The Polish ambassador to Malaysia Eugeniusz Sawicki recently launched the Decade of Solidarity exhibition at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to mark the 20th anniversary of Poland’s struggle for freedom.

The exhibition featured a variety of picture time lines depicting the country’s political activities of the 1980s which resulted in the fall of communism in Poland and Central Europe.

At the launch, Sawicki spoke of the ties that Malaysia and Poland have shared for four decades.

“Solidarity, bravery and responsibility are the virtues that brought freedom to nations oppressed by totalitarian rule and paved the way for a new order in Europe,” says Sawicki.

He hopes that bilateral collaboration between the two countries will see more Polish students at Limkokwing University.

First Secretary to the Polish Embassy Robert Andrzejczyk explained why the exhibition was held in Asia.

“The continent has some countries that are still not fully democratic. By exhibiting at Limkokwing University in Malaysia, with all the international and Asian students, it may set an example for them to follow.

“They can learn the importance of freedom in a ‘peaceful way’ which is the most important part.”

Dignitaries, guests and students at the launch were also treated to a performance by the Limkokwing International choir who sang the Satu Malaysia song composed and produced by Limkokwing Sound and Music Design Academy.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Polish film Man of Iron was screened.

The movie, which was filmed in 1981, depicts the Solidarity labour movement and its first success in persuading the Polish government to recognise workers’ right to an independent union.

The film won the Palme d’Or and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival.