Of the hundreds who attended the ‘Class of 2010’ graduating ceremony at Limkokwing University on 24 July 2010 was a Senator and Member of Parliament from the Kingdom of Swaziland for whom the experience was both a rewarding and memorable event.

Senator Mrs. Thuli Dlamini Msane and her compatriot MP Mrs. Thulisile Dladla spent an eventful day at the graduation ceremony, which was divided into two sessions to accommodate over 660 graduates from 44 countries who received their scrolls from the president of the university, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Lim Kok Wing, witnessed by royalty, diplomats, parents and invited guests.

1Malaysia fascinates visitors

Both the Senator and MP were amazed to see an imposing mock-up of the 1Malaysia insignia positioned at the entrance of the Plaza welcoming one and allto the campus.

Soaring 50 feet high, the edifice is the largest such structure in the country and is the University’s endorsement of the government’s 1Malaysia policy to forge unity among the various races as part of achieving the aims of Vision 2020.

The concept won the hearts of the Swazi visitors and they expressed their hope that Limkokwing University will help to brand Swaziland similarly as the land of unity and prosperity through its representation in the country.

Later, they posed proudly before the cameras to remind them of their memorable visit to one of the world’s most innovative universities.

Branding Swaziland

They also took the opportunity to take a quick campus walkabout and the highlight of which was their visit to the Branding Innovation Centre.

Here they saw for themselves the innovative packaging created by the University to re-brand local and indigenous products for the global market.

The Honourable Member of Parliament proposed that Limkokwing University market itself more to the Swazi community and help build the African country’s

economy through its innovative approach to branding, something that Swaziland could learn from to build its small-scale industries.

“It is inspiring to note that Limkokwing takes audit of the country’s identity and where it wants to go, so that students could interpret and confirm what the country needs to move forward.”

In expressing similar sentiments, the Senator, Mrs Thuli Msane said, “this is what we need to help raise our economy.”

New hub of Africa

Land-locked by South Africa and Mozambique, Swaziland is largely a mountainous country. Its capital is Mbabane, although the royal and legislative capital is Lobamba. A monarchy, the country is ruled by King Mswati the Third who is the head of the Swazi Royal Family.

Recently during a visit to Swaziland by Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing, His Majesty told the university president that Limkokwing must set up a full campus in his country and bring 21st century education to Swaziland.

“I am very pleased Limkokwing University will soon be in Swaziland. It will bring creativity and new technology to our country.”

Limkokwing University currently has a representative in Mbabane, the capital city of Swaziland.

Building ties through education

The visit will further enhance cooperation between Limkokwing University and Swaziland in many areas of development that will bring much needed benefits, especially in creative education to Swaziland, an area the African country needs to engineer its economy.

MP Mrs. Thulisile Dladla invited the expertise of Limkokwing in areas such as tourism, public diplomacy, exports, culture and the environment through the university’s expertise in strong advertising campaigns.

She also extended a warm welcome to Limkokwing to hold an education exhibition in Swaziland in the near future to generate awareness among the young people and parents on the benefits of 21st century knowledge and skills for which Limkokwing University is world-renowned.