Cyberjaya: - The Architect of Modern Sarawak, Rt Hon Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Chief Minister of Sarawak, was today conferred with the Honorary Doctorate in Leadership by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
Abdul Taib, 74, received the doctorate from the President and founder of Limkokwing University, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Lim Kok Wing in a simple yet meaningful ceremony at the University campus in Cyberjaya.
At the same event, Pehin Seri received another recognition, when the university honoured him the “National Icon of Transformational Leadership” award for his national contributions.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Tuan Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister Department Senator Dato Dr. Mashitah Ibrahim, Senator Tan Sri Jins Samsudin, Limkokwing University’s Chairman Tan Sri Dr. Aseh Che Mat and foreign dignitaries.
He received a grand welcome on his arrival and a “Ngajat” dance, a Sarawak traditional dance, performed by international students. He later visited the SME Corp-Limkokwing University Branding Innovation Centre.  ” I do not know whether I am deserved to get this highest recognition. I would like to thank Limkokwing University to honour me at this occasion.
“To be innovative we must diversify our ideas and by doing this we will move forward ahead other countries. In Sarawak, I can see the idea of creativity and innovation is rising.
“New intentions and new researches needed to create innovation and this is what I want to see in Sarawak.  Younger generation should be encouraged to obtain better education and through this they can reach new ideas in noble way,” Pehin Seri said in his speech.
He said Limkokwing University has played a pivotal role in promoting creativity and innovation in the country and allow the students to think out of the box in generating innovation.
During his tenure as the fourth Chief Minister of Sarawak, Abdul Taib promoted accessibility to Sarawak’s world heritage sites. Through his endless efforts, he attracted high technology industries to the State to play a significant role into the economic expansion and creation of jobs in the state.
Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to fully implement the e-government initiative.
He also introduced the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) which is expected to further diversify the economy of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said it gives the university a great opportunity to present Pehin Seri’s remarkable journey in becoming one of the greatest leaders.
“There is so much that Pehin Seri has done over the five decades, just like Tun Dr Mahathir, who had made a giant leadership foot print during his premiership, Pehin Seri’s footprint is all over the State of Sarawak and throughout this country.
“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, adventurers, nature trekkers and culture enthusiasts,” he said.
Tan Sri Lim also added that Sarawak stands as testimony to a leadership that was guided with a careful hand, keeping its eye on the future without sacrificing the legacy of its past.
Sarawak is today a modern economy with extensive infrastructure, improved healthcare, and expanding education facilities for the people in the State and under Pehin Seri’s benevolent leadership he ensured that there is fair and equitable political representation of all 27 ethnic communities.
His creative management of natural and human resources for economic progress via tourism and ecological conservation has earned Sarawak a distinctive spot on the world tourism map.
Taib has envisioned Sarawak as the richest state in Malaysia by the year 2030 and there will be enough high-skilled workers helping to develop the state for the betterment of economic administration. Sarawak will become the land of opportunities for the people who seek greener pastures.
He has spent the last two decades of his life in safeguarding the growth of his beloved Land of Hornbill, by preserving its priceless traditions and balancing the new with the old.