This musical debut, produced by Limkokwing, was a new but worthy first attempt. It served as a platform for staff and students to bring together talented and aspiring youths to unleash their creativity.

Apart from the musical, Limkokwing students also executed the launch gimmick by performing a Flash Mob Dance where they led more than 600 students in an energetic display of synchronized movements.

Limkokwing, as an institute synonymous with creativity, has always encouraged students to actively participate in competitions, exhibitions and various other events. As part of the many activities organized, an exhibition of paintings entitled “Cultural Crossroads” by Limkokwing lecturer’s Petrus Alfred Paul and Emmanuel Osakue was also displayed at the Perhimpunan Belia 2010.

The Youth Convention which followed the launch featured a line-up of distinguished speakers who shared their personal insights and knowledge with the youth to motivate and empower them to become leaders of tomorrow.