As he stepped into the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Datuk Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili expressed his delight in entering a domain that was vibrant with the creativity of students from over 140 countries.

“This University has institutionalized the whole field of creative thinking and the whole field of innovation…Innovation and creativity are very crucial in the agenda of the Malaysian Government.  I think the Ministry and Limkokwing University can work together to institutionalize much of the thinking and, many of the programmes based on creativity and innovation can be formalized in a vehicle to assist the government achieve the goal of making Malaysia an innovation-driven economy,” said the Minister.

He was full of praise for the University as he addressed students from 100 countries who had gathered to hear him.

“In those days, innovation was just a topic under Economics. When we talked about research methodology there was a little bit about creativity. But today, you have an institution like this, almost full-time spearheading innovation in education. And at the same time developing creative minds in various facets of industry, whether it be media, arts or technology. Whether it be in process or concept. You are indeed in a very privileged position to be in this institution.”

The Minister also launched the “Limkokwing Innovation Bank” aimed at reaching a capacity of one million creative ideas. It would make available key resources and share innovative ideas in all relevant formats – print, graphics and multimedia – across a wide range of topics from architecture to design, fashion, packaging and textiles. All of the creative ideas and solutions content in this virtual Creative Archives Depository would come directly from the University’s most prized assets, its students.

YB Datuk Dr Ongkili earlier toured the campus accompanied by YBhg Dato’ Abdul Wahab Abdullah, CEO of MIMOS, YBhg Dato’ Badlisham Ghazali, CEO of MDec, Lt. Kol (B) Husin Hj Jazri, CEO of Cybersecurity and senior officers from the Ministry.

He was given a briefing on the progress and plans of the University by Founder President Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Limkokwing, in the presence of YBhg Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat, Chairman of the University Council and senior members of the University management.

Father of Innovation in Creative Education

“  I would like to bestow a title for Tan Sri Limkokwing as the Father of Innovation in Creative Education, in Malaysia, in the region and, in fact, globally.  I truly think that title is much deserved. I think his record speaks for itself,” said YB Datuk Dr Ongkili.

He said next year will be the “Year of Innovation and Creativity”.  “I want the University to play a key role with us, not only in terms of participation in the programme but also in the formulation of the programme.”

Limkokwing University - a centre for innovation to stimulate idea generation

He pointed out that over the last nine years the Government has been talking about the knowledge-driven economy.  “The next phase, as the Prime Minister said, is when we move on to the innovation-driven economy which we can expect to mature in 2020.”

He said the Ministry was studying the proposal to set up the National Innovation Centre and develop a network of innovation centres.

“We are in the process of identifying six centres, four in West Malaysia, one in Sabah and one in Sarawak. I believe Limkokwing University will be one contender for a national innovation centre because you have proved to be a centre of your own and you can play a leading role in this matter.”