Having presided over Sarawak’s great strides forward in terms of economic progress since 1981, the state’s Chief Minister, the Right Honourable Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, can safely claim to have made a difference in the lives of many. He has also been a standard-bearer for education in the state, having overseen the rise in literacy rate in the state from less than 30% at independence to over 95% today.

In honour of his exemplary leadership and recognition of his state-building efforts, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) presented him the Honorary Doctorate in Leadership earlier today. Not forgetting his national contributions in the areas of political, economic and social progress, the university also presented him with a plaque recognising him as a ‘National Icon for Transformational Leadership.’

In his opening speech, the Founder President of LUCT, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing, described how pervasive Taib’s influence has been in the state, saying, “The journey of Pehin Sri is the journey of Sarawak. His whole life is entwined in the destiny of the state. And he has built Sarawak carefully, thoughtfully and lovingly. It’s there for all to see. He has preserved his cultural heritage with a passion and intelligence that has enabled progress to be an equal partner without encroaching and without damaging the legacy of Sarawak. History has shown us how resilient, resourceful and remarkable a journey it has been for Sarawak with Pehin Sri at its helm.”

He also sang the praises of Taib’s admirable leadership, saying, “It takes vision and extraordinary leadership to gather all that is remarkable of the state’s culture and blend it into an economic potpourri that has made Sarawak one of the world’s favourite destinations for music lovers, adventurists, nature trackers and culture explorers. It takes wisdom and extraordinary leadership to establish a solid foundation for the future of Sarawak by building the skills of its young people. It takes commitment and visionary leadership to ensure Sarawak’s young citizens are well educated and see the establishment of not one, but several world-class universities.

“Under Pehin Sri’s leadership, Sarawak has achieved one of the greatest educational accomplishments in the developing world by raising literacy rate from less than 30% at independence to over 95% today. It is an accomplishment made more remarkable when one understands the terrain of the state, the remoteness of these villages, and the difficulties that have been overcome to serve the people of Sarawak.”

Taib, in his acceptance speech, thanked the university, and described it as an act of the “highest kindness” upon the part of the Founder President.

Taib’s arrival on campus was marked with a traditional Orang Ulu dance and traditional Orang Ulu musical instruments as well as a drum ensemble that comprised of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian musical instruments. He was greeted by the Founder President of the university, whose association with him has stretched back some 30 years.

The Limkokwing University Honorary Doctorate recognises outstanding individuals whose exemplary lives of service, extraordinary leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the people and their nations. Former recipients of this award include Malaysian Prime Minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak who was bestowed the Honorary Doctorate in Social Transformation; former Malaysian Prime Minister, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad; former South African President, His Excellency Dr. Nelson Mandela; and the former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Festus G. Mogae who received the Doctorate in Humanity.

Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud officiated the launch of the university’s Borneo campus—the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology Sarawak—in February last year and had stressed the need for Sarawak to have more young, creative and innovative technologists to be the future leaders of society beyond 2020.

The Borneo campus is currently working closely with the Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation in producing a 20-minute musical that’s styled after the hit TV programme, ‘Glee’. The musical tells the story of the Sarawak Chief Minister and his late wife, Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr. Hajah Laila Taib which is styled after the hit TV programme ‘Glee’. The campus’s staff and students are also in training for the July 24 launch of the Sarawak Youth Conference when they will attempt to enter the Malaysian Book of Records as the biggest flash mob dance group performance in the country.