The Director-General of the University of Vocational Technology (Univotec), Sri
Lanka, Dr. Thilakarattne Arachchige Piyasiri is keen to work with Limkokwing
University on developing relevant programme modules, especially in the field of
industrial technology.

He said Sri Lanka wants to develop its human capital capacity needed to rebuild
its economy and other aspects of national development.

Dr. Thilakarattne was accompanied by a ten-man delegation comprising leaders
from the academic and industrial sectors of Sri Lanka.

Also with them were 3 officials from the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) – the
organizer of the visit - led by its Head of Section, Puan Nabilah Ooi Abdullah.

A collaborative project between GMI and the Technical Education Development
Project of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sri Lanka, the visit is to enable Univotec
acquire “best practices in planning and management of university systems” from
Limkokwing.

It is also reflects their endorsement of Limkokwing University’s leadership as the
provider of 21st century education in the region and globally.

Univotec

Established in March 2009, the University of Vocational Technology was founded
on a vision to “be the leading University in Sri Lanka providing technical and
vocational education for all with aspirations to achieve professional excellence”.

Supported by the government of the Republic of Sri Lanka, Univotec’s main
role is to provide services in human resources, curriculum and resources
development, research and consultancy and to collaborate with leading
international universities, academics and industries to strengthen its objectives.

Impressive performance

Later at a briefing by university officials led by Limkokwing International
Marketing Vice-President, Dato Dr. Jayles Yeoh, the Sri Lankan visitors were
visibly impressed by the video presentation that chronicled Limkokwing’s
achievements since its inception in 1991.

Dr. Thilakarattne said Univotec is impressed with Limkokwing’s approach to its
philosophy of creativity and innovation in education in a number of ways.

For example, he sited the international environment at the campus which houses
over 9,000 students from 145 countries, the multi-cultural mix, and the presence
of franchise business units at the Wings Plaza.

He also extolled the quality of the innovative Limkokwing programmes and
wanted to know if some of the design modules could be moderated at Univotec
in the near future.

Creative flair

Dr. Thilakarattne was fascinated knowing Limkokwing’s close working relationship with the

Limkokwing University is known for many well-planned advertising campaigns
that appeal to the public through its defining slogan and visuals that succinctly
drive home the message easily.

The founder president of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Kok
Wing, is equally renowned for his creative forte having helmed the advertising
industry for over forty years during which period he executed several advertising
strategies.

Art of excellence

Some of his most memorable works include the ‘Global Humanitarian Appeal’
campaign he organized to mobile international attention on the plight of the
people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tan Sri Lim was also instrumental in the ‘Plight of the Palestinians’ campaign
under the ‘Heal The World’ banner that involved a poignant video production that
captured the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

Local initiatives such as the ‘Tak nak!’ effort also drew public admiration as was
the hugely successful Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games for which
Limkokwing University was acclaimed for coming up with the official Games
mascot - Wira, the Orang Utan (or man of the jungle).

Wira animated the spirit of the Games - valour, strength, warmth and
sportsmanship – wonderfully through the creative renderings.

Working together

Both Dr. Thilakarattne and Dr. Yeoh expressed their desire to work together
to build a working relationship between Univotec and Limkokwing University,
especially in the possibility of delivering Limkokwing programmes in Sri Lanka in
the near future.

The Sri Lanka University hopes to exchange MoUs with Limkokwing University
when they visit the campus again next year.