With the graduation of the first batch of students of Felda’s New Generation programme - a collaboration between the land authority and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology - things are looking bright for them.

THERE is a saying that goes, “It’s not where you come from, but where you are now that matters”.

For a long time, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers were saddled with the perception of being backward. But nothing can be further from the truth.

A group of 416 graduates from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, all children of Felda settlers, is proof that where you come from is not important and education is the way forward.

In 2005, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched the Creativity and Innovation for Felda’s New Generation programme at Limkokwing. The programme, which is a collaboration between Felda and the university, is aimed at giving youngsters from Felda settlements the opportunity to further their education. The 416 students are the first batch of graduating students of the programme.

Student took father’s advice

Growing up in Felda Pemanis 1 in Segamat, Johor, Wan Noor Wajiha Wan Mustapa, never thought that one day she would be studying at Limkokwing.

The bubbly 21-year-old says her friends have never even heard of the university when she was offered a place there. “They didn’t know what Limkokwing was. I had to explain it to them,” she says.

Wan Noor Wajiha is thankful to her father Wan Mustapa Wan Mohammad. He saw the Limkokwing notice at the local Felda office and told his daughter about the university.

Wan Mustapa is glad that his daughter took his advice and applied to the university.

“I saw the notice about the collaboration and knew my daughter would enjoy studying there.”

He is happy Wan Noor Wajiha was accepted into the university but he admits that the distance between them took a toll on him.

“I missed her terribly when she was away, and I always looked forward to her return,” says the doting father.

Very helpful lecturers

Wan Noor Wajiha, who is the fourth of eight siblings, found the experience at Limkokwing exciting. She immersed herself in the new environment.

“I learned public speaking. I did many fun things. My experience at the university has opened me up to the world,” says Wan Noor Wajiha.

Things were not easy for her when she first set foot on campus. She did not even know what course to take when she arrived.

“Thankfully, the lecturers were more than helpful. They explained about the courses in detail.”

Wan Noor Wajiha decided to do a diploma in broadcasting as she finds it interesting and it has a large job market. She even did a stint as a radio DJ during her industrial training.

Confidence to succeed

“I had a blast. I was a DJ at Wanita FM. It was so interesting. I never thought that one day I would be a radio DJ.”

At the radio station, she was also given a chance to be a programme producer. Her time there gave her the confidence to succeed.

Wan Noor Wajiha is grateful for her experiences while at Limkokwing.

“If it wasn’t for the collaboration, I wouldn’t even be where I am. I am from Felda and I’m doing all these amazing things,” she says.

Wan Noor Wajiha hopes that children of Felda settlers will take any education opportunity coming their way to better themselves and their families.

“Education is the only way forward.”

Mohd Ruzwan Awang was initially hesitant to further his studies as he was working at Perwaja Steel when the opportunity to go to Limkokwing came. “I was working as an electrical instrument technician when my father told me about the programme. I was enjoying working life so I did not pay any attention to him. But he kept pushing me to give Limkokwing a try,” says Mohd Ruzwan.

Mohd Ruzman, who hails from Felda Tersat, Terengganu, says that while his short working stint was enjoyable, a good education can improve his career.

“With a degree or diploma, the pay is better. So it made sense to further my studies,” he says.

His father Awang Bebaker, a Felda manager, says: “It would be a waste. I cannot just let the opportunity slide.”

Mohd Ruzman has never regretted the move to further his studies as the experience has enriched him in so many ways.

Student from different backgrounds

“I have learned so much. It is an eye opener to be able to mingle with students from different backgrounds and countries,” says Mohd Ruzman.

The 21-year-old studied Diploma in Creative Multimedia and wants to encourage more youngsters from Felda settlements to study hard so they too can further their education.

“Youngsters should grab any opportunity to further their studies as they can expand their horizons.”

He is also grateful to the accommodating tutors and lecturers who go out of their way to ensure students get a quality education.

“They will take the time to reach out to you and explain things when you are lost,” says Mohd Ruzman.

Things are looking bright for the new generation of Felda children.