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Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Najib Tun Razak was sworn in as malaysia's sixth Prime Minister on 3 April 2009. He succeeded Tun Abdullah Haji Badawi who had held the reins of government for the past five years.

Datuk Seri Najib was born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang on July 23, 1953. Najib is the eldest son of the second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, and a nephew of the third Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn.

He was among the youngest to be elected into the Malaysian Parliament when he won the Pekan constituency uncontested at the age of 23, following the death of his father. He also holds the title of Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar, Pahang.

Najib holds a degree in Economics from the University of Nottingham and he is married to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Prior to being Prime Minister, he was Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Defense Minister. Najib held several other posts including the Pahang Menteri Besar, Youth and Sports Minister and Education Minister. He also held the Deputy Minister’s post for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Defense Minister & Deputy Prime Minister.

Najib at Limkokwing University

At Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Najib who also chaired the Cabinet committee for the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), played a pivotal role in Generasi Baru programme.

The moment you step into Limkokwing, you can’t help but feeling enthusiastic about the whole notion of being creative. Everything here is different; it is not the run-of-the-mill-university. I am sure you will be imbued with the right kind of ambience thinking.

The Generasi Baru programme provides the second and third generation of Felda settlers, an opportunity to pursue their tertiary education at Limkokwing University with full sponsorship.

Najib attended the launching of the Generasi Baru programme in September 2005, at the Limkokwing University, where he welcomed their placement at the university and also challenged the students to do well.

Najib said “We decided to place you here in Limkokwing because we believe that this is the right place for you to get that kind of education, to make you the innovative and creative thinkers that we need for this nation.

The moment you step into Limkokwing, you can’t help but feel enthusiastic about the whole notion of being creative. Everything here is different; it is not the run-of-the-mill-university. I am sure you will be imbued with the right kind of ambience thinking.”

Najib awarded honorary doctorate

On April 19, 2008, it was a historic occasion for Najib when he attended the first Generasi Baru graduation where 416 students were presented with their diploma.

Najib himself was awarded the honorary Doctorate in Social Transformation, from the Limkokwing University, due to his contribution in transforming the rural community especially Felda with the Generasi Baru programme.

In his acceptance speech, Najib commended the students for embarking in their transformation journey and added:

“Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is an institution known for its commitment in providing quality education with the overarching objective of producing creative and innovative graduates.”

“He praised graduates who are passionate about life and all its possibilities, who approach the future with confidence not trepidation, who views today as an improvement over yesterday, and believe that tomorrow is full of possibilities.”

The graduates who received their diplomas at the convocation ceremony were now equipped with new skills that will now enable them to creatively innovate the rural economy.

Najib also said the Government’s plan of development was not limited to urban but also rural areas, kampungs, new villages and estates.

“Hence, that is the genesis of the Generasi Baru programme – that is for the children of the Felda settlers in meeting the challenge through education and changing their minds.

“They should not be imbued in getting only a paper qualification, as we also want a person who are clearly holistic – having the necessary knowledge and skills while maintain the right values.”

Najib said the future of the 416 graduates was very bright as they are the pioneer group who will bring the Felda flag flying.

“I want to see them to continue on with their success. It is Felda and the Government’s vision which had turned into a reality,” he said.