The Founder & President

Government

“And I’m very very happy, most grateful, when Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing personally just now, has declared to all of us that his university is ready to help us in order to promote the Malaysian brand abroad.”

Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi

Former Prime Minister, Malaysia, 2005

“Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has been instrumental in lifting education standards to those of global level. He was the first provider of university education who came forward to present us a vision to ensure there is balance of Malaysian components in the local tertiary education.”

Datuk Dr Adham bin Baba

Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, 2004

“Limkokwing is in the forefront of innovative education. Now, in its strategic collaboration with Malaysia Design Innovation Centre at its new campus, Limkokwing enables its students to learn to work on real-life projects with industry even while they study. This unique industry-academia partnership will help strengthen the government’s efforts to develop human ability and intellect, and produce knowledge workers who can rise to meet this century’s challenges.”

Dato’ Haji Shafie Haji Mohd Salleh

Former Minister of Higher Education, 2004

“The name, Lim Kok Wing, has long been a synonym for excellence in design and innovation. I am, therefore, delighted that it will now be borne by the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. This new institution will be a major addition to Malaysia’s tertiary education sector, strengthening yet further the country’s position as a regional centre of educational excellence.”

H.E. Mr Bruce Cleghorn

British High Commissioner to Malaysia, 2004

“Tan Sri Lim struck me as a very strategic, observant and intelligent man when I first met him at a promotion campaign. That was more than 14 years ago. Since then, he has been involved in other campaigns. He has contributed a lot to education and media communication. He is a very successful role model for young Malaysians.”

Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting

Minister of Housing and Local Government, Malaysia, 2003

“We all know that Lim Kok Wing is a pioneer in creative education and that he has tirelessly advocated the need to be able to think outside the box. Long before Malaysians fully understood the term, Tan Sri Lim knew that being creative was an asset in a person. He knew about it being able to empower.”

Dato’ Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein

Minister of Education (former Minister of Youth and Sports) Malaysia, 2003

“The impressive showing of Limkokwing students who have achieved national and international recognition for their accomplishments is testimony of the entrepreneurial spirit and foresight of the university’s founder, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. Tan Sri Lim has the will to turn students into professionals with specific skills to address the future needs of our country.”

Dato’ Mustapa Mohamad

Minister of Higher Education, 2001

“The country recognises Tan Sri Lim’s strong sense of commitment and concern for youth development. His contribution to the Rakan Muda programme, which invites youth to participate in self-development activities, is well appreciated by the Government. Here is a man so full of creative energy and innovative ideas. I know he really wants to see our youths take to the sky, and he works hard at it.”

Dato’ Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein

Minister of Education, 2001

“Lim Kok Wing, this name is synonymous with creativity. Malaysia has benefited and I believe Malaysia will continue to benefit from his perseverance to create a culture for quality and excellence in Malaysia. I am very, very confident with Lim Kok Wing around, with all his skills and his team of people around, he will help us explain this. He will help us communicate this, he will help us unfold all these things that we have provided for business and development, in order to provide a better life for all Malaysians.”

Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik

Former Minister of Transport, 2000

“Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is among the people who shared my views. He believed as I do, in the abilities of the Malaysians. This enabled us to get along very well and to work together on the process of convincing Malaysians that they can do what others can do and probably do it better.”

Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad

Former Prime Minister, Malaysia, 2000

“His work on the ANC campaign in South Africa reveals the high standard. They were well beyond international standards. I personally liked the picture of Mandela surrounded by children. I thought that was marvellous. The people of South Africa have a lot of praise for him. He is also a very daring, very brave man. I found him to be very innovative and highly creative – a breath of fresh air. Like me he is a great believer in human resource. I see him now as a mover of education for human resource develop-ment and I think he has done very well in that respect.”

Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Ghazalie Shafie

Former Minister of Home Affairs, Malaysia Commonwealth Observer for South Africa’s First Elections, 2000

“On behalf of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and my own behalf I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people. Your noble endeavours in promoting the Global Humanitarian Appeal for Bosnia and Herzegovina represent an important contribution to the process of strengthening the peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The book, written with warmth and concern for the plight of fellow human beings, is a strong warning to the world that such tragedy must not be repeated ever again in any part of the world.”

Dr Haris Silajdzic

Co-Chairman, Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1998

“It is with great pleasure and deep gratitude that I write to thank you and your team for the tremendous contribution you have given to our election campaign. Your untiring efforts on our behalf have touched the hearts of us all and you have shown true friendship and solidarity with the people of South Africa in our endeavour to transform South Africa into a free, just and democratic country. The size and magnitude of your contribution will have a very meaningful impact on the outcome of the election and, on behalf of the people of South Africa, I thank you.”

Nelson R. Mandela

Former President, South Africa, 1994

“I am indeed greatly encouraged by Limkokwing’s investment in Botswana. The pace that you have established yourselves in recent months is a reminder to all of us of the level of efficiency that we must reach if we are to keep up in the fast-moving world.”

“I have already heard good things about Limkokwing, both here and elsewhere. This institution brings with it an international reputation for being practical trendsetters. We have seen this from the positive example being set by some of the university’s local alumni who are already making their contributions to our society. We are therefore confident of Limkokwing’s continued ability to empower our youths in this setting.”

From His Excellency, Mr Festus G. Mogae, President of the Republic of Botswana,

at the official opening of Limkokwing University Botswana, 14 May 2007, Fairgrounds Mall, Gaborone

“Limkokwing University Botswana will contribute greatly to the foundation of our strategy to create a critical mass of innovative human capital that will take our country to the cherished goal of a Productive, Prosperous and Innovative Nation by 2016.”

“I also wish to thank and congratulate Tan Sri Lim, the Limkokwing University and its staff for their dedication and impressive organization skills in bringing this university into reality so quickly.In just a few months, you have achieved a very strong presence with an enrolment of 1,400 students.

“The tremendous response by Botswana students clearly proves that Limkokwing University is a highly respected brand in the education field in both Malaysia and Botswana.”

From the Chairperson of Botswana Tertiary Education Council, Mr Jacob Swartland

at the official opening of Limkokwing University Botswana, 14 May 2007

“Limkokwing University is a very well-known and successful private education institution in Malaysia. Its founder, Tan Sri Lim, is synonymous with innovative education. And with him leading this university, I am very confident that it will be able to play a key role in developing skilled human resource in the creative fields for the benefit of Botswana, Africa and the wider world.”

“I am certain that, by choosing Tan Sri Lim to help develop Botswana as a hub for education for Africa and beyond, the Government of Botswana has chosen well. He and his campus in Malaysia have for years been at the forefront of promoting Malaysia as a regional centre of excellence for higher education.”

Extracts from the speech of the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Mustapa bin Mohamed, read by the Deputy Secretary General, Mr Omar bin Abdul Rahman, at the official opening of Limkokwing University Botswana, 14 June 2007

Industry

“In Limkokwing, we have found a strategic partner, an equal partner in developing new ideas. I believe that, with the collaboration, we will become trendsetters for a lot of leaders in Europe and the US. The partnership will allow us to be in contact with the next generation of Asia.Together, we hope to create a new-concept creativity school.”

Dr Dirk Craen,

President, European University, 2006

“It would not be incorrect to say the world of advertising and creativity in Malaysia would be inconceivable without the presence of Tan Sri Lim. Like the fabled Colossus, he has straddled two worlds – the world of advertising and the world of education, and Malaysia is so much richer for that.”

Passions magazine, 2006

“Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a legendary character who wields a painter’s brush to produce gorgeous colours at his campus. From the early start, the cartoonist turned entrepreneur had planned the university carefully. Creativity is his foundation and strategy.”

Oriental Daily News, 2005

“Tan Sri Lim has always had a strong vision in place. He has always connected design with wealth creation. He believes in educating people to understand the potential of design in creating new realities in our economies. He has always been clear about what he wants to do here – producing a new generation of graduates well equipped for the global environment.”

Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, 2004

“Tan Sri Lim, through his dynamic leadership and entrepreneurship, has built Limkokwing to what it is today – a university of creative ideas that has drawn students from all over the world. They come to these shores and take back dynamic ideas to shape their industries and economies. NAPEI hopes that Tan Sri Lim will continue to inspire his team at Limkokwing to scale greater heights of achievement and acclaim to make it an organisa-tion to be emulated , not only in this country but throughout the developing world.”

Dr Hj. Mohamed Thalha

President, National Association of Private Educational Institutions 2004

“Tan Sri Lim was already an industry legend more than 20 years ago. His skills and capability were well known. He helped found the local advertising business, wresting many blue-chip accounts from foreign multinational agencies. He gained respect for local capability. He has lifted the business of advertising to new levels that has won respect for the industry.”

Malaysian Advertisers’ Association, 2003

“Tan Sri Lim is of the view that true peace means every one can live in peace. He said that the absence of war does not necessarily mean peace. Peace to him means the lives and rights of people are protected. He said that very often war results in the worsening of the quality of life followed by hunger, poverty and other problems. Because of these crises, he does not agree that war is the answer to peace.”

Nanyang Siang Pau newspaper, 2003

“An industry legend, Tan Sri Lim is a communication strategist whose name is synonymous with the creative industry. From advertising, design, brand development, multimedia, publishing, media inter-national relations, government relations, strategic corporate communication, his achievements and contributions to the industry and the country make up a list that will probably take time to enumerate.”

Shahar Noor

President, Malaysian Advertisers Association, 2003

“Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Lim has secured an important place for Malaysia within the global communication and design community. He has made a significant, positive contribution to his country’s culture and leadership, one which has been acknowledged by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Lim has embraced his government’s vision for the future of Malaysia as a knowledge economy, driven not by commodity production but by value-added products and services.”

Prof Ruth Dunkin

Vice-Chancellor, RMIT University, 2002

“The communications industry has few role models the same calibre as Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing. He is a foremost strategist, among Asia’s best creative minds, who has influenced people through his many campaigns, both national and international.”

Adrenaline magazine, 2002

“It is unusual to come across a creative talent who also possesses a commercial mind. Tan Sri Lim not only demonstrates inventive ingenuity but also is able to carry through his ideas and make them sound business successes. I know Tan Sri Lim is passionate to design a world car. We at Lotus will give him our fullest support.”

Mr Kelvin Algood

Managing Director of Lotus Engineering, Malaysia, 2001

“I had a mission running the Commonwealth Games and here was someone who was full of ideas, insight and assistance in so many areas. He spent a lot of his own time and money on the work he did for the Games and I know that he did it because he believed in what we were doing. He did it as a national contribution.”

(RTD) General Tan Sri Hashim Ali

Executive Chairman Sukom 98 – Organising Committee KL ‘98 XVI Commonwealth Games, 2000

“Tan Sri is described as a maestro because he has done just that – he has mastered almost the full armoury of weapons and tools in a contemporary PR practice. He has experimented, explored and conquered just about every element of communication to acquire expertise – be it cartoons, fashion design, copywriting, journalism, advertising, film, graphic design, packaging, television commercials, account management, publishing, event management, public relations, education.”

Datuk Paddy Bowie

Institute of Public Relations, Malaysia, 2000

“Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing is a perfectionist. This is a strong element in his character that colours all his actions. He surrounds himself with talented people and exacts the best out of them. He expects the same from everything that he touches. He envisions only the best, not only for the industry he works in but the country that he lives in.”

Asia 21 magazine, 1998

“Crusaders are always in fighting mode – and their energy usually comes from emotions like anger, conviction, passion or simply a sense that a cause worth taking up has been ignored for too long. If so, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing is a crusader many times over – and many of his battles are fought outside the business arena.”

Asia 21 magazine, 1998

“Kok Wing has odd ways of doing things but the bottom line is he produces results in whatever he does. The country needs people like him. Take his university of creative technology. I think his aim there is not so much money-making, but by establishing all these links abroad, he is promoting the country.”

Tan Sri Mohamad Khir Johari

Former President, Malaysian Institute Of Directors, 1995

“His efforts in charity have been the subject of glowing eulogies in the media, of a philanthropist replete with benevolence. Indeed, Lim has probably gathered more feathers than could fit into one cap. That could explain the many hats he wears.”

The Edge, 1995

“The multi-talented Dato’ Lim – he is an artist, cartoonist, journalist and an internationally acclaimed ad-man – has a soft spot for the unfortunate. He has probably raised as many millions for charity as he has made selling his brilliant advertising ideas. What is so admirable about this man is that his own humble past has made him very sensitive to the suffering of others.”

Malaysian Tatler, 1994

“The name, Lim Kok Wing, conjures awe and reverence in the minds of many. A taskmaster, he executes all with basic ingredients – consistency and an absolute commitment to excellence. A sought-after expert in the field of communications and design, winning more creative awards than any single person in Asia, Tan Sri Lim has contributed more towards building industry than anyone else.”

Malaysian Institute of Directors, 1992

“He is a man of seemingly boundless energy, with a love for the antiquarian, the rare and the beautiful... the art and artifact gallery fulfils a long-term ambition of his to set up such an oasis of rare objects. Dato’ Lim’s aim is to provide the artistic community with a centre, a forum and exhibition space to foster the growth and development of art.”

The Star, 1991

“His immense interest in all kinds of things has taken Dato’ Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing to undertake an award-winning film on the threat of nuclear warfare, compose a popular jingle on neighbourliness and create a satirical cartoon strip about Malaysian current affairs.”

The Star newspaper, 1990

“The Message Man. Malaysian advertising mogul Lim Kok Wing believes in discipline, not inspiration, in deadlines, not flexi-time... up at five, the head of Wings Advertising Agency and a bevy of other marketing communications companies has done three hours’ work before the staff come in. There are meetings to attend almost every week-day night. And more work to do when he gets home. Lim goes to bed when he falls asleep.”

Asia Magazine, 1985

Personal

“He believes completely in the country's capabilities, in the potential of the next generation. Everyday he strives to instil the will to succeed and develop the potential of those around him. His mission was borne out of his own ability to meet challenges with a conviction and passion rarely seen elsewhere.”

Lim Kok Wing Junior, 2006

“My dad is never going to realise how much of an influence he has over the people around him, or the countless others he hasn’t even met yet. I’ve seen the look of respect, of admiration they look at him with. Very few people speak when he’s around, hoping he’ll say more, allowing themselves to be as absorbent as they can to everything he teaches. The depth of his vision is overwhelming, the word is inspirational.”

Tiffanee Marie Lim, 2006

“Throughout Tan Sri Lim’s years of service, he has worked selflessly to harness public support for humanitarian causes, winning their hearts and minds, getting them to understand, accept and appreciate him.”

Datuk Ruby Lee

Former Secretary General, Malaysian Red Crescent, 2002