Cyberjaya, March 8:- It was an occasion for tears and joy for 376 students, mostly from FELDA settlements nationwide, who graduated the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology under a programme specially tailored to empower a new generation of young Malaysians from rural areas.   

Armed with freshly-minted diplomas, the class 2009 ‘Generasi Baru’ students have proved that “where you come from is not important and education is the way of forward”. 

Their hardwork and sacrifice finally paid-off, as they were scrolls at a special graduation ceremony at the University’s Hall of Fame last Saturday. 

They received diplomas in Broadcasting, Digital Video, Creative Multimedia, Animation, Fashion & Apparel Design, Hair Design, Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Business Management, Tourism Management, Information Technology, Software Engineering and Interior Design. 

The graduation ceremony themed “Empowering Generasi Baru Global Graduates”
was officiated by the University’s Director for Innovation and Development of Generasi Baru, Faizoull Ahmad. Also present were the university president Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Lim Kok Wing and other dignitaries. 

Parents and visitors watched the highly-charged and emotional ceremony.  They were visibly moved to see students who, in a matter of three years at the university, were brimming with confidence and excelling in spoken English. 

Said Faizoull in his speech: “I am truly mesmerized by this graduation ceremony.  It’s unlike any I have attended. I have never been in this kind of situation where students confidentially walked on stage and received their scrolls. 

“This has proved that Limkokwing University has created a vibrant Generasi Baru graduates. I am proud to say that I am looking at the cream of future nation leaders.” 

“I personally would like to thank Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing for giving these FELDA students such a great opportunity to pursue their higher education at the world’s most innovative university.” 

Thirty-six graduates were honoured for their academic and co-curricular excellence as recipients of the Dato Seri Najib Award, President’s Award of Excellence, President’s Award of High Achievers, President’s Award for Young Achievers and Industry Awards for Excellence. 

There were three winners for the top Dato Seri Najib Award – Mohamad Hafizuddin Bin Mohd Saliman, Nur Hidayah Binti Mat Disa and Mohammad Yusuf Bin Mohd Tormizi. 

Said Mohamad Hafizuddin who comes from FELDA Lok Heng Selatan, Johor: 

“When I was selected to enter Limkokwing University in 2007, I was not confident I could achieve anything. And then, one day I listened to a motivational speech by Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing’s speech. I have never looked back since.” 

“He said we can bring the change and it’s all in our hand to make the impossible to possible. Those words have awakened me and now I am proud to receive this highest award. Limkokwing is an education hub in creating the best of the best,” he said. 

These students have proved that determination and high-spirit can make impossible into possible and Limkokwing University has played a pivotal role again in moulding the nation’s future leaders. 

The Generasi Baru programme was an idea from our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in September 2005. 

‘Generasi Baru Programme’ is one of the university’s contributions to the Ninth Malaysia Plan, focusing on meeting the needs of the industry and bridging the digital divide between urban and rural youth.