CYBERJAYA - The first 416 graduating students of the Generasi Baru programme who received their diplomas at the convocation ceremony on April 19 are now equipped with new skills that will enable them to innovate the rural economy.

Fifty-fone students were recognised for their achievements in industry and and extra-curricular activities.Three of them won the Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak Gold Award for Creativity and Innovation. The three recipients were Mohd Radzi Rajuddin from the faculty of creative multimedia, Mohd Jaslin Puasa from the faculty of architecture and built environment, and Nur Ainiah Che Rashid from the faculty of communications, media and broadcasting.

Many parents were thankful for the opportunity given to their children to gain creative skills at Limkokwing. They hoped the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) would allow the diploma holders to pursue degree courses.

Besides being proud in seeing their children receive diploma scrolls during the Generasi Baru graduation at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology recently, some parents were hopeful that the graduates be allowed to pursue their degree here.

Hope to get a degree

Awang Bebaker, 56, said he wanted his son to continue his studies in Limkokwing with the view of obtaining a degree.. Awang from Felda Tersat, Terengganu, felt it would be a worthwhile investment for Felda to develop second- and third-generation children of settlers by giving them scholarship to acquire new skills.

Wan Mustapa Wan Mohammad also shared Awang’s sentiments. He said his daughter, Wan Noor Wajiha, a diploma holder in broadcasting, would like to pursue a degree course at Limkokwing.

Puasa Md Saat, 60, from Felda Sungai Mas in Johor, pointed out that Limkokwing’s efforts to provide practical, on-the-job training to his son, Mohd Jaslin, were beneficial. He acknowledged that, while other graduates from public universities are finding it hard to get a job, his son has managed to secure a job before this graduation ceremony.

“I can see that the industry experience gained has helped him secure a job as a junior designer at a design studio in Wangsa Maju,” he said. “My son’s education at Limkokwing has transformed him. He is more confident and positive in facing the challenges ahead.”

Exposure to new technology

Mohd Jaslin, 21, was one of the three recipients of Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak Gold Award. “At Limkokwing, students are expected to think creatively and to keep up with other students from many other countries,” he said.

Another recipient, Mohd Radzi Rajudin, from the faculty of creative multimedia from Felda Tersang 3, Raub, Pahang, said that they had learnt a lot while studying at the university. “We were exposed to new high technology, the latest computers and software applications. My friends and I found the facilities here to be on par with those found in London or New York,” said the resident of Felda Tersag 3, Raub, Pahang.

Radzi said the skills and knowledge he acquired during the three years have helped him to secure a job as a video editor at a production house in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. “They found the experience relevant to what they are doing,” he explained.

The other recipient, Nur Ainiah Che Rashid from the faculty of communications, media and broadcasting, said she found the international environment at Limkokwing very exciting. It had made her to be more tolerant and understanding.

“It had certainly transformed the Generasi Baru graduates’ mindset to be more global,” she added.

Currently working as an administrative executive at the Network Development Division at the university, Nurainiah, who hails from Felda Lepa Hilir Satu, Kuantan, Pahang, said she believes that her success would spur others to achieve their goals.

At the graduation ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, thanked Limkokwing and its founder, Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kok Wing, for providing the students a rare opportunity to further their studies.

“Limkokwing University is known for its commitment to quality education with the overarching objective of producing creative and innovative graduates,” he said.

“Graduates who are passionate about life and all its possibilities, who approach the future with confidence, not trepidation, who view today as an improvement over yesterday will believe that tomorrow is full of possibilities.”

Najib said the future of the 416 graduates was very bright as they were the pioneer group who would bring the Felda flag flying.

“I want to see them continue their success. It is Felda’s and the Government’s vision which has turned into a reality,” he said. “We have planted the seeds for a brighter future in all of you. This graduation marks the start and may God guide you in your journey.”