Portrait of an icon

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri DatoDr LimKokWing

Limkokwing University Press

For the articles and photographs reproduced in this book, the Publisher would like to thank the following : ADOI magazine Forbes Asia MMEGI Botswana Remaja magazine Sin Min Daily Berita Harian Kosmo Nanyang Siang Pau Sarawak Tribune Sinar Harian Berita Minggu Malayan Business Sabah Times See Hua Daily The Borneo Post Business Times Malaysian Tattler New Straits Times Sin Chew Jit Poh The Edge China Press Media & Marketing Oriental Daily Sin Chew Daily The Independent,UK

The Malay Mail The Star The Sun The Times, London Utusan Malaysia

Published by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Co.No. 172528-M) Inovasi 1-1, Jalan Teknokrat 1/1, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: 603-8317 8888 Fax: 603-8317 8988 www.limkokwing.net Printed by Percetakan PrintPack Sdn Bhd (Co.No.56939 M) 3 Jalan U1/23, Hicom Glenmarie Industrial Park, 49250 Shah Alam, Malaysia. Tel: 603-7805 3722 Fax: 603-7803 5370 Design by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology ISBN 978-967-5139-06-2

Content

Introduction

The Icon of excellence who makes the impossible possible Designing a Future
He designed himself to be the best and helped his staff, his students, his country and the global community move up the ladder of excellence. It would be his way of saying that the impossible was possible.

Innovating Education
He saw education as the key to innovate Malaysia to be competitive in the 21st Century globalised environment and founded a creative and innovation based university to provide the human capital for the future. In the process, he changed the mindset about design 163 as a career.

The Message Man

Without formal training, he came out tops in the tough world of advertising, as the youngest regional creative director for Asia and became recognized as Asias most creative personality. He championed and nurtured Malaysian advertising talents and skills. He gave impetus to the growth of the creative industries and challenged Malaysians to make the impossible possible despite the domination of inter10 national agencies.

The Global Trailblazer

He globalised Malaysian education by expanding his university to three continents. He also felt it was his mission was to help developing countries bridge the innovation gap in order for them to stay competitive in an increasingly globalised environment. Turning have nots into haves was his goal as a global educationist. 365 Appendix

Deeply Involved with Philanthropy

Despite the demands of running a highly successful business, he devotes 40% of his working time to help the poor, the needy and the disadvantaged. 62

10 Years of Success
The Limkokwing Universitys 10th Anniversary 434

Transforming a Nation
He shared the nations dream to be a developed country by 2020. He worked closely with successive Malaysian leaders and played a key role in most of the major nation building campaigns to transform and prospel 106 Malaysia into the 21st century.

Building the next generation of Creative Thinkers

1st to Achieve University College Status 446

Celebrating Creativity
Official Opening of High-tech Campus in Malaysias Multimedia Super Corridor 470

Introduction

The Icon of excellence who makes the impossiblepossible

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dr Limkokwing believes in making the seemingly impossible, possible. And he proves it by words and deeds. At the young age of 28, with no capital from the bank and only four staff, he built his own advertising agency Wings Creative into one of the largest in his native country Malaysia. He built a reputation as the countrys most creative person and was the catalyst for the growth of the Malaysian creative industries and the flourishing of local skills in film and television, editing, scripting, producing, directing and acting, all of which seemed impossible at the time as the industry was dominated by international advertising agencies. In education, he built a global innovative university which seemed beyond the reach of a private individual. Yet in 15 years, the Limkokwing University now spans the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, with a total student population of 25,000. TheLimkokwing Universityof CreativeT echnologytoday is renowned globally for a learning environment that inspires its students to be creative and innovative, to challenge traditional ideas and to make the impossible possible. Small wonder that he has emerged as an Icon of creative excellence not only in the country of his birth Malaysia but in Asia and on the international stage.
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This spirit of innovation, of challenging the norm and thinking outside the box is synonymous with Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dr Limkokwing. He is a strong advocate of change, of the need to reinvent and to innovate oneself, ones country and if necessary, the world, in order to move ahead. Tan Sri Lim believes that it is the innovation gap that will separate the countries of the future, the haves and the have-nots and those which innovate and those which do not. His mission is to first contribute to the innovation of Malaysia and later the developing world.

Working closely with national leaders

In Malaysia, a Muslim country dominated by Malay leaders, Tan Sri Lim of Chinese descent found it possible to work closely with national Malay leaders, convincing them of his sincerity of purpose and his invaluable skills in innovation and nation-building. He worked closely with one of Malaysias most prominent Prime Ministers, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to re-invent and brand Malaysia as a progressive nation with first world quality. He was involved in most of the nations campaigns such as the Look East policy to persuade Malaysians to look to Asian countries for innovation and quality.

He was a national unity campaigner who used his communications skills to persuade Malaysians to believe in themselves through national campaigns like Malaysia Boleh (Translation:Malaysia Can). He successfully galvanized the nation during the Asian financial crisis, persuading the people to remain calm and to understand that solutions done the Malaysian way by prescient Malaysian leaders were the best for the country (as acknowledged by the World
Bank in hindsight 10 years later).

National branding advisor

He was a national branding advisor who, more recently worked closely with Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, to innovate the rural industries by setting up a branding gallery where rural SMEs could access quality branding and packaging designs. As an acknowledged national strategist he helped build a more design-conscious society. He helped Malaysian manufacturers to brand and package their products to meet international quality standards.

When national leaders expressed concern that the youths of Malaysia were picking up undesirable habits, he created Tak-Nak as an anti smoking campaign. With a budget which was minuscule compared to huge promotion budgets of international cigarette manufacturers, he did the impossible by creating high awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. To address the increasing indolent lifestyle of youth, he created the development programme called Rakan Muda, which offered thousands of Malaysian youths opportunitites to participate in a wide range of creative recreational activities.

Bridging the digital divide

With the support of the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, he helped to bridge the rural/urban digital divide by heavily subsidizing education for rural youths from FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) so that they might access new technologies and creative-based learning. About 1,000 FELDA youths have graduated to-date to go on to become professionals and entrepreneurs in the rural heartland of Malaysia. He has helped to educate Malaysians to be more conscious of their ability and skills to challenge and do

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

Prime Minister, Malaysia, 2000

well internationally as well as make them more aware of the need to move together as a nation of people of various races. By his own example, as a Malaysian Chinese working selflessly for his country, he was exemplary in cutting across racial lines and has helped to enhance the integration of the Chinese into the national political and economic landscape.

Malaysia was seen as a role model not only for other Muslim nations but for the entire whole.

Uplifting the developing world

He felt that it was his responsibility to help other developing countries respond to change in the 21st Century by bringing his brand of education and new technology to developing countries to move them up the innovation ladder. In quick succession the Limkokwing University expanded to Asian countries - China, Indonesia, Cambodia to Africa - Botswana and Lesotho, and to EuropeUnited Kingdom uplifting the creative and innovative skills of young people, giving them access to new technologies comparable to the best in advanced countries. Leaders of the world recognize Tan Sri Limkokwing for his contribution and his vision to bring improvement through creativity and innovation. His office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is laden with certificates and awards that were offered in clear recognition of his immense contribution to creativity, communication and globalised education.

International role
His larger-than-life contribution to improve the world around him was not limited to Malaysia. He was in South Africa at the invitation of Nelson Mandela to strategize in South Africas first free election. His voters education campaign on a platform of healing and national unity was so emotionally overwhelming that it gave Nelson Mandela and his party the ANC(African National Congress) a landslide victory. He was an international peace advocate who drew the attention of the world leaders to the global danger of nuclear warfare. He highlighted the horrors of war by creating awareness of the plight of the Palestinians and the sufferings of those in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He positioned Malaysia as a peace-loving Muslim nation. By organizing the Kuala Lumpur World Peace Conference he created awareness of Malaysia as a moderate multinational Muslim country where many religions and races co-existed in harmony.
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Impossible but true

It seemed impossible that one man can achieve so much when he started in life with nothing. When he left school, he was jobless and had nothing save the advice from his headmaster - to focus on his artistic and creative talent.

Designing a Future
He designed himself to be the best, and helped his staff, his students, his country and the global community to move up the ladder of excellence. It would be his way of saying that the impossible is possible.
It was 1965. He had just finished school. He was jobless. He literally had nothing but the advice of his headmaster who encouraged him to focus on his creative skill. And he knew he was a good communicator of art. In school he was often called upon by his art teacher to take care of the art class. After school hours, he gave art lessons. And he was a prolific winner of poster competitions. The future empire builder took the first step to build a creative career by exploiting his visual communication skills to obtain the jobs he wanted. He first joined a Malaysian newspaper, the Eastern Sun, to become a cartoonist and a reporter. He produced a daily cartoon strip on a character named Abu, who was based on the famous British character, Andy Capp. He entertained readers with his artistic flair and wit. And as a junior reporter, he devoted time to develop his writing skill. Here he showed the character that would later define his working style - obsessive, exacting and with a lot of drive. When his colleagues had left the office after normal working hours, he drove himself to perfect his English language, in diction, in syntax, studying why some headlines were more impactful than others so that he emerged as a writer whose choice of words and sentence structure would produce powerful results.

Abu , a cartoon strip that appeared in the Eastern Sun, entertained readers with artistic flair and wit.

At this early stage of his career, he was already designing himself to be a completely excellent creative communicator both in words and in pictures. It would be a rare skill. A creative person is either strong in art or in words but seldom both. He knew this and he wanted to be different. He had designed himself to be the best. He would later impart his credo to those who worked with him and to the thousands of students who would
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later study in the global university he built in his own name the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. They would be inspired by him to design themselves to be their best and to excel in their chosen fields. The future designer was not only designing himself, he gave himself the seemingly impossible task of designing the future - for his country and for the global community.

The Message Man

Without formal training, he came out tops in the tough world of advertising, as the youngest regional creative director for Asia and became recognized as Asia's most creative personality. He championed and nurtured Malaysian advertising talents and skills. He gave impetus to the growth of the creative industries and challenged Malaysians to make the impossible possible despite the domination of international agencies.
When the Eastern Sun newspaper folded, the young Lim Kok Wing found himself jobless once more. But he had skills that others valued. His obvious strength both in art and in writing quickly landed him a job as illustrator and copy editor in a publishing firm putting his unique creative skills to good use. But with his natural talent for visual and verbal communication, it was not long before he found his calling in a field that demanded only the best in communication and persuasive skills - the field of advertising. He felt confident about his ability to match his skills against the best in advertising and still be a winner, as he would soon prove. He began his advertising career as a visualiser with SSC&B Lintas, an advertising agency linked to the giant food and soap consumer group Unilever. As they say in advertising, it is hard to hold a brilliant creative man down. His reputation for outstanding work was enough to obtain a reference to the McCann Erickson international advertising agency, at that time one of the largest agencies in Malaysia.
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He was engaged as an Art Director but rapidly rose up the ranks to become the youngest Regional Creative Director for McCann Erickson in Asia. He had no formal training in advertising but his natural creative talent and communication skills served notice that he was a communication giant-in-the-making. Althougha big name in advertising, he was unhappy with the state of advertising in Malaysia. It was dominated by foreign international advertising agencies. He felt that Malaysians should be given opportunities to excel because he had faith that they could do just as well if not better. He went on to start his own advertising agency called Wings Creative Consultants. Driven by his creative brilliance, Wings as it was popularly known, was able to challenge the big boys of advertising for international accounts like Nestle, Esso, IBM, Honda and Mercedes Benz. Wings was soon one of the largest advertising agencies in Malaysia and Tan Sri Limkokwing became a household name in advertising. As a recognized advertising guru, he led his agency to win 100 awards for creative excellence, often leading

the field in the industrys advertising awards. His belief in Malaysian talents was expounded in several ways. His own advertising agency Wings was a hotbed to nurture young Malaysian creative and advertising talents who could match international agencies at all levels. As the President of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As), he played a key role in promoting the use of Malaysian advertising talents in television commercials, which previously used mostly Caucasian or pan-Asian faces. As a result, Malaysian faces - Malays, Chinese, Indians or Ibans - became an accepted norm and created jobs for thousands of Malaysian talents. Malaysianowned talent agencies became established to service the advertising industry. He also played a key role in persuading the Malaysian Government and the advertising industry to make a firm stand for Made-in-Malaysia advertising commercials. Previously advertising commercials were imported wholesale from overseas using foreign talents and foreign voices. All that changed with the new ruling that advertising commercials had to be produced in Malaysia using Malaysian skills in all areas. This paved the way for the Malaysian advertising industry to grow at a phenomenal rate giving rise to a whole host of film production companies and creating thousands of jobs for directors, producers, camera and lighting men, voices and talent casters. He initiated the 4As advertising creative awards to
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promote creative excellence. Ever the designer, he designed the logo for what was known as the 6As. This initiative gave new impetus to the Malaysian advertising industry and it was instrumental in upgrading the standards of creativity in Malaysia. He inspired many Malaysian advertising agencies to start up businesses, armed with the knowledge and the confidence that Malaysians can excel in a field that used to be dominated by international agencies. He also helped to promote a design-conscious society as he would throughout his life whether as an advertising guru or later as an educationist. He set up an agency called Graphicom specifically to persuade Malaysian industries to brand and present their packaging designs so well that consumers would buy them. Although he set up Wings when he was only 29 the young Lim Kok Wing matured quickly into a leader and an icon for creativity in the Malaysian advertising industry and in the Region. His leadership saw many economic spin-offs in the industry and helped to develop the Malaysian advertising industry as the regional hub for Asia. As the eminent Message Man in advertising, Tan Sri Lim had many messages. The most important one was that Malaysians can do well if not better than others although it may seem impossible at first, provided they made the effort to be the best. In recognition of his contribution, he was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 2008.

March 30, 1978

From salesman to boss of advertising agency

Mr Lim Kok Wing today heads his own advertising agency, Wings Creative Consultancy in Kuala Lumpur, and runs two others in Singapore and Sabah. He is also a director of six other companies related to advertising and promotional work. Yet when he left school 12 years ago, he did not plan anything or even thought of a career in advertising. I just did what I wanted to do, he said. He knew he had a flair for art. So after leaving his Sixth Form, he spent about a year selling encyclopaedias for extra money and devoted most of his spare time to painting. He came across some British cartoons and hit on the idea of cartooning. He walked into the Eastern Sun (now defunct) office in Kuala Lumpur with a bundle of his cartoon sketches and got a job as a cartoonist. Besides capturing Malaysian satire in his Abu cartoon series, which was published by both the Eastern Suns Singapore and Kuala Lumpur editions, Mr Lim also contributed political cartoons regularly to the Information Ministry, Reuters and Hongkong Standard. At the same time, he did some freelance illustrations for books which landed him his second job as a pictorial editor in a publishing firm. But he soon got bored designing and illustrating books in the firm and got hitched on to advertising. He looked at the newspaper advertisements and signboards and felt he could do better. Mr Lim studied the advertisements and then redesigned them in his own style.
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Sheer hard work

Next he went to Lintas Advertising Agency and showed them the advertisements he had redesigned and was accepted as a visualiser. Less than a year later, he became its art director. When he felt there was nothing more challenging for him to do, he moved to McCann Erickson as an art director and climbed further up the success ladder when he became its creative head. After five years in McCann, he got fed up of working in an agency. He decided to set up his own firm Wings, named after his last name. It was sheer hard work in the beginning. He worked up to 15 hours a day writing, designing, media planning and even despatching work. He was aided by only a staff of four which today has grown to 24 in Wings alone. It is peculiar that a creative person could fit into the role as a businessman and administrator as well, he said. In fact, some of his former advertising colleagues could not picture him in that role. They told me that I would give up as a businessman at the most after two years, Mr Lim said. What they said did not deter Mr Lim from starting Wings and neither did the fact that he knew nothing about accounts, finance and business legalities. He adapted to his new role with dogged determination and today Wings had winged its way into becoming one of the successful national advertising agencies. Utilising his talent to the full, hard work, determination and a positive attitudethese have made Mr Lim what he is now.

April 1, 1979

The school dropout who found wingsof success

School dropouts often carry the stigma of failure. But many have turned academic failure into successful careers through ingenuity, determination and hard work. Among those who gave up formal education for experiential learning on a job and who turned the experience into successful business ventures is Lim Kok Wing, 32, managing director of Wings Creative Consultants which had a turnover of $4 million in billings in 1978 and four other associated companies. What is all the more remarkable about Lims success is that his chosen field is advertising which has long been, and still is, the domain of multinational corporations. When he started out he wanted to prove that a local boy could communicate effectively with the Malaysian consumer. After four years Lim now competes with the giants on equal terms, and his clients now include many multinational corporations and business houses. Lim Kok Wing talks to Shaik Osman Majid. I left school in 1964 when I was in Lower Six for I could not wait to work on my own. The Form Six syllabus, I found, could teach me little in what I was deeply interested in, communication through painting. My interest in painting dated back to the early school days. By the time I was in Form Six I had achieved a fair measure of success in winning poster competitions. The belief in my ability to paint enabled me to break off my studies and get a job in this line despite objections from my parents who say that life as an artist would be insecure.
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Little did I dream of becoming an advertising consultant. Even getting a job as an artist proved difficult. So I sold encyclopedias and cars for my bread and butter. The money also enabled me to pursue what I was really interested in: to produce communication pieces like cartoons and posters. Within six months I had enough material to show to a publishing firm what I could do. On the strength of my work I landed a job as an illustrator. Though I was paid only RM150 for the long hours I had to put in as illustrator and designer of book covers, I know I had to make a start somewhere. As illustrator I had the opportunity to develop ideas in cartoons. Armed with the cartoons I had produced until then I approached a newspaper, the Eastern Sun, and the paper agreed to serialise my cartoon strips which ran for two years until the paper closed down. This initial success encouraged me to leave my job as illustrator, in 1966, to devote all my time to producing cartoons. Among others, Reuters and the Ministry of Information carried my cartoons. My association with the newspaper and the news agency encouraged me to take up writing as a reporter. I became a stringer for the Eastern Sun. But it took me only a few months to realise that reporting was quite dull: there was no room for dramatisation. And so I quit reporting. It was about this time that I came to know of advertising and advertising agencies which could afford me the opportunities to develop my skills as a cartoonist. Here again my work

came in useful. My cartoons were the best testimony of my ability. An advertising agency took me on as visualiser in 1968. As I learnt the skills required in advertising, my ideas in the work as visualiser gained much attention. I received offers from other agencies, for better jobs.

Two years later I took up the offer as art director in another agency. In this company I Such compartmentalisation is moved up rapidly and within necessary and advertising, confive years I became the creative trary to popular impression, is a group head. But problem highly specialised service which arose. I found that I could not Ensuring high standards in five departments Tan Sri makes use of numerous differLim spelling out the criteria for productivity and excellence agree with the advertising conent skills. The popular concepin his fast-expanding agency, which successfully competed cept of the company that tion seems to be that the admen with international companies. made use of foreign material are people who come up with for the local market. I had learnt that local actors and local environment could effec- catchy jingles that become synonymous with the product. tively be used in advertising. But this is only part of the work we do. Much research, for I realised that there was no successful local agency to pro- instance, has to be done before a product can be promoted. mote this concept. And being determined to prove that local people could communicate better through advertising, I set up my own agency in the middle of 1975. As working capital I had less than RM20,000 and even this was spent in organising the office and incorporating my own company. Finance was not available from banks which considered advertising a high risk. There is, for instance, a difference between the strategy adopted for a new product and a product that is already on the market. For a product that is already on the market, research would be done on how to develop the market, that is how to increase the sales and on how to protect the market against competition. After research and packaging comes the advertising concept of the product, that is, how to advertise and where to advertise. This is where the media planning department comes in. But I have not been contented with the advertising agency alone. The opportunities in the advertising field have enabled me to set up other companies, like the exhibition
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year even though I had only four employees. After that business grew and now I have a staff of 30 people in three different departments: the creative department, which is the brains of the advertising agency, the account service department which represents the client and his needs and the media department which is responsible for drawing up media planning.

Valuable asset
But my standing in the advertising circles proved to be a valuable asset. Former clients from other agencies believed in my work and turned over their accounts. Thus I handled RM150,000 worth of advertising in the very first

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 promotion company, a packaging company and a promotional advertising company. The realisation that there is a need for promoting exhibitions made me set up the LKW Exhibitions and Promotions which deals with showroom designing, outdoor and indoor exhibitions. Through this company I have handled exhibitions for the Sabah state government. The need for good packaging of a product, for another, made me set up Grafikom, a packaging company, and The Creative Business, a promotional advertising company that caters to special clients who look for specialized areas for the promotion of their products. But success has not been without its problems, the main being competition. There are now some 80 advertising companies operating locally, about 10 of which are multinationals. To compete with then, we have to charge less for the same amount of work. On the other hand there are numerous small agencies which charge even less. But we maintain the quality of our service. Competition among agencies also centres on another area skilled personnel. There is a general shortage
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of good admen in the country. The big companies with their vast resources get the top flight people. The problem for the small companies would be to retain the people they have trained. I have in a small measure overcome this through a collective management arrangement. My long term plan is to have key personnel own shares in the company. One key director is already a partner in the company. When I started out I wanted to prove that local people could become effective admen. Now I have a group who are enthusiastic and we want to succeed as a group and be accepted as a good agency. Advertising then is no fun, it is a serious business if only because the money that is spent belongs to the client. So many people start out in advertising on their own without realising this and the skills that are required. My experience has taught me that the fledgling adman should acquire sufficient experience before setting out on his own. Like in other industry, the advertising agency business offers no short cut to the top.

October 16, 1983

Striving for higher standards

Like the film and music industry, the advertising world has its own Oscar and Emmy yearly awards. The heart-throbbing moment that awaits accredited agencies in this country is simply known as The 6As of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Annual Awards. The fifth 6As was held on October 6 and it marked the beginning of a trend. More local agencies are getting a substantial share of awards that used to be won exclusively by the bigger multinational advertising firms, Mr Lim Kok Wing, managing director of the locally-based Wings Creative Consultants, pointed out. (His agency was given the task of organising this years competition.) were presented under 28 categories of advertising works. The categories cover the three general classes of advertising medium prints, commercials and packaging. Mr Lims firm won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals in this competition. Mr Lim says the art of using paper creatively is what he sees in his line of work. But dont let technical excellence overshadow the effectiveness of an advertisement in selling the product it represents. Both qualities should be inherent in producing successful advertisements. It should be a good idea to include those who are not involved in the creative process of the industry, such as marketing directors, into the panel of judges, Mr Lim pointed out. Those in the marketing or sales side are in a better position to gauge the publics reactions to advertisement campaigns, he explained.

Three gold awards

In this years 6As, more than 600 entries were submitted and they vied for the gold, silver and bronze medals which

The well-known Guli Guli characters making their debut in the New Straits Times in 1981, winning a large following of readers attracted to their everybodys language and humour, thanks to creator Kok Wing.

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Advertising works are presently being judged by the creative people in the agencies, such as creative directors, copywriters and photographers. What is the point of praising an advertising work for its artistry and immaculate production when it cannot influence consumers to buy the product, Mr Lim argued. Mr Lim said the standard of local advertisements is already being recognised overseas, as evident in the number of

works winning inter-national awards in recent years. However, there are still challenges facing the Malaysian advertising industry, particularly the diversity of race, culture and socio-economic structure in our country, he said. This has forced it to take the safer middle-of-the-road approach which tends to stifle creatively when producing advertisements, Mr Lim added.

March 13, 1987

A Malaysian success story

The countrys economy may be lacklustre these days, but business is roaring for at least one businessman advertising trailblazer Dato Lim Kok Wing. Dato Lim appears to be the main character in a new storyline fit for his well-known cartoon strip. The former cartoonist, who first made a name for himself in the English newspaper, Eastern Sun, in 1965, is elated and optimistic. He could be pictured smiling and jubilant as he walked away with a new advertising contract. His advertising agency, Wings Creative Consultants, beat multinational Ogilvy & Mather recently in securing the Mercedes Benz contract. His latest success caught many pundits by surprise for two reasons. Firstly, a Malaysian company is still enjoying favourable business despite the economic downturn. Secondly, a local advertising agency has proven that it can compete successfully with international organisations. Over the past two decades, Dato Lim has established an enviable track record. He started his career in the media as a reporter and designer for Eastern Sun. Two years later, he joined Lintas as a designer before working for another international advertising group, McCann Erickson, in the capacity of art director. The year 1975 was important to Dato Lim. That was
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when he set up his own agency,WingsCreative Consultants, with only four employees.Today it employs more than 50 workers. Its annual turnover amounts to RM10 million. With Dato Lim at the helm, Wings Creative has become a leading local advertising agency that is the envy of both supporters and competitors. Its clients include reputable banks, large cosmetics manufacturers and five-star hotels. His untiring efforts, achievements and contributions to society were recognised by the private sector and the Government. In 1984, he was elected the president of the 4As. He was also bestowed the AMM before receiving the DPMS award in 1985. Dato Lim and his agency have also won top awards in local and international competitions. Whether it was a food packaging or product design contest, he has made an impression on the advertising industry. Every Sunday, his Guli Guli cartoon strip is published in the English daily, New Straits Times. Through three main characters, Dato Lim depicts the local political scene in a light vein and conveys a message to the local community. It is his way of cheering up the people and drawing their attention to social issues.Whatever he portrays, Dato Lim is a model achiever and an example to young entrepreneurs.

Malaysian Business, March 16, 1988

New agency is all set to soar

Wings Creative, one of the largest local advertising agencies, has gone international. Its new joint venture partner with 51 per cent equity, Messrs Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborne of New York, is a newcomer to this highly competitive business. Backed by it 90 years of experience, the new company - Wings/BBDO is all set to soar away. The new set-up, capitalised at RM600,000, saw Wings pioneer Dato' Lim Kok Wing's interests diminish to 19 per cent. The other local partner, accountant Mohhammed Khalid Idris, has 30 per cent. Lim wants it this way, Geoffrey C. Wild, the chairman of BBDO Asia Pacific explains. Lim had outstanding success in building Wings to what it is today, but competitors in the market have strong international and multinational agency links. Lim feels that in order to remain competitive, a tie-up with an international agency is desirable. By teaming up with BBDO, the company can improve its efficiency, professionalism and financial commitments. The market is expected to grow and we expect to get a fair share of it. Given a reasonable period of time, the company should be able to move up to the top five, says Wild. Lim says, We need a well-established partner to push us to the top ten league. Right now, we are at the bottom rung of the ladder. We are now in a better position to compete with the big boys. Three factors are primary responsible for the tie-up with BBDO. First, local clients are expecting more than straight advertising advice. Says Lim, 'They want a more professional standard of service and part of this service should be keeping abreast of trends both locally and internationally. There is also an increasing need for BBDO to provide a consultancy of service in all markets, including Malaysia, for its growing international and regional group of clients like Visa and Polaroid.

June 8, 1988

Malaysian agency goes global

Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn (BBDO) International, one of the biggest advertising agencies in the world, has acquired a substantial interest in Wings Creative Consultants, a leading Malaysian advertising agency. Wings Creative managing director and founder Lim Kok Wing said the decision to team up with BBDO was based on simple fundamentals.
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BBDO were the first people to fully agree with me that in advertising, creativity and professionalism must always take precedence over other considerations, he said. The chairman of Wings Creative, Tunku Tan Sri Mohamed Tunku Besar Burhanuddin, said the link-up with BBDO is proof that the standards of advertising creativity and professionalism in Malaysia are comparable to the best in the world.

Sunday Business, May 1989

Ad tycoons heart in the right place

He dropped out of school in the 1960s due to poverty. Today, he is a multi-millionaire who co-runs Wings/BBDO an award-decked ad agency. He also raises millions for charity.
Dato Lim Kok WingmaybeMalaysiasmostsuccessful advertising executive. Heis Deputy Chairman/Executive Creative Director of Wings/BBDO Worldwide Sdn Bhd an advertising agency he single-handedly built up over the past 13 years. This year, Wings /BBDOs total billings are expected to hit RM25 million, easily making it the biggest Malaysian-run agency and one of the five biggest in the country. He is also a millionaire many times over. He is chauffeured to work in a Mercedes Benz and hobnobs with business tycoons and Cabinet Ministers. In his spare time, he raises millions of ringgit for various charities and volunteer organisations. But Dato Lim has also known crippling poverty. In the 1960s, he dropped out of school after one year in sixth form because his family had no money. After that, he endured months of joblessness. In desperation, his father even paid RM50 to an acquaintance to secure a minor position for him in a government department.The friend disappeared with the money. He recalls the incident with extreme poignancy: It was just pathetic! I felt so helpless with no friends or money. He finally found employment and spent the next two years selling cars and life insurance. He also used his natural artistic skills to moonlight. As far as he can remember, he had always won the posterart competitions he took part in during his school days. As a stringer for a newspaper, Eastern Sun, he drew a daily cartoon strip called Abu whose
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central figure was based on the British comics character Andy Capp. When the Eastern Sun folded, he became a copy editor and illustrator at a publishing house. His advertising career began in 1979. He signed on as a visualiser for SSB+C Lintas, an international advertising firm linkedtothe food andsoap giant Unilever. I had no formal training in advertising but I had always been good at communications art, he recalls. It is a medium where one works with space and word constraints. His natural talent shone through and within a year he was offered a position as art director at the McCann-Erickson agency. Life at McCanns was stimulating. It was his first exposure to big-time advertising. By1974 he became head of the creative group. But inthe1970s,the Malaysian advertising industry was dominated by British and American expatriates.In spite of his strong performance, he could not move higher. A local man could not be creative director at McCanns, he explains. In 1975 an Italian from Milan was sent over to be creative director at theKuala Lumpur agency. His ideas were too imported, says DatoLim. We had many work differences. Soattheage of 28, he left McCanns to start Wings Creative Consultants. I left not to prove a point. It was nothing personal. I felt that Icould do avery good job on my own.And he did.Wings enjoyed a consistent annual growth in revenue of 25-35percent a rate higher than the overall rate for Malaysias advertising industry.

New clients
During the early years, Wings was just a creative consultancy. It did purely creative work for end-users and agencies including his former employer McCann-Erickson. Other early clients included Beecham, Matsushita and Esso.Work was largely concentrated onartwork and packaging designs. In those days local agencies were perceived as suitable for only outdoor signs, name cards or brochures. In 1977 Wings employed a staff of 10; annual billings totalled only RM3 million. The quality and professionalism of work his agency produced gradually attractednewclients whodemanded a wider range of services. By 1978 Wings became a full-fledged advertising agency that handled entire accounts. Billings exceeded RM4 million. Ever since that breakthrough year, Wings had acquired many blue chipclients, often wrestled from multinationalagencies withstrong international links. The current client list includes Esso, IBM, Standard Chartered Bank, Mercedes Benz, Nestle, Castrol and Cadburys. Japanese stalwarts include Matsushita and Mitsubishi. When IBM gave us business, Malaysia was the only country where they used a local agency. Worldwide, the computing giant is tied with J Walter Thompson, boasts Dato Lim.They (IBM) have not been disappointed with us.We have won awards for IBM work each year. Our work is comparable to any in the world. Wings has an enviable track record. Clients do not leave us. They stay, he says. Oil giant Esso has been with them for 12 years. Since 1984 Nestle, the Swiss multinational food company, has given the bulk of its advertising business to Wings. Matsushita has been a client for 13 years. Long-time Malaysian clients include the Boon Siew Honda dealership and Genting Highlands resort owned by Genting Bhd. At the height of the recession in 1986, Wings dropped several risky accounts the clients were having trouble paying
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Award winning excellence... Tan Sri Lim is a testament to quality in advertising as he managed to garner over 100 awards during his stint as Managing Director at Wings/BBDO.

their bills; subsequently, some of these businesses went bust and Wings was spared further losses. Since then Wings has acquired new accounts - usually steady consumer goods advertisers to ensure reliable, consistent earnings.

numerous intangible human elements that transform an ordinary product into an extraordinary one. I have never done anything consciously just to please a clientor gain an account. I wouldnt recommend anything that Iwould not do myself. Ioften warn clientsor prospects toexpect disagreements from me, maintainsWings chief.

Many professional awards

Building the business was an uphill battle all the way. Apart from natural professional competition, Dato Lim hadtobattle strong prejudice againstlocalagencies. At credential presentations, my usual line was Because we are local our work must be obviously better for you to give us a chance. We must be cheaper, faster and sharper. I hated that line. But there was no other way. Getting payment for work performed was another perennial problem.When an invoice was presented, the common reaction was Are you an international agency? Why do you charge like this? Some clients felt that a local agency didnt have the right to charge the same rate imposed by big international agencies. Over the past 13 years, the company has won more than 100 professional awards at both local and international competitions. In 1984, the first time it entered an international competition, Wings won two Andy (Advertising Club of New York) awards. One winner was a packaging design for Countess shampoo which was marketed by Beecham (Far East) Ltd. The other was a press campaign for a holiday resort in the Cameron Highlands. In 1985, Wings won another Andy award for print advertising. The agency has also won numerous Clio awards for its commercials. In Malaysia they have consistently won awards at competitionsorganised bythe Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As). But other agencies also won awards for professional excellence. What extra benefits did Wings offer to clients? Since advertising is a service business, quite often the individual selling the product becomes part of the product. There are
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Press campaigns
Honesty isa very important ingredient in advertising. I will not serve an advertiser who wants me to mislead. I have walked out of meetings where I was asked to say things that, to my mind, were simply nottrue. On March 1, 1988, Wings Creative Consultants merged with a New York agency, Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborne. BBDO is part of Omnicon, the second largest communications group in the world after London-based Saatchi & Saatchi. Withthisalliance,Datuk Limgave up his position as managing director of Wings to become executive creative director of Wings/BBDO Worldwide Sdn Bhd. There were several reasons for the tie-up. BBDO, with its 90-year history and global network of 200 offices, would help Wings enhance its financial management. Malaysian clients are expecting higher service standards including staying abreast with international trends. A purely local agency cannot satisfy these needs effectively. The merger will also give senior staff international exposure. Cross-cultural fertilisation of ideas is important for quality advertising. The tie-upmay alsohelp Wingskeeptalented account executive and creative staffers. Responding to industry observations that Wings has a high staff turnover, Dato says:We are a good training ground. Several of our former creative staffers arekey membersof the leading agencies. Two of our former account handlers who started their advertising careers with us are managing directors of two successful local agencies. And both are under 30. It is a good feeling seeing

young people become successful. Wings is trying to build an espirit de corps among its troops. Once, in 1986, the agency sent some 60 staffers to Hong Kong for a brief holiday. The trip was a reward for the companys success.

was namedone of the top 10 publicservice films in a worldwide competition held in NewYork. Done in Malay, English and Mandarin, the film is availabletoanycountry requestingit.Otherpublic service films produced include Dont be a litter bum and Good driving habits. At 42, Dato Lim appears to have already reached the zenith of his advertising career. What are his future plans? My immediate goal is to work myself into redundancy, he smiles. A lot of his time is spent training and coaching employees. Another reason for the merger was to ensure a secure future for his staff when he eventually leaves the scene. He admits that it is still premature to declare what his future plans are. But it is certain they will include some form of public service of a non-political nature. For the immediate future, he would like to see an Asean or East Asian-based advertising network. All the big regional agencies are either British or American based, he explains. A Malaysian or Singaporean is equally at home in Muslim Jakarta, Buddhist Bangkok, Christian Manila or Mandarin /Hokkien-speaking Taipei. We know Asians better. We should be able to serve them better. He would like to put Malaysia on the regional advertising map. Excluding Japan and Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur produces the best advertising in the region, in quality and integrity. He wants Malaysia to capitalise on its strong infrastructure, comparatively low production costs (thanks in large part to the falling ringgit), a supportive government, and advertising professionals trained in a unique multiracial environment. Theres a lot of incentive to try. If we can just go Asean, he predicts,the existing annual RM550 million (Malaysian) market will double or even triple.
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Cancerlink launch
DatoLims skills at image building are often exploited by political parties and corporations. In 1987, when the Malaysian Chinese Association faced numerous crises and a public relations problem, Dato Lim was invited to polish up MCAs image. He played a key role in the development of some press campaigns for the Barisan Nasional party during the 1986 general election. Currently, he advises several public corporations on corporate image building. By his own estimation, he spends 30-40 per cent of his working time for social and voluntary services. He has been involved with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (an affiliate of the International Red Cross) for 15 years. As chairman of the fundraising committee, he has raised millions of dollars. The society annually needs about RM900,000 for operating expenses. In 1984, he started the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped toreduce the prejudiceand shame associated with these unfortunate people. He also helped to launch Cancerlink Foundation in July 1986. Canceris the second biggest killer in Malaysia. The Foundation provides counselling for victims and operates acancer aids emporium that sells artificial limbs and other items to cancer victims. Wings has made a number of public service commercials. After meeting (former) Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir in 1986 to discuss the drug abuse menace that affects more than half a million young Malaysians, Dato Lim conceptualised, wrote and sponsored The Trap a 60-second anti-drug filmlet that

December 30, 1989

Tell theworld about the countrys special features

Advertisements on Visit Malaysia Year should tell both Malaysians and foreigners the promotional features that tourists can enjoy by coming to Malaysia in 1990 as opposed to other years, the head of an advertising agency said. Visit Malaysia Year 1990 is a year-long promotion project, Wings /BBDO Worldwide chief executive officer Dato' Lim Kok Wing said. We should be able to communicate to the outside world what comes with this promotion period. I'm not criticising the government, but what should we say to the tourists? What are the special features for which the foreigners should come next year specifically? The various celebrations such as Chinese New Year happen every year. Fruits and food, like rain, are there all year round. What should we really talk about? He said there was nothing wrong in promoting annual events. However, he said, 1990 has been bandied as a special year. So what are the special features? Dato' Lim said many people had talked about Visit Malaysia Year without knowing enough about it. If you ask any Malaysian in the street, he'll probably say Visit Malaysia Year means a lot of tourists will come. Why would all the tourists come? He would say they'll come because it's Visit Malaysia Year. For locals, what does the year mean? Should we decorate the fronts of our houses? Does it mean we should be particularly helpful? I think the public needs to be further educated on what we can offer, he said. The time was ripe to identify the areas in which the coun23

try was genuinely unique, Dato' Lim said. We say we're unique because we are multi-racial and live in harmony. The United States is a lot more multi-racial than Malaysia, he said. Malacca Nyonya furniture has very distinctive design that you don't see anywhere in the world. Instead of saying we're multi-racial, we can amplify that aspect by promoting the furniture design, which shows a mixture of various cultures. Dato' Lim said foreigners should be told the highlights of the year. Tell them what's the best time to come to see something which is of great interest to them, he said. We can tell wildlife lovers, for example, when is the best time to come to observe certain animals. He said there was nothing wrong with the Tourist Development Corporation dividing the responsibilities for promoting Malaysia in 1990 among four advertising agencies. However, there must be one central brain or you would get a bag of mixed beans. The central coordination body, the Culture and Tourism Ministry, must be in a position to monitor and control things consistently, he said. He agreed with the Information Ministry's recent decision to ban cigarette advertisements that promoted foreign countries over local television and radio next year. It's a bit strange if we promote and glamorise foreign countries and destinations so much during Visit Malaysia Year. It makes these destinations look so desirable while our country seems second best at a time when we are trying to promote Malaysia as the world's best-kept secret, he said.

Woman At Work , November 1990

Ad mogul named Man of the Year

Winning honours seems to have come as second nature to gogetting Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. More often than not, it was more like a reward than a quest - a reward for invaluable contribution, industry and relentless pursuit of excellence. Dato Lim Kok Wing, the advertising mogul, looks every inch the self-made man. The purposeful and heavy gait, the strong and bullish bearing, the richly seasoned face. Mmm undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Despite the fact that the organisers and sponsors of the event and we at Woman At Work were excited over his winning the Man of the Year Award, Dato Lim continued to exude that unmistakable air of someone who is cool about accolades of any kind. It is inexplicable, but each time we meet Dato Lim and ask him to talk at length about his achievements and successes, he manages to squirm his way out of answering directly. Instead hed let you hear the achievements and successes of others! Could he be the Great Gatsby, albeit the Malaysian version, or is it that he just detests blowing his own trumpet? Perhaps both. It seemed that to know the Dato, youve got to drop by the local pubs that are the haunt of the advertising yuppies and diehards. You can then eavesdrop on the good works of the Dato which are said and spread there bottoms up! Can you imagine that? Incredible guy. Finally, after going round the bush several times, so to speak, we managed to squeeze out the answer from Dato Lim regarding how he felt about winning the Man of the Year Award. Again he did it! He showered more praise on others.
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Handwritten notes
I feel good. I feel flattered. I dont think the readers have done the right thing. I think there are others who may have done more for women. Im very lucky to be working with very motivated women. They have helped me a great deal. I bank very heavily on their capability, dedication, loyalty. In this business, I must delegate work to senior- and middlelevel managers to see that work gets done for our clients. I see some of these managers once a week. And I dont see some of the other staff for a couple of weeks each time. But they play their part efficiently. They perform extremely well based on my handwritten notes or phone calls to them. They receive my notes every morning and they get going. They also write back or speak to me over the phone. I am an exponent of effective communication! Fifteen years ago when I struck out on my own, I knew exactly what I was in for and what I would be doing. They are the things Im doing now. To get better or achieve the best, you must never be satisfied at a first attempt. You must always appraise and critique your work. In the advertising business, you have to produce your best. If you dont, then you are not giving your teammates enough support and cannot feel a pride of place. When you go for the best, you are in sync and wont feel any pressure.

Very good work produced

I have young and energetic people working here. They work very hard and produce very good work. It is part of the culture. You cant get away with poor quality or mediocre work. They are achievement-oriented and believe that work must be performed with integrity, sincerity and commitment. Clients appreciate this sort of priority.

We are small compared to the internationally -linked advertising agencies around. But year in, year out we emerged as winners of advertising awards locally as well as in the United Kingdom, United States and Japan. Now, that is heartening. Our goal is to be the best. Yes, we have many blue-chip clients. We strive for quality and pick up business on our own steam without international connections. What happened to Dato Lims success story? It was not forthcoming from the man himself. Get it from the boys at the pub! From what we know, Dato Lim is the founder and executive chairman of the Limkokwing Integrated Group, the largest communications group in Malaysia.

took to the catwalk like a good sport! The Man of The Year Award was won by Dato Lim Kok Wing, chief executive officer of Wings/BBDO worldwide. In fact, he was a clear leader in the number of votes right from the beginning, surging ahead of second favourite royal Professor Ungku Aziz (former vice-chancellor of the Universiti Malaya). In his acceptance speech, he said, It has been my good fortune that over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with several women who were extremely skillful, efficient and dedicated. In my line of business, it is not difficult to understand why so many women are playing dominant roles. Your more caring nature, sense of loyalty and ability to handle even the smallest details frequently set you apart from your male counterparts, and render them pale in comparison. The majority of my senior managers happen to be women. It is clearly my good fortune that I have always had around me highly motivated, highly intelligent and highly dedicated individuals who happen to be women. They have contributed richly to what I have been able to do all this while. Can you imagine a world without women? Some days ago, I asked my wife what it is of me that she liked best. And she said, Your ability to treat me as your equal. " Dato Lim was nominated by Yeong Yin Cheng, the media and research director of The Ball Partnership. The reader who won a prize for the best slogan was Zuraidah Omar, the company secretary of a local bank. Apart from the award, Dato Lim also won a RM1,000 shopping voucher courtesy of Parkson Grand, a toiletries hamper from Aramis, a set of mans accessories from Goldlion and a free years subscription to Woman At Work.
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Extremely dedicated
The group, which includes Wings/BBDO Worldwide Sdn Bhd, The Image Bank and The Graphic Channel, has capitalised billings in excess of RM80 million and employs 160 people. Besides having that Midas touch for rolling in the dough, he also doles out funds to many charitable organisations. And despite his heavy work commitments, he finds time to be president of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped and is either a vice-president, treasurer, council member or board member of several more community service clubs and societies. Now, regarding the Woman At Works first anniversary celebrations, some 200 guests turned up in the red. Women in red dresses or skirts and blouses, men in red shirts or with red ties. It was fun especially so when the guest of honour, Dato Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman (Deputy Minister in the Prime Ministers Department), also joined in the camaraderie and

February 24, 1990

Cartoonist who made it big in advertising

Some people may not think much of cartoonists, but not Dato Lim Kok Wing. He started out as a cartoonist and he talks about that period in his life with pride and confidence. He has reason to. From that small beginning, he has become Wings/ BBDO Worldwides chief executive officer. Dato Lims first real job was as a daily comic strip artist for Eastern Sun, part of the Sin Chew Jit Poh group, in the 1960s. He was also stringing as a reporter for about two years, before joining Oxford University Press as a book designer and illustrator. DatoLimalso produced a few examination guidebooks on art and English. (During his school days, his classmates paid him RM10 a month for art lessons.) He conducted his first one-man art exhibition during his book-designing days. When he finally joined the advertising field, it was to seek creative satisfaction. I wanted to make films after creating so many flat pieces. So I joined an agency as an art director, he told the Business Star. Dato Lim, 43, had been with two agencies before working with Wings/BBDO. Leaving his post as regional creative director, he started Wings/BBDO (then Wings Creative). Wings/BBDO has become one of the most creative advertising agencies in this country. It was one of the top winners at the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Annual Awards (6As) ceremony this year, receiving 12 awards. However, even Dato Lim believed that something was lacking in terms of creativity in this country. Ive always sold Malaysias advertising industry abroad because I believe that our technical ability is quite high. However, the quality of ideas is low at the moment, which is why I have always tried to turn Kuala Lumpur into an advertising production centre, especially a post-production centre, he said. Dato Lim said most businessmen had never viewed
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the advertising industry seriously for downstream and sidestream activities. For a long time, it has always been a game played by foreigners. The Antah group happens to be the most progressive local group in the post-production area, he said. (Asia Pacific Video Lab Sdn Bhd, a member of the Antah group, is the only post-production house in Malaysia.) He himself has been involved in advertising-support activities. He is the chairman of the four-year-old Image Showcase, the only stock photography company in Malaysia. We achieve a turnover of about RM750,000 annually from just renting out slides, he said. The company is expected to start a film stock business in February 1990. He attributed the advertising industrys low quality of ideas to its rapid growth resulting in the lack of well-trained people. Fifty per cent of the people in the industry, including those employed by advertisers to buy or reject advertising ideas, is in the industry for less than two years, he said. Due to the amount of new people in the business, there will be a period of trial and error in trying to get good ideas, he said.

For a charitable course... special edition of the Guli Guli book was released to raise funds for Bakti, the welfare organisation of wives of ministers and deputy ministers. The book featuring cartoons by Tan Sri Lim portrays social issues in a light-hearted way.

November 11, 1990

Making capital of creative excellence

Fat birds dont fly says a rather cryptic sign above Datuk Lim Kok Wings office door at Wings/BBDO Worldwide. The interior is dim and the soft hum of the air conditioner making the only noise in the room. One breathes almost reverently for it is in this rarefied atmosphere that 43year-old advertising moghul Dato Lim Kok Wing comes up with his multi-million ringgit ideas. Dato Lim is half an hour late, apologises profusely and tells how he has spent the whole morning being spirited from one meeting to another with his endless list of blue-chip clients. He walks quickly into the room, grabs a cassette and puts it in the player. The melodic sound of a Malay joget number, with satirical lyrics on the elections, splinters the silence. Dato Lim beams. Doesnt this sound great. Joget Pilihanraya. The PM knows all the words and even sings along to it. The song is another Limkokwing original, produced to be played before a ceramah during the recent general elections. He looks genuinely surprised that perhaps a small section of the public might think him biased or even currying favour.Im not a politician. I hold no public office and Im not gunning for big business. Those cartoons are done with a clear conscience. People understand that or at least I hope that is the case. He walks over to his favourite corner of the room an angle in the wall that is covered inch for inch by advertising awards in gold, silver and bronze. These awards are perhaps testimony to the days of hard work, the endless discussions, the backbreaking hours that have resulted from a ruthless need to be one of the best in an industry that doesnt tolerate losers kindly. I dont consciously go out looking to win awards but we get listed, we get invited and every year we get sent awards
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from the US, UK, Japan. Its really easy. Advertising is rational, commonsense and dont let anyone tell you otherwise, he says. According to the chief executive-creative director, ad people are not special; just a group who are able to express themselves in a certain way. I enjoy it tremendously but am not in this for the money. I dont know how much I earned last month, how much Ill earn next year or what Im going to earn at the end of this month. One might understandably argue that money is the least of the millionaires problems right now but Datuk Lim insists that this is how it has been even in the beginning. My pleasure comes from the fact that we are a Malaysian agency and we are proving that in terms of quality, Asians can do it, Malaysians can do it. Its not a chip on the shoulder to prove ourselves to the Western world either. Just genuine pleasure that we are so capable. I didnt win these awards on my own. There are many people behind them.

Attitude for excellence

His rags-to-riches story has graced many a newspaper page, garnered metres of editorial prose and proved inspiration to many but Dato Lim is quick to shrug off his success story. Many people talk about this rags-to-riches thing but there are so many stories like mine around. He leans back, takes a sip of coffee and ponders: The whole culture of this agency is that we must produce work that is outstanding. Its simply that. No easy way out except through creative excellence. His special skill, if one has to be pinpointed, is the ability to get to the best point of leverage in the simplest way. When my people get back to me with a four-part solution to a brief, I tell them to

take three away and go ahead with the simplest. That does the trick all the time. But because Dato' Lim is a perfectionist or tries hard to be, he doesnt tolerate inadequacies from his staff. Once you develop an attitude for excellence, you have it for life. Yes, there are those who dont measure up. Then they face me Almost unconsciously a caricature on the outer office wall comes to mind, showing Dato Lim brandishing a sixbarreled gun and blowing an idea to smithereens. A thought bubble reads Another one bites the dust but Dato Lim laughs and says he is not as bad as that.

Money for charity

Many people cannot keep up with me because I dont spare myself when it comes to work. So maybe they call me a slave driver Sometimes I lose patience; I tell them to get off their butts and I mean it. I see people who are capable of doing better work and yet they dont push themselves, so I do it for them. I wont compromise on my own standards just to be called a good guy, he says firmly. The subject switches to the workforce, especially in an incestuous industry like advertising. It is a situation which upsets Dato Lim. He feels there are no professional ethics left in a field which is facing an acute shortage of people. There has to be some degree of loyalty to your employer, a dedication to your craft. Your integrity is important. Just because there is a favourable situation you must not exploit it. As if to illustrate this point, he tells of instances where he has gone to clients saying, This job we did for you is not right. Well do it again and shoulder all the costs. It is things like this which earn you integrity in this industry. Wings is the ninth largest ad agency in the country and weve grown at least 40 per cent this year, without any pushing and shoving, he says. He still has time to dabble in other projects. He is president of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped; chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Cancerlink Foundation; vice-president of the Malaysian Institute of Directors;
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Tan Sri Lim with Dr. Mahathir, then Prime Minister of Malaysia at a charity event for the Red Cresent Society. (Sitting on his lap is his daughter, Tiffanee Marie Lim).

national fund-raising chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society; treasurer of the United Nations Malaysian Association; council member of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents (4As) and council member of Advertising Standards Authority of Malaysia. One wonders if Dato Lim has 48 hours to every 24 hours of the normal day, but his secret lies in the fact that he works hard and very fast. But Im a little older nowI go to bed earlier, he chuckles. Also in the pipeline is a proposed commercial art school which will, hopefully, provide more art-educated young people for the industry, and an art gallery in the former Loke Yew residence, to help young artists. Perhaps I will be more successful if the venture works, and perhaps money will come in, but I havent planned it this way. If I earn more money it will mean that I have more money to spend on charity. The rain has stopped. As we stepped out of the office into the damp, earth smelling air, Datuk Lim is quiet. Why do I do charity work? he muses to himself. I suppose it is because life is temporary and Ive done very little compared to my own standards. And now I cant stop until I do.

March 10,1992

Need for training to solve shortage of professionals

The Malaysian advertising industry is facing an acute shortage of professionals and senior graphic designers, according to well-known advertising personality Dato Lim Kok Wing. He said that many vacancies for art directors and graphic design executives are not filled and that the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years. This is due to a lack of understanding and appreciation of the advertising industry. There is also a shortage of training facilities in the country. As a result, talented youngsters are unable to find the right way to move up. So they give up half-way, he added. The president of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, Dato Lim was addressing a three-day forum on Career Prospects in Advertising, Graphic Design and Public Relations organised by the private college. He pointed out that an art director could earn a five-figure monthly income while a graphic designer could be paid as high as RM3,000 a month. It was therefore a misconception that workers in the advertising industry are not well-paid. Dato Lim said that industry does not remain static all the time. It is in fact challenging and the young will need professional training to upgrade their skills. Advertising is not solely about art or design, said Dato Lim. You dont have to be well-versed in graphic design or art. As long as you have the creativity and imagination and you are hardworking and willing to learn you will make it big in this line.
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Numerous design firms

Dato Lim said that, according to statistics, about 80 advertising companies are operating in the country and nearly 70 of them are located in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. In addition, there are numerous design firms, publishing houses, printing companies and other concerns dealing in advertising and graphic design. For the creative lot, creative design is a special career with ample opportunities. Apart from drawing high salaries, practitioners will get spiritual satisfaction which is not easily experienced in other professions, he added. On the career prospects in public relations, Dato Lim regretted that some people hold the mistaken view that public relations personnel must be attractive and shapely. This has undoubtedly affected the image of the profession, he said. He stressed that public relations forms an important bridge between a company and the outside world. A PR professional undertakes an assortment of responsibilities ranging from planning a companys corporate strategy and event management to monitoring public views and improving a companys business. Of course, it is not easy to be a public relations officer. A good PR officer must have excellent organising skills, diplomatic tactics, patience, a dynamic personality, motivation and be quick thinking, he said.

in the main English newspaper of the time - New Straits Times. His meteoric rise in advertising landed him in the creative directors chair at Lintas while he was still in his 20s the youngest and first Asian CD at that agency. He used that position to lobby hard for what he saw as the Malaysian viewpoint in advertising. His first start-up, Wings Creative Consultants, blazed the trail for others by proving that big, private corporations would give their communications business, and trust, to local agencies. Today, Lim Kok Wing is synonymous with creative education. The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology has helped talented, young Malaysians gain international qualifications right here in Kuala Lumpur. The school is based on a strategic premise of empowering young people with the right skills and knowledge to make a grand entry into the modern job market.

cost competitiveness as a manufacturing base, we must gain strength as an originating hub. In other words, we must design brand and promote our own products, and they must be competitive enough to gain market shares in the international market place. The MDTC is being set up to play the role of catalyst in design and innovative technology development, said Lim. Although it is being established as a private sector initiative, it has the full backing of the Government, and is expected to assist the Government in creating the momentum needed for our countrys transformation to an OBM country Original Brand Manufacturing country. On the surface, the Innovative Design Challenge is about getting young designers to demonstrate the clever use of plastic in their works. But the underlying message of the event is much more significant. Tan Sri Dato Lim Kok Wing, chairman of the IDC 2002 organising committee, puts it this way: We simply must focus on good design to be more competitive to maintain our economic growth. We must do it now before we fall behind." The IDC is organised by the Malaysia Design Technology Centre, of which Lim is president, and the Malaysian Plastics Design Centre. The annual event marks the first time the two organisations have worked together. But its an obvious partnership: both share the common goal of developing Malaysia as a regional design hub. The collaboration also aims to revolutionise the manufacturing industry, particularly the plastics industry, from original equipment manufacturing to original design manufacturing and original brand manufacturing through improved technology in the design and manufacturing processes. The competition is open to individuals and corporations. Participants are required to come up with designs that incorporate the use of plastic in one of four categories: houseware, electronic and electrical products, telecommunications and Internet devices, and an open category.
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Driven by creative energy

In the knowledge-based economy, it will be a new generation of high achievers, most creative and techno-savvy, who will be the driving force, said Lim. Creativity is the beall and end-all of human capability. The sky is no limit. The universe is the playground. Perhaps Lims greatest dream is about to be realised with the imminent opening of the Malaysia Design Technology Centre in Cyberjaya. We look to countries like the US and Germany to provide what the world perceives as good products, Lim commented in an interview. These are inventive countries. They are driven by creative energy. The role of design is prominent in the goods they make and the enjoyment of all of these is enhanced by design. Ive worked my entire life to achieve this and I believe that when MDTC opens its doors next year it will make Malaysia a creative hub. Lim has said that without a dynamic design culture, a dynamic industry will not emerge. As Malaysia loses its

Private initiative
The MDTC is being set up to play the role of catalyst in the design and innovation technology department. Although it is being established as a private sector initiative, it has the full backing of the Government, and it is expected to assist the Government in creating the momentum needed for our countrys transformation to an OBM country Original Brand Manufac-turing Country. All this effort by a man who had struggled during his student days and stumbled into the world of advertising by mere chance. His brilliance and shameless boldness speak of his Malaysia Boleh inspiration as much as they do his charity, humility and hard work.

tions have been more then building a brand.

Youngest director
He was the driving force behind two highly visible efforts: the global fundraising to rebuild Bosnia and Herzegovina following war, and the voter education exercise in South Africas first democratic election. Closer to home, he created the Inflasi Sifar and Rakan Muda campaigns as well as playing a key role in anchoring the success of the XVI Commonwealth Games Kuala Lumpur 1998. His entry into advertising resulted in his appointment as the regions first and youngest Asian creative director for Lintas a multinational agency. He was in his 20s. In that position he lobbied to get the Malaysian viewpoint across in advertising. His Wings Creative Consultants was another trailblazing effort that helped big private corporations give their trust to local agencies to handle their communications. His earlier stint in journalism led him to drawing cartoons. His best known work from this period is the ABU series and Guli-Guli featured in the New Straits Times Press.

Advertising venture
Call him what you will, but Lim has made it. He struck out on his own in advertising when everyone said it was an industry that could only be led by foreign talent. He was the most significant of those who proved this assumption wrong, taking many multi-national agencies to the cleaners on new biz ads. He served as the president of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As), guided the organisation in pioneering advertising education in the country, and set up the most successful educational institution in the creative business Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology.

Right skills
Today Lim Kok Wing is synonymous with creative education. The Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology has helped talented, young Malaysians gain international qualifications right here in Kuala Lumpur. The school is based on the strategic premise of empowering young people with the right skills and knowledge to make a grand entry into the modern job market. In the knowledge-based economy it will be a new generation of high achievers, most creative and techno-savvy, who will be the driving force. Creativity is the be-all and end-all of human capability. The sky is no limit, the universe is the playground.
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Notable campaigns
The communications industry has few role models in the same mould as Lim. He is foremost a strategist, and among Asias best creative minds. He has influenced people through his many campaigns, both local and international. But the most notable campaigns during his 30-year old involvement in communica-

April 30, 2008

Limkokwing produces video to promote Olympic Torch Relay and China ties
The Content Creation Centre of the Limkokwing University has produced a short video to promote the Olympic Games and Malaysia-China bilateral relations. The video was screened prior to the Olympic Torch Relay event and during the opening ceremony of the Olympics at the Merdeka Square on April 21, 2008. Limkokwing University took part in the torch relay. Its MBA student, Wang Ji, made history of sorts when he was chosen to run in the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Kuala Lumpur. Wang Ji was one of the 80 runners chosen by the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee. Wang Ji, who is the chairman of the China Students Federation Malaysia, said he was privileged to represent the 8,000 international Limkokwing students and also the 12,000 Chinese national students currently studying in Malaysia. He was the only international student in Malaysia selected to run in the torch relay. It was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me. I am glad that I have done my bit for fellow students in Malaysia. I shall cherish this experience for the rest of my life, he said. the push that makes them excel, he explained. According to Tan Sri Lim, Limkokwing students are encouraged to pursue their interests to the fullest. They do not stay within the confines of their textbooks and their classroom lectures. They research widely, reading up on all that they can to know the latest trends. Wang Ji, who hails from Huludao City, in LiaoNing Province thanked Tan Sri Lim for his endless support and encouragement to international students like me. The Olympic Torch Relay, with the theme, Journey of Harmony, covered 137,000 km and lasted 130 days. The theme embodied the Olympic ideal of placing sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity. Harmony features strong Chinese characteristics and expresses the traditional Chinese philosophy in pursuit of a balance between man and nature, among people and between mans body and soul. It also supports Chinese peoples wish of building a harmonious society of enduring peace and common prosperity. After it was lit in Olympia, Greece, last month, the torch was carried to Beijing on March 31. Torch bearers passed through the Silk Road and carried it to countries in six continents. The Summer Olympic Games in Beijing was be held from August 8-24 2008.
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Students set benchmarks

The Limkokwing Universitys president, Tan Sri Dato Dr Lim Kok Wing, was elated. Wang Jis selection is a testimony that Limkokwing students are always eager to set new benchmarks in every endeavour. Their exposure to creativity and innovation in the course of their studies provides

May 4, 2008

The brain behind Limkokwings expansion continues to think up innovative ideas

The only one creative technology university in the world
Tan Sri Dato Lim Kok Wing was a cartoonist and a reporter before he joined an advertising agency and later set up his own agency. He not only raised his agency to a higher level but also transformed the local advertising industry. He said, The Malaysian advertising agencies used to create only advertising billboards and signage. They did not have the chance to participate in promotional campaigns. His advertising agency broke the norm and became the biggest local advertising agency during that time. However, he later sold his agency because he wanted to venture into something new. When the agency became the biggest one in Malaysia, it had won more than 200 awards. I thought that, if I wanted to do something different, I had to sell it. After that, he founded Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, which was later upgraded to university status in Year 2003. Limkokwing is not a usual university, it is the one promoting creative skills with its focus on innovation, he said. western-type cafe and hair salon on campus offer franchise licences for operation outside the campus. We train our students to be independent and responsible before they graduate, he added. They can be the countrys leaders one day. He feels that he himself is not an educationist but a participant in the academics field. This explains the unusual approach to learning and training at the university. He designs his students to think differently and excel in their studies. They think global because it is an international university with students from 130 countries. And they are highly employable. Tan Sri Lim admitted that the universitys fees are quite high, but it delivers high-quality programmes. Students interested in its programmes are not encouraged. We have to be better than other universities, he said. The university, he said, has a good track record but it does not live in the past. Instead it moves forward with the future in mind.

Western-type caf and hair salon

Many people wrongly perceived that that the university only concentrated on design. In fact, it applies creativity and innovation to all courses. It also offers architecture, mass communication and business courses driven by creativity. According to Tan Sri Lim, Limkokwing is the most creative technology university in the world. For instance, its
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Students feel comfortable

The universitys surroundings are modern and it is fun for students. The purpose is to make the students feel comfortable. It also promote the entrepreneurial spirit, but students are often reminded that it is not all about making money. You can expect to get the reward when a business is well run, he said.

What are the universitys secrets of success? Limkokwing always thinks ahead, has a keen sense of awareness, initiates things instead of following others blindly and has fixed goals. When you do something new you are inspired to work harder, he explained. So you will perform better. A worker should be happy. Then he will see everything optimistically. He disclosed that his son is working for him but his daughter is still studying at Limkokwing. Though they are smart, they have no intention of following in his footsteps. He says frankly that the kids do not have the intentions to inherit his work. However, he says that they are very brilliant kids. They have never gone through hard times in their lives as they are always well-protected, he said.

men to South Africa to invest in several ventures, he added. Today, Im enjoying more than what I have done in the past, he said. I am touched when former students and their parents remember him and still send their regards through the email.

Developing human capital

He said that, since Malaysia practices European-style education, many students from developing countries come to the country to further their studies. Limkokwing also exports its own blend of creative education overseas as it is well-received. We believe in developing human capital to fulfil the needs of developing countries, he said. Our graduates will play an importance role in their countries economic development. In Africa, he continued, the university has set up campuses by invitation. In Botswana, it is the only private university there and it appeals to its students. It will shortly open a third campus in Botswana owing to the great demand from students. It is establishing a campus in Lesotho in August and another one in Swaziland in September. It will also expand to Maldives and Zimbabwe. At the beginning of next year, it plans to set up a campus in New York. In 10 years time, its target is to have 10 million students worldwide. So far, it is gaining ground in China where it is collaborating with Tsing Hua University and other institutions of higher learning.

Everything runs smoothly

However, he relies on a team of loyal workers who have been with him for 20 years. Admittedly, he is worried about the universitys future, for he may not be around one day. Meanwhile, he makes sure that everything runs normally. I am not around when I travel but things still run smoothly, he said. As everyone knows, he has developed close ties with the Government. He said he could get along with the former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir, the our current Prime Minister Pak Lah and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak. He recalled that it it was through Tun Dr. Mahathir that he came to know the former South African President, Nelson Mandela. He had helped Mandelas government to run its election campaign when he was in South Africa for almost half a year. During the election campaign, I had accompanied senior officials when we toured the country and this had helped me to build close links with them, he said. Of late, he has formed cordial relations with other African leaders. After the lection victory, he took some Malaysian business37

Universities making changes

Ironically, Kuala Lumpur is forging ahead at a slow pace. Here, you have to try to fly with a big push, but in other countries you take off with a little bit of push, he said. The recognition given to Limkokwing in London has awakened many universities. They are starting to make changes, he noted.

He said the transformation of Limkokwing into a global university in less than 20 years is due to several key factors. One is that its courses are specially tailored to suit a country abroad or comply with its vision. It is also noted as a fun place to learn and gain knowledge. Another asset is that it encourages its students to develop their character and personality. We build their self-confidence, he said. We allow our students to pursue their own goals and learn what they personally like. They are thus motivated and happy. At its Cyberjaya campus, 60 per cent of its students are from overseas. The environment is therefore multicultural. Since its status was upgraded in 2003, Limkokwing has continued to introduce its own degree programmes. There is a wide choice of courses from six faculties. Its indusity programme allows students to acquire hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, merchandise management and running its business units like its caf, hair salon, fitness center and fashion store.

She thought that there was no future in this field and that I was wasting my time. Instead she wanted me to work in a bank or a business-related field.

Venture into advertising

Yet he excelled in art during his school days when he would be assigned to teach an art class during his teachers absence. It was not a surprise that, after he left his school, he found a job as a cartoonist. He next took up the post of a journalist at Eastern Sun but, after six months, he felt that the job was mechanical as he had to run around police stations and courthouses. His next move was to venture in the advertising world as a designer. Thanks to his talent, he was a rising star. He was to rise to become an art director and later a creative director. Ten years later, he got the urge again to move on and take on a new challenge. That was when he founded Limkokwing. Why did he choose to dress in black? Most artists like the colour, he explained. Artists like to create their own personality. Over the years, the university has won many awards which include: Export Excellence from MATRADE, 2002; Private Education Excellence, 2003; Information & Technology Excellence Award (Multimedia Education) from Technology Business Review, 2006; Education Excellence from the Malaysia Canada Business Council, 2006; Century International Quality Era Platinum, 2007, Geneva; International Quality Crown, 2007, London;? Special Award for Globalising Malaysian Education from the Ministry of Higher Education, 2007;?l Arch of Europe for Quality and Leadership, 2008, Frankfurt; and Export Excellence (Service) and Branding Excellence from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, 2008. The recipe for success? One must have a vision, break the rules if you have to, remain consistent and be sensitive to change and aware of opportunities.
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Popular Global Classroom programme

The university is also equipped with a photo studio, editing suites, multimedia labs, an in-house radio station, animation workshops and a music recording studio. The universitys Global Classroom is gaining wider acceptance, merging with the best of the East and the West. Born in the 40s, Tan Sri Lim did not complete his secondary education as his parents were too poor to support him. He left school to find work without his mothers knowledge. My father was a carpenter and my mother was also working. I wanted to start working at a younger age was because I didnt want to see them suffer, he said. However, his mother was upset when she learned he liked to pursue an art or design career.

December 17, 2008

Graduates of the Future

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing, president of the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, is keen on sharing his view about the need for young people to plan better for the future. I have always exhorted our students to design themselves because in designing yourself you are designing your own future, he said. This means is that you have the opportunity to design yourself ta designing a future you will be happy with and this is not just about getting a job. Of course, the job part will come because if you are designed for the future, it means that your skills will match the needs of the future employers. This is important because employers and businessmen with foresight will want to know what kind of graduates they will need in the future, given that the world is rapidly changing and evolving. Added Prof Lim: We are putting ourselves in the shoes of theses future employers and asking the same questions except that we also provide the answers so that parents and students can plan their future better. In his opinion, the most employable graduates in the future is one who is creative in his thinking because the talented people of tomorrow must be able to provide their prospective employers with the creative mind power necessary to penetrate new markets and expand businesses. Prof Lim is also one who moves with the times. The employment market will move to a new level of innovations as new ideas replace old ones in the constant search to do
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better in the global market place. A graduate who has the skills to innovate will be the one most sought after by employers of the future. Lastly, the most employable graduate is one who has a global outlook. He wont e caught hiding under the proverbial coconut shell. He understands that an event happening in the US will have an impact in faraway Asia. He is a world-savvy person who will help his company move ahead. Companies of the future will find such graduates valuable, because they are fully equipped to respond to global market conditions, with the right skills to innovate and solve problems creatively. The Limkokwing University campus is the unique place to stimulate the development of such skills in its graduates. Prof Lim noted: From the first day a student steps into our campus, he or she is trained to look at problems as opportunities for creative solutions to take place. They will also have ample opportunities to participate in the innovation process which they know will determine how the future will progress. They will learn from us the skills to help innovate and transform the future. Most if all students here study in a vibrant international environment among 9,000 students from 133 countries, a valuable experience to turn them in the world-savvy graduates of the future. Students will learn the soft skills of mixing and understanding how different cultures can impact peoples lives. They will appreciate the global network of friends who will help them sustain a global outlook in life.

Limkokwing University students are inbued with 21st century education that sets them apart from the rest.

In this way, the Limkokwing University graduate will be better equipped than most. The Limkokwing University graduate of the future will bring to his job a new level of skills that will more than meet the expectations of his future employers. What are
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these skills? Creative thinking. New ideas. Innovative solutions. World-savvy opinions. A perfect graduate designed to meet the needs of an increasing globalised competitive world. The educators of the Limkokwing University are prepared to launch their protgs into the inviting careers of the future.

December 22, 2008

The existence of versatile men

Multi-cultural exposure matures students, embeds self-assurance in decision making
The conventional education system, the one that lingers on reading and lectures might not cut it in this globalising era. This is because the academic world nowadays needs universal input which could be obtained from anywhere and everywhere. This is the approach of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Limkokwing) through their Global Classroom concept. This concept allows the student to go to a few countries in the process of getting their degree. The seemingly unorthodox concept has advantages on its flipside. One such experience is the wealth of experience brought with you (the Limkokwing student), in comparison with the average student, especially in this very competitive global-market. As students, global learning will be invaluable to you. Through this borderless education system, the student can choose to spend his first semester in country A and his next semester in country B and so on. For example, if the student studies business, he can start off in Geneva, Switzerland and continue his next semester in London and so on. This allows you no experience firsthand the way businesses and finances are managed from two separate scopes, Switzerland and the UK. The multinational exposure is essential in future dealings with the international community. More importantly, will be your decision making and when exchanging ideas and opinions in any issue. This ability sets you apart from the rest. It is this added value that most employers look out for when they hire fresh staff. Employers nowadays are looking for versatile and independent graduates that can contribute with fruitful ideas and adapt
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themselves to any situation. This is the product resulting from Limkokwings Global Classroom concept. Such graduates can be sent to any part of the world. This is an amazing reality; not some far-off wonder world dream. Limkokwing provides an academic network stretching over five continents to enable a complete education system. The university also pays close attention to European education as the continent is a major force in the worlds economy. Knowledge and being well-versed about the European economy makes you versatile. This is needed by employers across the world. As you pursue your degree in Limkokwing, you can also get another degree from a select few of the universitys partners concurrently. Believe it or not, as Limkokwing graduates, you have already become prized assets in any organisation in the world. Evidently, the Global Classroom concept itself shapes you to be a more matured, confident, charismatic and self-driven person. You will also be well-versed with the East-West culture in your studies in various Limkokwing campuses. The challenge of studying in a foreign country will help shape a more confident student because he has to make his own choices. This is your future success. Interestingly, you will be citizens of an international community with a vast friendly network. At Limkokwing, you have the unique opportunity to complete your degree fully abroad, something impossible with other institutions. This is the greatness and uniqueness ofThe Global Classroom.

which gave them the opportunity to study. The link will always be there, so, we have to make use of it. He said the change n pattern gave an idea of how the global market had changed. We need to ask ourselves how prepared are we and how prepared is the administration for globalization. Because of time difference, globalised competition, he said, took place 24 hours every day. It is not a joke. People have to come to that realization and not stick to old rules. When the need is not just to maintain but to push forward and cross boundaries, you have to innovate. You need to have new rules that are relevant, new support systems that facilitate and that will not slow you down because the competition does not wait for you. Competition means faster and faster and better and better. Thus, said Lim, it was crucial to have strong home-grown education for one to do work abroad. Education is highly regulated. It is difficult for regulators to let go as there is a need for control, to ensure quality. But there is also a need to be market-driven and as we globalise, we are selling to foreigners. And as foreigners come here to student and graduate, we must learn to let go. Due to the importance of innovation and speed to remain in competition, Lim pointed out the competition which was building up as developing countries rushed to close the gap with advanced economies. Outside out borders, new economies are making quantum leaps that are astonishing in their inventiveness and threatening in their competitiveness. As I support the need to regulate quality, I believe stops must also be taken to support competitiveness. If you have taken steps to ensure control, but none to support globalization, then those are empty, hollow words. Every day you read that we must globalise but where is the support? You fight a hard battle at home to win
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overseas. But if you see our (LUCT) number, we are winning overseas. Lim said that through the field was not level for the education industry players, LUCT preserved and strived to work harder as it was expected to do better. The university is where it is now because of hard work. Next year will tighter. If you look around, you may notice many vacant shops, fewer exports, funding will be affected, there will be layoffs, etc. So, next year, as a university, we have to innovate faster and in response to overseas market demands. We have to change to fit in, to products that people will buy. Every day we are fighting an overseas battle, and when we win, it is the country that wins. Similarly, if we lose, the country loses. So, unless we innovate, there is no way we can capture a chunk of the global market. Lim said integration between the public and private sector was lacking, notably on viable plans. At LUCT, integration of its facilities is given serious thought and feared towards providing others with as much freedom as possible, such as its huge central plaza within which much of campus life is designed to revolve. Here, even the food, menus and dinning outlets involve students participation with aesthetics while a stage at one side of the plaza enables students to perform musical or other forms of artistic expression during lunchtime. To attract more foreign students, the country needed a plan, said Lim. In other countries, they target foreign students. Everyone from taxi drivers to homestay operators are aware of the importance of attracting foreign students. We havent built that sort of system. Thus, we need a national strategy and not leave it to the devices of the private sector. We need to do things we have not done before, with the participation of all.

January 22, 2009

Is Obama ready for change?

By Lim Kok Wing
Anyone who harbours hopes of US President Barack Hussein Obama breaking with Americas pro-Israeli policies doesnt need to hold his breath. Like all his predecessors in the White House since the creation of the Jewish state in 1948, Obama will give Israel nothing less than unconditional support. Some analysts already fear that the Obama administration may tilt even more towards the Israelis than previous administrations. For proof, they point to Obamas decision to pick Rahm Israel Emanuel as his White House chief of staff, a post often labelled the second most powerful office in the executive branch after the president. Emanuel, who was Obamas first high-level appointment after the November 2008 election, once worked for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has served in the Israeli army, and allegedly holds dual US and Israeli citizenship. The Israeli newspaper Maariv hailed his appointment by calling him our man in the White House. Assisting Emanuel as senior adviser to the president will be his close friend David Axelrod, Obamas presidential campaign chief strategist and a Jew. Elected on a platform of Change to replace the unpopular Bush administration, Obama is entering the White House with a great deal of international goodwill. Much is made of his personal story, which has captivated people around the world, in particular the Muslims. Although a Christian, Obama is the son of a white American woman and a Kenyan man who was born a Muslim. He also spent part of his childhood living in
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Barack Hussein Obama elected on a platform of Change but is he ready for it?

Indonesia after his mothers divorce and second marriage to an Indonesian Muslim man. These are experiences that might have shaped a more open-minded worldview in the new president, but the early indications of the likely course of his foreign priorities are not promising. Apart from his appointments to his inner circle, Obama has remained silent on Israels invasion of Gaza on the excuse that he was deferring to President Bush as the sitting head of the US government. He chose not to comment on the 1,100 deaths in Gaza, nearly half of them women and children, and the massive destruction of Palestinian homes and properties. Instead, he thought it urgent enough to say he believed alQaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden remained the biggest threat to the security of the US.

Surely, Obama and his advisers must be aware that the Middle East is the most explosive region in the world and Israels savage attack on the defenceless people of Gaza has sent tens of thousands of angry anti-war demonstrators on to the streets in cities across the world. Osama and al-Qaeda are not the causes of the conflicts in the Middle East. They were born from the regions wars and terror. They are pustules of an inflamed region stretching from Palestine through Iraq to Afghanistan. The US should have listened when former British prime minister Tony Blair told Congress in July 2003 - four months after the US-British invasion of Iraq - that terrorism will not be defeated without peace in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine. Here it is that the poison is incubated. That poison has been extremely deadly, and attacked a large area of the planet. Since the Israeli war of independence that began in 1947 until the present, more than 63,000 people have been killed in Israeli-Arab conflicts 40,000 Arabs and 22,000 Israelis. The invasion and occupation of Iraq by US-led forces was largely aimed at removing the perceived threat to Israels security posed by Saddam Husseins belligerence. An estimated 1.4 million people have been killed in the wars launched by the US in Iraq and Afghanistan so far, including nearly 5,000 American and 800 allied troops. Besides the cost in human lives, American tax payers had wasted US$3 trillion (RM10.8 trillion) to support the wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan since 2003. For Israel, in 2007 alone, the US gave US$2.5 billion (RM9 billion). The same year, the Palestinians received US$109 million (RM392.9 million) from the US. Whether Americans like it or not, each and every one of them is directly connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And all of them are imperilled by Israels ruthless aggression. It is time for the US to listen harder to voices like
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Blairs that the achievement of stability, peace and security of the Middle East must begin with resolution of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Although Obama is surrounded by staunch Israel supporters, paradoxically he may be better positioned to resolve this protracted political tragedy once and for all. Unlike officials in previous administrations who saw Israels role as the American policeman in the Middle East to keep troublesome Arab regimes in line, the pro-Israel advisers with Obama would be more inclined to pursue the ultimate goal Arab recognition of Israels right of existence within secured borders. Obamas officials, like Emanuel, are Israeli patriots. That is why they retain Israeli citizenship. Israels long-term survival as a viable nation at peace with its neighbours would be uppermost on their minds rather than using the Jewish state solely to serve the hegemonic interests of the US government and to fight Americas wars in the Middle East. In Obamas presidency, the US has a golden opportunity to start anew in the quest for peace in the Middle East and to change the global political map. Few American presidents have entered the White House enjoying as much goodwill and hope from the international community as Obama has. Obamas message of change and hope, his youth and his eloquence are resonating with people across the world. The time is right for a leader of change as great events are unfolding across the world, with the crash of the US financial system roiling the global economy; with the wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan destabilising global politics by setting the Islamic world against the Christian West. Greatness awaits Obama if he succeeds in leading and shaping the events to change the world. That change should begin with dropping the Bush eras policy of unilateralism and embracing multilateralism in resolving global problems.

The reality of global collaboration has been acknowledged by Obamas incoming Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who said, America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own but the world cannot solve them without America. If that is the new principle of the Obama administrationsforeign policy, then he must begin the search for peace in

the Middle East by working with all the stakeholders which include Iran and Syria besides Russia and the European Union. That would be the change that the Middle East needs to bring an end to the suffering its people have endured. But is Obama the change that the world seeks?

February 7, 2009

Breeding the creative people- Limkokwing

Besides offering recognised industry related courses its graduates, Limkokwing University, also believed to be one of the most innovative universities in the world is well equipped with facilities that shape the ability of its graduates in various aspects. Weve set up business units relevant to the courses studied by the students. Through these business units, our students and the faculty share responsibility to manage and run their respective businesses, he said. Currently, the Ten-10 convenience store is managed by the Faculty of Multimedia Communications, Making Headlines (Fashion), Fitofly (Architecture), Wings Caf (Business), Makanlah! (Design) and the Music Centre (Multimedia). Tan Sri Lim says, through the businesses, students are trained to be independent in acquiring business management skills even though it is not related to their field of study. By mastering this additional knowledge, our students become more mature and practical, and this will ultimately be the difference between them and graduates from other universities, he claimed. More proudly he says, that these businesses run by the students have been successful and has the potential to expand and the university is ready to franchise them to interested graduates. In line with its role as an industry-led university, Tan Sri Lim says, the university is always involved with various
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Home-grown business units provide students real-life industry exposure.

Breeding creative graduates as problem-solvers is the main agenda of the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Limkokwing), said its president, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. The founder of the university also said, a balanced 50-50 theory and practical approach to learning, has thus far been successful in invoking the excellence amongst our students. Our goal is to not only produce graduates, but also mould people with a creative and innovative mindset that will be pivotal in helping them to compete on a global level, he said.

local and international projects that provide exposure to its students. It was a proud moment when Limkokwing University was selected to represent Malaysia in producing advertising to promote the recent Beijing Olympics that as seen on television. Other notable achievements are the designing of the National Service Programme uniform and the Malayan Tiger Stripes outdoor kits worn by the national athlets, created and designed by students of Limkokwing. Tan Sri said, the university has also indirectly involved itself in a number of rebranding and repackaging projects of local products to have a more commercialised look for better marketability. The presence of this university becomes relevant especially in aiding the government market the small-medium industry products internationally through the involvement of our students, he said. Thus far, Limkokwing University has and is collaborating with Tesco, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Small and Medium Industries Develop-ment Corporation

(SMIDEC), and the Branding Association of Malaysia. Tan Sri Lim also reveals that interaction between local students and the international students is a major contributor to the success of this university. An international campus atmosphere of students from 144 countries does make the learning process more realistic and dynamic, he said. He adds, the international interaction enables students to mature faster as well as promising brighter prospects for the future especially in building a worldwide business network. Currently, according to Tan Sri Lim, the number of students including campuses in London, Botswana, China, Jakarta and Malaysia sum up to 25,000 people. Our target is to up intakes to 100,000 students in the next two years. This can be achieved with the launching of three new campuses; Bali, New York and Swaziland this year, he said. Limkokwing University also aspires to conquer the world soon and is looking to expand their programmes to 170 out of 190 countries in the next five years.

March 5, 2009

Change meets Change

Cyberjaya, 3 March, One day after a presentation at a seminar here of the most powerful marketing campaign in recent history, the show moved to the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya. The campaign was the one that propelled a little-known US senator Barrack Obama to the highest office in the United State - that of the President. And the person who put on the presentation at the Petaling Jaya Hilton recently was Mr Roger Fisk, the former National Director of Special Events during Barrack Obamas presidential campaign last year.
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The mastermind behind President Obamas Change campaign was greeted by Tan Sri Lim Kok Wings long-standing outlook on Change via the Limkokwing produced Change video before Fisk took centerstage. At Cyberjaya campus Mr Fisk focused on innovation and creativity, the two elements that Limkokwing has built its philosophy on while also touching on the strategies he used during the presidential campaign such as venturing into new media including the usage of blogs, text-messaging and emails. A capacity crowd of 1,200 students and specially invited guests

Campus Asia, March 16, 2009

Design your own life

His mother wanted him to become an accountant, but went on to become somebody else with a bigger role to play. With determination and hard work, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dr. Lim Kok Wing, president of the well-known Limkokwing University, is stretching out his wings of influence in education. The university he established many years ago has now strengthened its presence in various countries, spreading fast across four continents. Later this year Limkokwing University will have four more campuses abroad including Bali and New York. And you do know why he succeeds? Its because of determination and good business management. Design your own life if you wish to be as successful. A newcomer to his office at Limkokwing University of Creative Technologys campus in Malaysia will say that everything looks normal and so ordinary, But his vision makes the artistic room extraordinary. Inside the spacious room, there are lots of crafts, paintings, and sculptures from various corners of the globe. To any observant guests his room looks like a small museum. Prof Lim grew up as an art lover; he loved to sketch on paper and draw lots of pictures when he was a child. So talented, he won many competitions and brought home trophies, which my mom did not like, he recalls. But he stopped short of explaining the reason for the rejection. Having four sisters, he is the only son in the family and was expected by his parents to be the pillar of the family. Thats why his mother thought it would be good for him to become an accountant.
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Many artists in the past died before they became famous; say for instance, Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and many others. My mom was afraid it would happen to me, he recalled. Because of such worry, he managed to convince his mother that he would be doing well with what he loved to do: art. Because of the poor economic conditions of the family, he did not continue his education to the university. He later worked as a reporter and then became a visual editor for a publishing company. Some time later, he started his own advertising company named Wings Creative Advertising. And within only five years, he manage to elevate the company to be the best and biggest throughout Malaysia. Currently, he spends 70 percent of his time at the university and the rest as a consultant for various agencies and governments, especially in the field of communication, branding, and tourism. Today, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is probably the most global Asian university. There are more than 30,000 students from at least 144 countries on the campuses in Malaysia, China, Botswana, Lesotho, London, and other countries. My story is a typical Asian story; from a poor family, I became successful. But something I have learned is you should become what you want to be, not what others want you to be. You design your own life. One of his staff members describes him as a strategist who strategizes his strategies. And you may not believe it until you meet him personally.

Technology Business Review, April 2009

Moving Mountains, Embracing Hope, Building Nations

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing shapes the leaders of tomorrow
Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has been recognised for being a creative genius, an entrepreneur, a master of communications, an inspirational mentor, and an educationist par excellence. And most recently, Forbes Asia named him as one of the 48 Heroes of Philanthropy. In its citation, Forbes wrote that Tan Sri Lim has been named one of only 48 persons in the Asia-Pacific region to receive this accolade because he has contributed and organized fundraising for everything from fighting AIDS to fighting Apartheid. His mission is to create learning pathways for needy individuals to fully develop their talent and skills so they can contribute to nation-building. He provides scholarships, disabled-student services and has given $22,000 last year to the Plight of Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak fundraising event. As a proud Malaysian, he has brought pride to the country by single-handedly turning the attention of the world to Malaysia and above and beyond that, making his mark in countries around the world through the Limkokwing University. He has pioneered the way forward for a brave new world of education where students think out of the box, believe in themselves and believe in what they do. And has taken the name and values of the Limkokwing University to places such

It is with 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 all of us 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.
Former South African leader in a letter to Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing

President Nelson Mandela

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Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has been recognised for being a creative genius, an entrepreneur, a master of communications, an inspirational mentor, and an educationist par excellence. And most recently, Forbes Asia named him as one of the 48 Heroes of Philanthropy.

Cambodia and - in a poetic act - the United Kingdom. Malaysian education has been heavily influenced by the British system, and Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has turned the wheel a full circle by taking a Malaysian university to London. By any measure, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a revolutionary and an innovator who is deservedly recognised as a very successful entrepreneur.

In its citation, Forbes wrote that Tan Sri Lim has been named one of only 48 persons in the Asia-Pacific region to receive this accolade The impact he has made because he has contributed though should be measured and organized fundraising for in more than just monetary Tan Sri Lim flanked by two of South Africas most prominent everything from fighting terms. He has shown that anti-Apartheid freedom fighters, dr. Popo Molefe (left) and AIDS to fighting Apartheid. Ahmed Kathrada (right) during a special tribute paid by no matter what status in life His mission is to create Limkokwing University to Nelson Mandela in June 2008. you start with, no matter learning pathways for needy what skin colour you are, no individuals to fully develop their talent and skills so they can contribute to nation-building. He provides scholar- matter what religion you believe in, no matter what country ships, disabled-student services and has given $22,000 you are born in - you can rise to the highest and achieve the last year to the Plight of Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak most seemingly impossible of all dreams. fundraising event. Hope is one of the most precious commodities in the As a proud Malaysian, he has brought pride to the coun- world. It inspires us to believe that we can be the best that try by single-handedly turning the attention of the world to we can be. It is, as US President Barack Obama would put Malaysia and above and beyond that, making his mark in it, audacious but necessarily so. Because only by daring can countries around the world through the Limkokwing we truly achieve. University. Technology Business Review takes you on a journey to He has pioneered the way forward for a brave new world of education where students think out of the box, believe in themselves and believe in what they do. And has taken the name and values of the Limkokwing University to places such as such as Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, China,
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explore the driving forces behind Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and how by being someone who dares and who inspires the audacity of hope in others, he has helped create the leaders of the tomorrow and inspire others to give such warm and honourable accolades.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has managed to pass on his special creative skills to his students and the result you have seen for yourself. That is why an institute like the Limkokwing Institute is very important because what it does is to enable us to bring out the creative capability and capacity within ourselves and we have seen thousands of students now, not only from Malaysia but from all over the world, be trained by the Limkokwing Institute to become creative and the result is indeed very impressive.

YAB Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad

Thus, he has devoted his time and effort into promoting peace, even as early as 1989, when he produced a shortfilm entitled Ceasefire 89 to call for an end to the nuclear arms race. In more recent years, he has been instrumental in the creation of the Kuala Lumpur World Peace Award which was first given to then French President Jacques Chirac in 2003 - as well as the Perdana Global Peace Forum in 2005. For these as well as other endeavours, he has received the Ambassador for Peace Award from the Universal Peace Federation and Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace and the Malaysian Peace Ambassador Award from the Sun Yat Sen Centre for Peace and Education (SEA), as well as being named the President of the World Peace Academy.

Former Prime Minister, Malaysia. January 2001

skills training to the youth. One interesting trivia is that the man who was the chairman of the association was none other than a civil servant by the name of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. We should stress again that his efforts are not confined to the shores of his homeland. As touched upon above, one of the driving principles behind his zeal and vision is his belief in the

The revolutionary educationist

There is a central theme to Tan Sri Lims philanthropic efforts, and that is empowerment. He has long been active in empowering young people even before he ventured into the education sector. He was, after all, a member of the Malaysian Vocational Association in the early 1970s, where he was in charge of raising funds for programmes that will provide
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Tan Sri Lim awarding Mr.Festus Mogae with an honorary doctorate in Transformational Leadership, in recognition of his role in providing educational opportunities to young Batswana in January 2007.

potential and the strength of the next generation. As such, wherever he has travelled, he has always preached on the importance of empowering the youth by encouraging them to think out of the box, to be creative, and to harness technology so that they can be innovative. Education, as clich as it might sound, is perhaps the most potent tool that anyone can have. Quality education surpasses wealth and power because it arms people with the ability to generate ideas that would enable them to create wealth. In a nutshell, education empowers people, and for the better part of 18 years, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has been empowering young people around the world. Since 1992 when he first set up the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology - now the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to today with Limkokwing University campuses in the UK, China, Lesotho, Cambodia, Indonesia, Botswana, and Swaziland, he has pushed one core message. It is a message that stresses on the importance of creativity and innovation, and the borderless world that these two traits open up. He is thus a revolutionary in every sense of the word, for the very fact that he has challenged the norms of what many believed education should be like, and in doing so has come out on top. It should be noted that for Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, creativity and innovation are not just buzz

words or useful catchphrases to bandy about but are core values that he truly believes in. And not only does he believe in them, but as we can see from the above, he has also attempted to inculcate them into others through the most effective way possible - by making them part and parcel of education methodology. As such the name of Limkokwing University has become recognised by no lesser an authority than UNESCO as a role model for the practice of management.

Bringing people together

We have already come touch upon Tan Sri Lims passion for peace. Without a doubt though, his most visible contribution to bring about world peace and understanding lies in the Limkokwing University. When you walk into the Limkokwing campus in Cyberjaya, you will find yourself walking into a veritable United Nations where students from all over the world study, interact, and even work Limkokwing University is renowned for its industry-driven education and work experience - together. After all, if there is one way to bring down barriers between people, it would be to bring them together in a common community where they have the opportunity to interact with one another. And the best time to do this is of course when they are still young. Of course, what makes the Limkokwing model even more exciting is the fact that with the

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 Universitys local alumni who are already making their contributions to our society. We are, therefore, confident of Limkokwings continued ability to empower our youths in this new setting. Mr. Festus G. Mogae
Former President of the Republic of Botswana, 2007

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Lim Kok Wing is a man who personifies excellence and who seeks to create that same sense of excellence in others. But, he also realises that many times, the academic results of someone does not reflect on their ability or potential, and as such should not be a barrier to them pursuing their education. Nor too should financial problems. Through the Limkokwing Foundation for Creative Excellence, he has provided scholarships to outstanding young people who are unable to pay for university. And this philanthropic spirit can also be seen in the Limkokwing Institute for Tomorrow, which helps build capacity and capability amongst disadvantaged communities, particularly in Africa. All in all, RM50m have been given by the Limkokwing Foundation for scholarships.

Students at Limkokwing University Botswana eagerly greeting Tan Sri Lim during his visit to the campus. Their enthusiasm testifies to the high regard and respect with which he is held there and indeed across Africa.

The Friend of Africa

And no where is that innate humanitarian in him more apparent than in Africa. When many of us hear of Africa, we tend to think of a continent that is torn by civil strife and natural upheavals. Yes, we would feel our heart strings being tugged and we will give some money to charity to uplift the situation of the people there. But Tan Sri Lim saw more than just the conflict and poverty in Africa that the media seems to concentrate so much on. He saw young people with the potential to be so much more if given the chance. He saw countries that could

lenged when it comes to education. Let us take for instance the almost fanatical devotion given to scholastic achievement, which has resulted in students not being given the chance to pursue tertiary education because- for some reason or another they were unable to get the credits required to enter university. This is not to say that the Limkokwing University encourages or rewards mediocrity. After all, as a man who has turned himself from successful cartoonist to advertising and communications guru to global educationist, Tan Sri

Botswana has potential to become the education hub for the whole of Africa. Here students will gain from 21st century knowledge and technology transfer. Here they will acquire critical and creative thinking. Here they will understand business leadership and innovation. Here they will undergo a life-changing learning experience.

Professor EmeritusTan Sri Dato Dr Limkokwing

Founder President, April 2007

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We are all excited by the opportunity to be working so closely with such an inspirational university as Limkokwing, which, in our view, has been a leading light in Asia for many years. Already it has gained international recognition as a model new university, innovative, distinctive and excelling at what it does. We cannot but admire the inventiveness and sheer audacity of Limkokwing University in taking an idea that many have dreamed about The Global Classroom and turning it into an affordable reality for people across the world. Professor Dr Michael Thorne
Vice Chancellor, Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, 2007 become First World nations if they had the leaders. And he knew that in order for these leaders to develop, they would need first class education that will help bring out the best in them. Africa cost 30% less than that in Malaysia although the quality of education is the same, which is to say, world class. Furthermore, as Limkokwing University is a leader in an industry driven education, the students there receive the The relationship between Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and right skills that will enable them to position themselves in Africa has been a strong and long-standing one, and stu- the global marketplace. dents from 45 African countries have studied and are study- In a nutshell, the University will help create future entreing at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology preneurs and thought-leaders who of course will drive in Cyberjaya. Although those students were and are receivtheir nations forward in the future. In other words, the ing world-class education, Tan Sri Lim knew that there were many who did not have the opportunity to pursue University is like a tree that brings forth many fruits, from which will come forth more trees and more fruits, till at the their dreams. end of the day, what started out as just one tree will be an As such he established a campus in Gaborone Botswana in abundant orchard. 2007, and from then on others followed such as Maseru in Lesotho, and Mbabane in Swaziland. He has thus Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is the visionary who has planted brought change and hope to these countries -which rank the first seedlings and have watched those trees spring up. amongst the poorest in the world - and through investing And soon these trees will bear their fruits. March 2009 in education and technology, help upgrade their skills and marks the 2nd anniversary of the opening of Limkokwing thus reduce the digital divide that separates the haves from Botswana, the first Limkokwing campus in Africa, and the have nots. around 1,400 students will be graduating from it. They And of course it has become more affordable for students will be armed with a unique set of skills and mindsets that as well since tuition fees for Limkokwing University in make them on-par with global standards.
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Education is not only confined in a classroom. It is about the world around us. It is about who we are to other people. What we can do for them. How we can make a difference to the world we work in. Education is a very powerful tool because it builds a nations hope for the future.

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dr Limkokwing

provides a socially conducive and familiar environment since the students will be studying in their Home country; and it provides much needed employment for Basotho in the construction of facilities in academic and non-academic offices. Thus it should also be noted that while we may have spoken about the direct consequences of setting up Limkokwing University in Africa, we should also mention the indirect benefits it brings. For one thing, it creates jobs as industries are needed to help build and support the campuses, while at the same time the quality and standards at Limkokwing serve as role models that help boost the quality of local tertiary institutions. to continuously drive themselves forward.

Founder President, April 2007

Many decades ago, a young man had just finished his secondary education. His parents were too poor to send him to college, and as such he had to start working to support his family. Through hard-work and the gift of creativity, with which he was blessed, he made a name for himself in the world of cartooning, then advertising, and finally education. That young man was of course Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. The story of his earlier life probably best explains what drives him to do what he does. Because like a great humanitarian, Tan Sri Lim believes that not having had the opportunity to pursue his education, he would make sure that others will not be denied theirs. He believed in himself, was passionate about his work and had the utmost confidence to do it all and make the impossible, possible. That is the central most powerful message that the university drives home to all the students. Be all that you can, give your work and your passion everything and you will succeed beyond your wildest imaginations. The students are certainly living up to these expectations and that maybe is the best possible philanthropic act of them all. By equipping them with these priceless strengths, you change an entire generation for the better, and with that, you change an entire nations future. And thats how we Move Mountains, Embrace Hope and Build Nations.
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Giving the gift of hope

The Forbes Asia citation gives recognition to his charitable efforts, his fund-raising activities, and his campaigns against AIDS and Apartheid amongst others. But in our book, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing deserves the title because more than just giving money and he has done that as well he has given something more valuable and infinitely more precious. He has given hope. It is hope that is embodied in the high quality education that he has provided to students in some of the most impoverished nations in the world. It is a hope that encourages them to reach for the stars, to not settle for second best, and

Deeplyinvolved with Philanthropy

Despite the demands of running a highly successful business, Tan Sri devotes 40% of his working time to help the poor, the needy and the disadvantaged.
As in everything he did, Tan Sri Lim was ahead of his time in philanthropy. The current buzz word in the 21st Century is CSR (Community Service Responsibility) but Tan Sri Lim was already deeply involved in community service years ago even though a successful entre-preneur so busy with many projects. He designed himself to find time for community work and not surprisingly, established his name as a prominent philanthropist, devoting 40% of his working time on social work alone. His work with the Red Crescent was legendary, doing phenomenal work raising public awareness in blood donation and flood assistance and raising funds through projects like Fashion Aid and Child Alive Charity Concert. He help found the Society for the Severely Handicapped and Cancerlink and was a member of the boards of several commmunity projects. For his significant leadership in community work, he was recognized by the Malaysian Royalty with an award that named him a Dato (which is equivalent to a Sir) and later a Tan Sri (equivalent to a Lord). His vision of himself as a philanthropist was not just to donate money and time. There were larger and more meaningful issues to look at.

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

Dr Haris Silajdzic

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He saw the plight of the Palestinian people as an issue that the global community should be aware of and set about developing a campaign aimed at reducing the sufferings of the Palestinians. He might be a Chinese living in Malaysia which is a Muslim dominated society but race or religion did not feature in his drive to help others. His campaign for the Muslim Palestinians drew accolades

from leaders around the world. Similarly, with BosniaHerzegovina, he draw global awareness to the unfair persecution of the Bosnian people and raised funds to help their plight. Tan Sri Lim had always been a man in a hurry to get things done and to get his business up and rising but in true philanthropic spirit, he had never been in a hurry to ignore the needs of the disadvantaged.

February 27, 1979

Let blood circulatedrive

Pass it on, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) says. It is meant to circulate. They mean blood, and they are serious. The Blood Bank is short of it by over 80,000 pints. And that's the reason for hoping their poster can convey this message to those who care to start the blood circulating. Designed by Wings Creative Consultants, the poster depicts a huge drop of blood neatly gift-wrapped to someone who needs from someone who cares. The posters, in three vernacular versions, are sponsored by Matsushita Sales and Services. All you need is just about 30 minutes of your time and you can give that precious pint - and it will go a long way towards helping others. Meanwhile, three local banks - Bank Bumiputra, United Malayan Banking Corporation and Malayan Banking yesterday donated a total of RM100,000 to the MRCS building fund. A donation of RM50,000 was also received from the Sabah Foundation on Feb 6. The MRCS needs a total of RM6 million for the building of its new headquarters complex in Jalan Belfield here. So far, RM850,743 has been collected.

A poster designed by Wings Creative Consultants to promote blood donation.

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May 8, 1982

Caring and sharing

The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), as it celebrates World Red Cross Day with 128 other national societies in the world tomorrow, hopes that more Malaysians will come forward and offer their services to the community. The deputy chairman of its public relations committee, Mr Lim Kok Wing, said today the MRCS has a place for any individual who wants to contribute his share to the community. He said the theme for this year's World Red Cross Day is Caring and Sharing and emphasises the role of the Red Crescent in the community. We never say 'no' to anyone who wants to offer their services to the MRCS. There is room for everyone, Mr Lim said. Doctors can help train our first aid team while
An appropriate logo specially designed for a charity cause.

engineers can offer valuable advice to our technical staff. We also need many volunteer clerical and secretarial staff, he said. Mr Lim said that although Malaysians are basically warm-hearted people, the consciousness level of the need to help is not high as it should and can be. There is a need to generate greater awareness among Malaysians to assist in voluntary organisations, Mr Lim added. He said if 10,000 people could spare an hour per week to render voluntary services, voluntary organisations like the MRCS would have 480,000 hours of extra help a year.

Need for action

As much as we need more people to help, Mr Lim said, It would also be encouraging if offices could pass the hat around on World Red Cross Day

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and contribute to the MRCS, he added. The editorial of the League of Red Cross Societies for World Red Cross Day read: The message we want to convey to our fellow citizens on this day is that progress depends on them. There will be no real improvement in people's health, safety and wellbeing without the involvement of each and every member of the community. Change cannot be imposed or brought about by spending huge sums of money. It will happen only when people take part in deciding what needs to be done and then actively supporting the efforts that follow. The Red Cross message on May 8 is a call to action. But it

is also a declaration that people count and that, through the Red Cross, individuals can be equal partners and take the lead in the process of shaping their destiny, he added. Branches and districts of the MRCS throughout Malaysia have drawn up various programmes to observe the occasion, which includes World Red Cross Day parades, exhibitions and lectures, gotong royong activities for sanitation, blood donation campaigns and parties for orphans, handi-capped children and for inmates of old folks' homes. Mr Lim said one of the more unique activities of the MRCS on World Red Cross Day is the adoption of babies born on May 8.

October 12, 1982

A cop can be a great friend

The policeman is more often than not viewed as an unapproachable figure better kept at arm's length. This erroneous belief is neither to the advantage of the public nor the police. On many an occasion, information which could prove useful to the police has not been forthcoming. But the barriers of misunderstanding are being removed at Bukit Bandaraya in Bangsar. Residents are being urged to treat the policeman as a friend instead of an aloof figure of authority. Says residents association's president Lim Kok Wing, The police should be seen as good neighbours, with whom you can talk to as easily as a friend. Together with the Brickfields police, the association is forging rapport between police officers and residents. A scheme to ensure that area is extensively covered and to make the police presence felt was implemented two months
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ago. Under this scheme, police boxes have been fixed at some 40 houses in strategic spots. Officers on their rounds have to clock in while on their designated route. According to Brickfield OCPD Norian Mai, the scheme has other benefits besides ensuring that the area is well patrolled. As the same officer is deployed on a beat for at least three months, residents will get to know him. As the barriers of communication are removed, he would hopefully be treated as one of the community. The presence of boxes could also be a deterrent. The word, police, written across them is enough to scare off petty thieves. Mr Lim says the association maintains close ties with the police, with a sub-committee on security, liaising regularly with them. However, Mr Lim calls on residents not to leave everything to the police.

January 24, 1983

Residents seek government support for projects

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is sometimes described as a wealthy, talented man with a heart of gold. In his own words, he subscribes to giving back to society. Even in his younger days, he has championed community, charity and humanitarian causes at home and abroad. Residents' associations should get some form of official recognition for their work in extending government efforts at grassroot level. Bukit Bandaraya Residents' Association president Lim Kok Wing said this is the missing link that has led to poor communication between such associations and government bodies. Although associations are formally registered, their efforts have been absolutely voluntary, he said last Saturday. Mr Lim added that many residents' associations have not been doing well because they have problems getting proper leaders and interested members. There is a lot to be done in carrying out activities throughout the year and associations have to spend time, skills and money to ensure that work is done. Often, this is carried out in conjunction with national celebrations or in response to government policies like good neighbourliness or anti-dengue campaigns. Mr Lim said associations have never been invited to related functions organised by the Government. With participation by residents in the committees in charge of annual functions, they will be able to mount effective campaigns at their own level, he added.
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He also suggested that the relevant body help set up associations in housing areas that do not have them. Perhaps residents can be told to submit regular reports on their activities until interest is established and the associations can run on their own. In addition, better relationship can be fostered between associations through social and sports programmes arranged by the National Unity Board. Mr Lim has been involved in the Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association's committee for the last five years. For three years he was the association's president. However, he will not be standing for re-election this year because of heavy demands on his time and the fact that the association has matured. When we first formed the association, it was difficult getting residents to show interest in functions lined up for them. But there is great interest now - and as there are people who want to actively contribute, they must be given a chance to do their bit. Since 1975, the association has expanded its original emphasis from problem-solving to include good neighbourliness, goodwill, beautification and security. It holds annual gardening competitions, presents Good Neighbour awards and social get-togethers, in addition to organising fund-raising activities for charity. A special feature is the checkpoint system introduced late last year to enable continuous patrolling of the housing estate by the police.

December 23, 1983

Society for the severely mentally retarded awaits green light

The proposed Society for the Severely Mentally Retarded is ready to roll, once the authorities give the green light. Although a sum of RM180,000 has been pledged from wellwishers, the society is unable to proceed with the plans drawn up as it has yet to obtain approval from the Registrar of Societies. Its pro-tem chairman, Mr Lim Kok Wing, said many people, particularly parents of mentally handicapped children, have expressed support for the society. However, there is increasing impatience among some of the parents since the society has waited six months for its registration. The application was submitted in May this year through the Ministry of Welfare Services for screening. This is the normal procedure and the Ministry is then supposed to make a recommendation to the Registrar of Societies, he said. We understand there is some delay as the Ministry has to check to ensure that we will not be duplicating services provided by some other welfare organisations. We feel there is an urgent need for such a society and hope that the Ministry can arrive at a decision soon, he said. The society aims to provide day-care facilities to severely mentally handicapped children who have been refused admission into existing schools or centres. Another objective is to provide counselling for parents of such children through talks, discussions and work projects. Although the society has not been registered, permission was obtained to hold a charity dinner in August this year in which RM120,000 was raised. Another RM60,000 came from the proceeds of the Her World Fashion Gala. The money is being kept by the organising committees of the charity functions as the society has not yet opened a bank account. Mr Lim said the society would apply for permission to open a bank account soon.

August 28, 1984

Song for the world

Two local singers are about to break into the international scene with a catchy song with a message,Take The First Step (To Peace). The singers are Salamiah Hassan, who has to her credit two Bahasa Malaysia albums on the CBS label, and Tommy Tan, pub-singer and owner of an agency dealing in advertising jingles. The two are getting this golden opportunity to take their
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song to the world through the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), which got them to record it as their contribution to the cause of world peace. The song, in English, will be first released at the Second World Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference on peace, to be held in Marlehamn, capital of Aaland Island in Finland, from Sunday to Sept 6. Tunku Tan Sri Mohamad, leader of the three-man

Dato' Lim said the response to the centre had been initially very discouraging, especially from the private sector, but the situation had improved a little. The six children at the centre were rejected by the other voluntary organisations, he added. These children were considered as being beyond redemption. Dato' Lim said this was a fallacy and that the day-care centre had to break through this barrier. He said it was sad that parents of such children hide them at home for fear of public ridicule. The severely mentally handicapped child is the most severely disabled, but the child is not beyond redemption, he said. We have to break through this misconception and encourage parents of such children to come forward. He said they decided to form the society to help severely mentally handicapped children after being approached by a group of mothers of such children. The day-care centre taught the parents how to toilet-train.

It was very discouraging initially, but three months have passed and the six children have also learnt to relate to one another, said Dato' Lim. The Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped is a voluntary welfare organisation and was established in 1984. The main aim of the society is to provide care and education for the severely mentally handicapped to the fullest extent possible. The day-care centre gives treatment such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special therapy and special education. All children admitted to the centre must be certified as severely mentally handicapped by a consultant paediatrician. A full medical/psychological report should also be made available. Once the children have been toilet-trained and taught the basics of looking after themselves, they can be accepted as human beings, beautiful in their own way, Dato' Lim added.

July 21, l986

Young volunteers stage concert

George Benson, in his song, The Greatest Love Of All, sang: children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside; give them a sense of pride It was a message to all: that the off-heard children -shouldbe-seen-not-heard saying does not apply any more. A child is entitled to a healthy living and environment; he needs to be protected from the threat of diseases and hunger. And that is the chief purpose behind the staging of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society's Child Alive Charity Concert on Nov 6 and 7 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. According to MRCS vice-chairman and head of the organising committee, Dato' Lim Kok Wing, the concert,
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which carries a theme of the young helping the young, pools the efforts of volunteers, including children. He is also calling on local musicians and artistes to come forward and do their part for the cause. Dato' Lim said: An event like this would also do good for the musicians' (or other local artistes') image. Some have been implicated in drug scandals, and charity concerts such as these give them the opportunity to prove otherwise to the public. Proceeds from this variety show will go to the society's community service projects aimed at providing, among others, better facilities and health amenities for children in rural areas.

July 20, 1986

Fashion Aid raises funds

The Malaysian Red Crescent Society collected RM40,000 from the Fashion Aid show it presented at the Putra World Trade Centre here last night. Fashion Aid, the biggest local fashion do in the city, displayed 450 outfits by 29 designers. About 60 models volunteered their services. This show took approximately 4,000 hours to prepare. The event is the first concerted effort of its kind in the country, involving a pool of talents from established top-flight designers, aspiring stylists, top models, stage production experts and hair design specialists. Chairman of the society's national finance and fundraising committee Dato' Lim Kok Wing said this pooling of local creative talents to raise funds might become an annual affair. The three-hour show began with a brief slide presentation of the worldwide work of the Red Cross Society. Among the 1,000-odd audience were the patron of the show, Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah, Welfare Minister Datuk Abu Hassan Omar, Datuk Bandar Datuk Elyas Omar and other dignitaries.

September 18, 1986

Too deeply involved to give any excuses

For many of us, lack of time is often an excuse for not getting involved in social work. But Wings Creative Consultants managing director Dato' Lim Kok Wing can hardly use this excuse because he isalready too deeply involved in numerous voluntary and charitable organisations in various capacities. After being involved in so many projects, I must stay on to ensure that they succeed, said Lim. Despite a heave work schedule, he still spends more than 40 per cent of his working time on social work alone. In fact, he expects this to increase to 50 percent soon. Dato' Lim, 40, is the vice-president of the Society for the Mentally Handicapped, and the treasurer-general of the Malaysian Vocational Guidance Association, both of which he helped to set up. He is also a council member of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and chairman of its national financial and fun-raising committee. He was the organising chairman of the successful Red Crescent Fashion Aid in July, which featured 29 fashion designers, 60 professional models
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and about 450 outfits. While he was the president of the Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association, he introduced the Good Neigh-bour campaign, where he received citations and awards for good neighbourliness. The campaign was adopted by other residents associations throughout the country. He even produced a song on good neighbourliness entitled, Smile At Your Neighbour, which was recorded in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. The song is still being played over radio, he said. Dato' Lim is also a cartoonist. His weekly cartoon strip, Guli Guli, is another effort to promote racial unity. He was once quite active in politics, but has since stayed away due to his social and voluntary work. I feel I can contribute more effectively through voluntary and charitable organisations because they cut across racial barriers, said Dato' Lim, who is still an MCA member.

April 27,1987

Song album to raise funds for day-care centre

An album featuring songs strong emotions and cut depicting the plight and across racial barriers, he said. suffering of severely mentally In an extension to the public retarded children will hit service message on tape, the record shops in the country society is working to produce in June. a music video of the two A project by the Society for theme songs. We intend to the Severely Mentally have a children's choir sing Handicapped (Selangor and the two songs, accompanied Federal Territory), the novel by a group of handicapped donation drive is also aimed children, said Dato' Lim. at increasing public awareness We think the visual impact of the disability. Pacific Music will be tremendous. Corporation will produce and distribute 50,000 tapes Reaching out... Children who are severely mentally handicapped High expenses to be sold at RM5 each. The are able to be cared for, thanks to the contributions of concerned The money collected from proceeds from the sales will members of the community. donations is needed for the go to the society. day-care centre in Petaling The songs will be presented in three languages - Bahasa Jaya. There are 15 children aged between four and 12 at Malaysia, English and Chinese. The tapes will also include the centre. selections by local singers whose songs carry messages of the Dato' Lim said the centre's monthly operation expenses disabled children. run to about RM10,000. The money we collected from Society president Dato' Lim Kok Wing said a different the tape sales will be used for this as well as to engage angle was chosen this year because of the competition more qualified teachers, he said. There are three teachers from various charity organisations vying for public funds. at the centre at present.The multiple handicaps of these We also felt there is a need to increase public awareness children are considered so severe that other centres and about the severely mentally handicapped. The album serves homes catering to handicapped children cannot cope with their rehabilitation. both purposes, he said. This year's campaign is centred on the needs of children Admittance to the day-care centre requires certification from who are severely mentally handicapped. Children evoke a paediatrician that the child is severely mentally handicapped.
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May 4, 1987

Ad firms gift of song to the handicapped

Hand in Hand is a song composed by Datuk Lim after being inspired by the plight of severely mentally handicapped children.

A gift of song is a gift of love, so sang the sandpipers in the early seventies. And now Wings Creativity Consultant Sdn Bhd, an advertising agency, has decided to offer this same gesture of love in a song for the severely mentally handicapped. Hand in Hand is composed by Wings managing director Datuk Lim Kok Wing and two others in the company's creative department. Datuk Lim, who is also president of the Selangor and Federal Territory Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, will produce a music video of the song. Datuk Lim said the effort is to increase public awareness of the plight of the handicapped. The music video will feature a children's choir and handi72

capped children performing hand in hand. Auditioning will be held after Hari Raya Puasa. Proceeds from the sales of the music video will go towards the society. Hand in Hand will initially be featured in an album to be produced and distributed by Pacific Music Corporation (PMC). The song will be sung in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese. So far, only the English demo tape has been recorded. Besides the theme song, the cassette will include songs with messages about disabled children. PMC will be distributing 50,000 cassettes throughout the country by June this year. Proceeds will go to the severely mentally handicapped children's day-care centre in Petaling Jaya, which needs about $10,000 a month for operational expenditure.

June 18, 1987

Drug abuse film tobe shown inVienna

A Malaysian-made 60-second film reflecting the ugliness of dadah addiction will be shown in Vienna, Austria. Called The Trap, a live mouse and a mousetrap were used in the film to depict how the dadah trap works. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mathathir Mohammed has taken it to Vienna for the international conference on drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which began yesterday. Wings Creative Consultancy Sdn Bhd managing directorcreative director Dato' Lim Kok Wing, who produced it, said, similar to the mouse and the trap, a smart and intelligent person could easily fall victim to dadah addiction. It is a strong warning as the victim, when caught, cannot break away. He suffers slowly before eventually dying painfully said Dato' Lim. The jagged edges of the trap give this feeling of torture and pain. Dato' Lim came up with the concept at the end of last year, following a meeting with Dr Mahathir, in which Dr Mahathir's concern about the problem in the country sparked the idea. Both wanted to come up with a film that could communicate effectively the dangers of dadah addiction to the public, especially the young. Dato' Lim came up with this different approach because he felt previous ones had put pressure on parents as they usually portrayed uncaring parents or problem families. The Trap is a symbolic film that is suitable internationally, he said. It can be shown anywhere. Even the face of the dadah victim was made to appear hazy so that people around the world could relate to it. Dato' Lim said Malaysia should not only be seen as a country that punishes traffickers but also as a leader in the fight against addiction.
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Malaysia is very aware of the problem of dadah and thus is in the position to help others, added Dato' Lim. Any country that wants the film can have it. Sponsored by Wings Creative in terms of production cost, amounting to RM30,000, The Trap was produced by Jemima Filems Sdn Bhd. Shooting started last January. It took a dozen mice to make the film for it was difficult to get just one to produce the desired effect. Mr Freddie Fernandez voluntarily composed the theme song and its screening is sponsored by the Government. The film is available in three languages - Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin - using the voices of Encik Ali Rahman, Mr Patrick Teoh and Mr Ow Chee Aun respectively . This is the first anti dadah film produced by Dato' Lim. He is now working on two films on keep-clean for the Prime Minister's Department. The 60-second film, which will be ready by the end of the year, is being sponsored by Sports Toto. We did a film some time ago for the Red Crescent to generate support for the organisation, but most of our previous work is in print form, said Dato' Lim, who felt films are more effective.

December 24, 1987

Bakti receives limited-edition cartoon books to raise funds

Malaysia Airlines today presented to Bakti, the welfare organisation of wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, 300 copies of a limited edition of a book of cartoons by Dato' Lim Kok Wing. Bakti president Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah received the books - entitled Guli-Guli containing cartoons in English and portraying social issues in the Malaysian multi-racial society from MAS managing director Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman at the MAS0 headquarters here. The books are the airline's contribution to Bakti to raise donations for its charity projects. Datin Seri Siti, who is the Prime Minister's wife, told reporters that each copy of the limited edition would be sold at RM1,000 and hoped that they would be all sold out to reach the RM300,000 target. She said those interested could get the books from Bakti. The proceeds will go to the Selangor and Federal Territory Association for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped, ExPolicemen's Association, Ex-Service's Association and Women's Aid Organisation. She said this year Bakti had donated between RM800,000 and RM900,000 to the less fortunate. Meanwhile, Dato' Lim said he was trying to get his books translated into Bahasa Malaysia and hoped they would be in the market in the next two or three months.

April 13, 1988

Foundation formed to fight cancer

Cancer is not a disease to be suffered alone. Not since a group of doctors and others who have been linked to the dreaded disease formed the Cancerlink Foundation to help each other. Cancerlink, which will be launched tomorrow, would initially offer counselling to patients and those near and dear to them. Cancerlink's resource and development chairman Dato' Lim Kok Wing said the foundation was set up to fulfill a need. We feel there is a need for more to be done to help alleviate the pain and anxiety suffered by the patients and their close ones who have to deal with the suffering, he said. Dato' Lim said to know that a loved one is suffering from cancer is a pain that cannot be explained. It leaves a
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person badly demoralised, and yet there is a need to know and understand how to handle the situation, he said. Dato' Lim said the idea was mooted about two years ago by doctors and people who have had first-hand experience with cancer. They believed there are areas of inadequacy in fighting the disease. Without elaborating on the inadequacies, Dato' Lim said the concerned people felt that something could be done through a foundation. This was the reason for Cancerlink. Initially, the foundation will offer counselling services and later set up a facility house to help the patients. The patron of the foundation is Chief Justice Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Omar. He will launch the foundation tomorrow.

December 9, 1989

Society to start education course for working parents

Heavy commitments do not prevent Tan Sri Lim from devoting time and attention to the welfare of severely mentally handicapped children. The children of the society he founded are often treated to outdoor and festive activities in the process of integrating with society.

Education programmes for parents of handicapped children will be introduced by the Selangor and Federal Territory Severely Mentally Handicapped Society next year. It decided to implement such a programme, especially for working parents in the Klang Valley, after studying problems faced by parents of handicapped children. Society president Dato' Lim Kok Wing said: The emphasis will be on the handling of handicapped children and demonstrations on the use of education equipment. The society staff will also educate parents on how to control their children's tantrums. The free programme is to equip parents of handicapped children with knowledge on how to educate and groom their children. He said some parents prefer to keep their handicapped children at home rather than educating them. This will not
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help the children to be independent and their mental abilities will deteriorate. The programmes will be conducted every Saturday from February and will be manned by nine society members comprising a physiotherapist, teachers and volunteers. One staff member completed a course at an institution for the handicapped in Germany in August. Dato' Lim said the society welcomes volunteers to help conduct programmes. He also appealed to private companies and individuals to adoptthe society's handicapped children. The child's foster family will have to make a contribution of between RM500 and RM1,500 monthly for the child's food and maintenance, he said.

October 28, 1990

Man of vision juggles charity and work

His immense interest in all kinds of things has taken Dato' 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. Most recently, he was the man behind a special colour pullout highlighting the progress achieved under the Barisan Nasional government as part of the campaigning for the general election. ny's total billings are expected to reach RM25 million. It has won over 100 awards, a quarter of which are international ones.

Traumatic incident
His one-minute film, Ceasefire '89, on the threat of nuclear war recently won the top award from the US-based International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War last year. While most successful businessmen might prefer to indulge in a few rounds of golf over the weekend, he spent his time with his family. He is president of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, council member of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, chairman of the board of trustees of the Cancerlink Foundation (an organisation providing support for cancer sufferers and dependents) and treasurer of the United Nations Malaysia Association. His driving force, he says, is his own deprived background. We didn't have much when I was young. In those days, it was so difficult to get any kind of help. I think that those memories have something to do with my charity work. But it took a rather traumatic incident to spur Dato' Lim into actively helping the less fortunate.

Full of energy, creativity

Now, the wunderkind of the local advertising industry is busy with two new projects, apart from his usual commitments to various philanthropic and charitable work. He is laying the groundwork to set up a college for graphic design and visual communications and is planning to convert an old colonial house, Loke Mansion, into an arts and crafts gallery. The fact that he juggles so many disparate projects simultaneously bears testimony to the man's energy, creativity and perhaps, his impatience to get things done. His plans for a design college stem from the fact that there isn't an established school in the region. His other project in the pipeline, the remodelling of Loke Mansion, comes from a personal interest in the house itself. He envisages turning the old colonial edifice into a nonprofit-making arts and crafts gallery. Obviously, Dato' Lim can indulge in pursuing whatever interests him basically because he has a strong, successful base to work from. But his successes did not come easily. He is the epitome of poor boy made good; the school dropout clawing his way up to the top. His company, Wings/BBDO, is one of the most successful advertising agencies in the country. This year, the compa76

His good deeds

Back in 1970, he was asked by the Red Crescent to help produce posters to get people to donate blood. He took a camera to a children's ward of a hospital. After asking the mother's permission, he snapped photographs of a six-year-old girl who was suffering from cancer. He was struck by the obvious pain she was suffering and thought she would be the perfect subject for a poster.

A week later, he went back into the hospital for written permission to avoid possible legal complications later on. But he found that the girl had died. He couldn't use the picture after that because her death deeply affected him. Soon afterwards, he got involved with the Red Crescent Society. He stresses that he does his good deeds now because he

likes doing it, not out of a guilt complex. I just do what I am interested in. I am not a corporate person. That kind of world is too money-orientated. I have refused many proposals to go into big business. I am happy the way things are, with what I am doing. I suppose that in future though, I would like to increase the work I do for charity.

Malaysian Tatler, April 1991

Making time for charity work

I was shocked to hear that babies can get mixed up in hospitals! I am beginning to wonder who I really am! Maybe I should have become an important world leader! talking things over with Reagan, bargaining with Thatcher, said the Indian character in cartoonist Lim Kok Wing's GuliGuli responding to the issues of mixed up babies in our hospitals some time ago. Could the author be thinking aloud? It would seem that politics would be the natural choice of someone like Dato' Lim Kok Wing, who has accomplished both fame and fortune in such a short time. But the philanthropist /tycoon has other things on his agenda. The multi-talented Dato' Lim - he is an artist, cartoonist, journalist and an internationally acclaimed adman - has a soft spot for the unfortunate. He has probably raised as many millions for charity as he has made selling his brilliant ideas. What is so admirable about this man is that his own humble past has made him very sensitive to the suffering of others. Once, when asked about his rags-to-riches stories, he was reported to have said there are so many stories like mine around, implying, therefore, that it was nothing to rave about. No argument about that; he is probably right. With Dato' Lim, however, the difference is that he sees himself as a trustee and gives back his wealth to the needy. It is not my money; people are very generous with me.
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They give me thousands of ringgit when I ask, and for nothing! They don't get a favour from me because I am not holding any public office, said the philanthropist of his fund-raising efforts. Of course, he is just being modest about the money coming only from other people. I have no reason for giving to charity other than to help, because I can help. I think it is a natural thing for anyone to do. Dato' Lim is not only modest about his deeds, but he also has a lot of faith in human nature. While most people moan about not having enough time for this and that, Dato' Lim makes time to serve on more than 10 charity organisations. Among others, he is president of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Fund-Raising Committee and council member of the Accredited Association of Advertising Agents (4As). Professionally, he is widely acknowledged to be the leading creative director in the country and one of Asia's best. He has won more than 100 creative awards, a record not many can claim to rival. When he broke into once expatriate-dominated industry, Dato' Lim set new standards and gave new insights to the word Malaysian. He has become a respected voice in the industry. For instance, when the controversial issue of pan-Asian looks on local advertisements arose, Dato' Lim spoke his mind.

Own standards
Advertisers think that a pan-Asian face as a 'safe face'. But I am for all Malaysian looks appearing on our advertisements, not just Eurasian or pan-Asian. We don't want our children to think that Pan-Asian looks are the standard looks and that if they look too Malay, Chinese or Indian they are in trouble. I think people should be aware of the development around them and do something if they feel that things are not right. People who have had professional dealings with him, or rather, who have been professionally dealt with by him, share the same opinion of the man, but from different perspectives. There are those who roll their eyeballs and say urgh!, strangely with a smile, before continuing, He scares me! Such a reaction, though, is far from being derogatory. Perhaps the man's own words will explain: Many people can't keep up with me because I don't spare myself when it comes to work. I won't compromise on my own standards just to be called a good guy. People say that Dato' Lim is a perfectionist, always reaching for excellence; therefore, he does not tolerate inadequacies in those who work for him.

thing they have relied on me to get done. Being more than complete is what being the best is all about. Besides, many young people who learned about the business from me now hold key positions in the industry. Being a perfectionist has its rewards! At 44, Dato' Lim has probably realised all that he ever dreamt of when he was 20 and today, he is already working on new dreams. When I am too old and tired I will settle down and teach. I want to set up the best art and design school in the region to educate talented young Malaysians. His most recent dream that became reality was the restoration of the historical 129-year-old Loke Mansion. He renamed it Artiqua-rium, a word he concocted to represent a place where one can find the finest works of art and antiques. It is his latest achievement and a worthy contribution to the nation's cultural heritage. Perhaps it is for him another dream came true, a solid demonstration of his own love for art. Like his unique Kenny Hills home, Artiquarium with its original form and beauty intact, is itself an art piece. I put together this art gallery because I feel that it will contribute towards the upgrading of art and cultural development in the country. For the young and upcoming artists the Artiquarium will be their showcase and a platform which will some day make them famous.

Finest works
But said Dato' Lim: Every one of my clients has a very healthy respect for the way I stand accountable for every-

April 5, 1992

Video clip on community service bags top prize

Despite the hectic schedules, advertising tycoon Dato' Lim Kok Wing still makes it a point to participate in social projects and unity campaigns. And why? It's a passionate pastime - for community service.
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Advertising company Wings/BBDO Worldwide Sdn Bhd early last month won an award. Another award would be a more apt description for, after all, it has won easily more than 100 accolades for its creative works since its formation.

But this one was extra special and significant for Dato' Lim Kok Wing, its executive chairman and executive creative director, because it concerned a matter he had been relentlessly pursuing for more than 15 years. That of community service, with the emphasis on unity. I must say I was extraordinarily pleased. It is a subject close to my heart, says Lim, in an interview in his office, where the plagues and more plagues and citations of merit, mainly for advertising, adorn the wall. The 30-second video clip titled Unity is Everyone won the Civic /Social Education category at the 34th International Advertising Festival of New York 1991. It was also judged one of the best in the Community Service category. Lim, who was the creative director of this unity campaign, co-producer of the video clip and writer of the lyrics of the song, says: It is really a simple message - that everyone should be involved in and be helping each other in the process of nation-building.

Wings/BBDO Worldwide Sdn Bhd for community service. The previous ones included campaigns created for the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Cancerlink Foundation, Good Neighbourliness, Anti-Drug Abuse and Nuclear Disarmament. There have been other meritorious work by the company - also concerning community service projects - such as road safety, the Befrienders, Family Planning and child welfare.

Message of unity
It is quite obvious that it is easier to get Lim to talk about his social projects, fund-raising and unity campaigns than about his multi-million ringgit advertising business. We recollect the time he used to pop by The Malay Mail office 10 years ago, with the parents of less fortunate children, who were seeking help. He was instrumental in setting up the Down's Syndrome Society and Cancerlink Foundation. Newspaper clippings reveal he was even dubbed the MP of Bangsar (a non-existent post) by The Malay Mail at one time. The Guli-Guli cartoons he had also done for the New Straits Times some years back also often propagated the message of unity and goodwill. Yes, some even has moral messages such as getting husbands to treat their wives well," he laughs. Lim, without hesitation, attributes his obsession for social work to the fact that he came up the hard way. Asked to elaborate on what exactly is hard way, Lim says: I am not embarrassed to say that I come from a poor family. There was not enough money for a lot of things. My parents couldn't afford to send me for tertiary education. One becomes more aware of the need to help others after one has experienced helplessness, and yes, the pain of deprivation and futility. It becomes clearer, upon reflection of what Lim says, that is has become second nature to him that some part of community service is involved in almost any project he does.
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Influence on parents
The clip shows a boy trying to build a playhouse all by himself with difficulty, until he is joined by 20 children of different races. And together, they get the job done. Lim said children were intentionally made the focus in the clip as nation-building is an ongoing process. Children have an influence on their parents and have no racial prejudices. Adults can learn from children too. Since the video clip was first aired on television early last year, thanks to YTL Corporation which sponsored the campaign for RM1 million, many school heads were sufficiently impressed such that they called up and requested permission to use it in their schools, to sing the unity song at school functions and even reproduce the lyrics for moral lessons. There was a good team working on the project, he says and goes on to mention Anne Lee, Tommy Tan.and a host of names. This is the sixth major award received by

Last year, it was the Artiquarium in Kuala Lumpur, where local and regional artists have been offered a place to showcase their works. As it also houses quality antiques sourced from all parts of the world, which are for sale, one may question the financial aspect of this.

up is now put at RM2 million - and much more has to be spent on the campus.)

The same relentless attitude he has for doing community work is also inherent in the advertising business he set up years ago. The small company he started years ago, with Does it not jade things when money comes into the pic- just two staff, and is now a higher recognised and respectture? Lim explains that in the first instance, a lot of money ed company internationally, receiving top billings. is spent in setting up the establishment - though he says it And along similar lines of community service, Lim hopes embarrasses him to talk about how much. to contribute significantly to the local advertising industry It will be a long, long time before the money spent can too, in the form of creative technology institute he recentbe recouped, if ever, but that is not the issue. This was never ly set up in Kuala Lumpur. Called LICT (Limkokwing intended to be a profit-making venture. Institute of Creative Technology), it was established on (Reports put the cost of refurbishing the Loke Mansion the basis that students wishing to get professional qualifiwhich houses the Artiquarium at more than RM1 mil- cation in advertising can easily do so here - and at almost lion. Initial outlay for a school of creativity he is setting half the costs charged by other establishments.

December 10, 1992

Design, advertising scholarship for disabled students

Physically disabled students will now have an equal opportunity to further studies in the fields of designs and advertising, just like normal students. The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) is offering five scholarships, worth $40,000 per annum, for handicapped students to further their studies next year at the institute. Its president, Datuk Lim Kok Wing, said the scholarships are to help handicapped students who have a keen interest in these fields to realize their dreams."There are vast opportunities for such people to succeed in their professions in the designs and advertising industries," he told a Press conference at LICT yesterday. "However, I am yet to meet a disabled holding a senior
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professional post in any of these industries. This is an opportunity for them to develop their career and lead a better life," he said. He also said that there will not be any special programme for the disabled students ay the college as they should mingle with other students in a normal college environment. The courses will be available on part-time and full-time basis. Those interested may contact LICT's director Mr David Brook. Although LICT has only been established for four months, it already has nearly 300 students of which 45 of them are from outstation. A course in journalism will be introduced next year while various programmes such as twinning programmes with other universities in overseas are in progress.

February 8, 1993

60,000 for Asean humanity run

Dr Mahathir, who is the MRCS president, was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali. Also present were MRCS chairman Tunku Tan Sri Mohamed Tunku Besar Burhanuddin, Lord President Tun Abdul Hamid Omar, who is the MRCS vice-chairman, the national fund-raising committee chairman, Dato' Lim Kok Wing, and administration director Datuk J. J. Raj. Dr Mahathir spent about an hour at the MRCS headquarters visiting the various sections and an exhibition of its activities in pictures. He was also taken on a short ride in an amphibious vehicle used by the MRCS in rescue operations, especially during the floods. Tunku Mohamed in his speech said the run was the highlight of its calendar of events for the year. It is not a competition. It is a regional project of the Red Cross/ Red Crescent societies that will bring together people from all walks of life in the six Asean nations, he said. He said the event would generate a high level of visibility of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, boost the cooperation and cohesiveness among Asean Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. In Malaysia, the run will begin on April 18. By then runners from the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore would have completed their respective legs and would arrive in Johor Baru to hand over the Asean torch and flag to their Malaysian counterparts. The Malaysian runners will take the torch and flag up to Rantau Panjang before handing them over to the Thai Red Cross on April 26 to continue their journey for the grand finale in Bangkok.
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Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad launching the Asean Marathon Run for Humanity.

The Asean Marathon Run for Humanity, in which about 60,000 people from six Asean countries will participate, promises to be a major milestone in intra-Asean cooperation. The run is scheduled to begin simultaneously in the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore on April 1 and end in Bangkok on May 8, in conjunction with the World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day 1993. Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched the fund-raising project for the run during a simple ceremony at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society headquarters this afternoon. The MRCS hopes to raise about RM1 million in sponsorship for the event.

March 13 ,1996

Helping hands in appeal for global aid to rebuild Bosnia

The Global Humanitarian Appeal for Bosnia-Herze-govina, an initiative to rally worldwide support for the rehabilitation of the war-ravaged country, was recently launched by Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing in Kuala Lumpur. He talks to Tan Wan-Peng about the appeal. When I was flicking through the weekend edition of an English newspaper recently, an ad in the travel section caught my eye. For about 200 (RM800), I discovered that I could spend a weekend in a holiday resort, a few kilometers south of Zagreb, Croatia. Somehow, the idea of resting and relaxing in the former Yugoslavian republic made me feel a bit, well, squeamish. It didn't take long to remind myself that a war was raging in the Balkans, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, and has been for the past four years. But with the US-brokered Dayton peace plan in progress now, hopes of ending the war in the Balkans are looking real, and for once, the news from Bosnia and Herzegovina sounds mildly optimistic. The process of rehabilitating the country's economy and infrastructure is slowly under way in tandem with the peace accord signed between the Bosnians, Serbs and Croats. It was with this promising scenario somewhat lurking in the background, that I turned up for a meeting with the man behind the global humanitarian appeal for BosniaHerzegovina to discuss how the proceeds from the sale of a book published in Malaysia could contribute towards reconstruction efforts there. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is responsible for the book, Bosnia:
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Beyond Words, Beyond Tears, which was launched in Kuala Lumpur recently. As one of Asia's leading communication strategists, Lim is widely consulted for his expertise by national and international corporations and governments, and he is in a position to be able to offer much needed help to the Bosnian government in its rehabilitation efforts by spearheading an international appeal. The Bosnia-Herzegovina Global Humanitarian Appeal consists of four components. The book is first accompanied by the television appeal. The latter consists of 60second clips portraying the horror and terror faced by the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina during four years of Serb aggression. The blurb at the end of the ad - This appeal is brought to you by the people of Malaysia - is particularly pertinent because of where the appeal is going next.

Intense media attention

Finally, there's the Internet appeal, where the book will be reproduced in its entirety, and a photo exhibition that has just ended. But when asked why a war that has already received widespread coverage deserves to be singled out for such intense media attention, no matter how noble the cause, a visibly concerned Lim was quick to refute my line of questioning. The book was written for a very specific purpose. It's written to promote a cause. It is an appeal to world leaders

March 22 , 1993

Student build new roof for Jalal family

Most Muslims take for granted that Hari Raya Puasa means new clothes, delicious food and cookies, and cash gifts for the little loved ones. But for the children of Abdul Jalal Rahman, they would rather have a decent house to replace the ramshackle shack they called home for the past three years. "The students read about the plight of the family in The Malay Mail early this month and decided to do something to help them," she said.

"We will come back the day before Hari Raya to bring the clothes and the cookies". The Paper That Cares highlighted the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology... a haven for students pursuing creative education. plight of Abdul Jalal, 56, who was forced to seek Their wish may come true - thanks to the generous offer refuge at the shack after he was given a medical discharge by the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology from his job with the Selangor Waterworks Department. (LICT) and its students to repair their ramshackle shack. The discharge was given after he was rendered simpleThe pledge was made by Datin Tessie Lim, wife of LICT minded because of two separate road accidents. They had president Datuk Lim Kok Wing, after seeing the living to move out of the quarters and build the shack three conditions of the family in their shack on top of Bukit years ago. Permai in Taman Keramat. Lim came with a group of five students to take the children's measurements to buy Hari The family exists on Jalal's RM124 pension which he received after being given a medical discharge in 1988, and Raya clothes for them. his wife Ngaesah Mohamed Yusof's RM290 monthly However, after seeing the dilapidated shack with the leaky earning from cleaning and selling cakes at Taman Keramat. roof and linoleum covering the bare earth, she said the institute The shack can barely accommodate the couple and their would help renovate the place to make it more habitable. 11 children and a nine-month-old granddaughter. During "We plan to do simple renovations like placing wooden yesterday's visit, only Abdul Jalal and seven of his children planks to cover the earthen floor and zinc for the roof. For were around. His wife and two other sons are working. now, we will give the children new clothes, cookies and "That is our dearest wish. To have a proper roof over our Raya donation," she said. head. Right now, we only have linoleum and mats to cover She said the fund for the clothes was raised by the 400 students and later matched dollar-for-dollar by the institute.
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the bare earth. But when it rains, water would seep in and everything would be damp."

September 14, 1996

A caring corporate citizen

If it seems that the world of communications and designs is one of those professions that conjure up images of highly technical personalities, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing could never be accused of furthering such misconceptions. Nikki Lugun finds out more about the man. At 49, as head of Limkokwing Integrated, and widely acknowledged as one of Asia's most accomplished Communications and Design strategists, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a buoyant and energetic leader in his field, committed not only to his career but also along with his company, seen as a caring corporate citizen. The latter has been very much part of his mission ever since his involvement, 25 years ago, with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, with which he has been among others, the national fundraising chairman is currently vice-chairman. Tan Sri Lim is a much sought after professional and being an expert in his field, he has won more creative awards than any other in Asia and has contributed more towards building this industry than anyone else. His achievements have been recognized by the international media. The Asia Magazine has named him "The Message Man", whereas The Asiaweek refers to him as "The Compasionate AdMan". Asian Business describes him having embarked on a "Creative Crusade" for Quality for he is known to be a perfectionist who is always striving for excellence.
Capturing the human spirit. A capacity crowd of 100,000 cheering fans filled Bukit Jalil Stadium, supporting their teams by waving flags and banners reading Malaysia Boleh! or Malaysia Can, a phrase Tan Sri created to motivate and unify Malaysians.

Regions creative capital

Tan Sri Lim has always believed that Malaysia has the potential of becoming the region's creative capital and must win recognition as a country capable of producing
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high quality if we are to compete with the best in the world. His dream of setting up a prestigious art and design school in the region to educate talented young Malaysians has already borne fruit with the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), the first Malaysian college to offer internationally recognized diplomas and career driven programmes in the fields of art, communication and design as well as multimedia programmes and international business and communications. With the founding of LICT, Malaysian students have benefited from Tan Sri Lim's industry leadership and enjoyed a better range of specialised career-driven programmes. LICT initially started off Tan Sri Lim's contribution to the industry. Although many parents hope that their children would take up professional courses such as accountancy or business, he stressed that the future professional of manager will be a 'techno-grad'. Tan Sri Lim was awarded the honorary doctor of letters by Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia which recognises his contribution to higher education and community service in Malaysia. Tan Sri Lim has also received an honorary doctorate from England's University of Hertfordshire and an honorary fellowship award from Auckland Institute of Technology, New Zealand. One of his latest ventures is to collaborate with leading software designing firms worldwide, thus moving into the multimedia corridor and exposing Malaysian to the high end of technology transfer. This will offer tremendous scope in software development and Malaysian application in the area of professional designing.

Using the premise of leading by example, a series of videos, press advertisements, radio commercials and a specially composed song portrayed everyday situations of people helping someone out. People in a queue help an elderly woman to board a bus. Young children from a wealthier background share their books with less-privileged children. Villagers band together and help to buy a wheelchair for their disabled friend. And finally, a next-door neighbour plays mediator, between a young teenage girl and her mother, resulting in their reconciliation.

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Nation building
In 1978, Tan Sri Lim started his first agency, Wings, which went on to challenge foreign dominance of the communications arena by sweeping national and international awards and proving that Malaysians are capable of producing work of substance, style and quality. His work has been adopted by the government for public campaigns. The jingle "Be Nice To Your Neighbours" is still heard over the radio after a decade and "Proud To Be Malaysian" is the echo in our heart put to rhyme by Tan Sri Lim. The song continues to be aired over national radio and was recently revised to accompany a series of videos, broadcast over national television, highlighting the latest achievements by the country. Some of his latest and best projects adopted by the government cover all strata of society such as the Rakan Muda programme which was a strategic mission for young people devised to turn a national 'problem' into a national pool of human resource. The anti-inflation drive widely highlighted on national television is an awareness campaign which heralds unprecedented cooperation between consumers, traders and the government in combating inflation. Within days of the launch, tremendous response was generated in the media, serving to keep the target firmly fixed in the nation's mind. He is a man who has consistently highlighted the multiracial factor in all campaigns to promote a society which is instrumental in nation building. He has also been appointed Communication Consultant by the Sarawak State Government on the Bakun Hydroelectric Project which will see more investment opportunities by national and international corporations. Internationally, Tan Sri Lim has proved to be a formidable player. In preparation for South Africa's first ever democratic elections, a voter education campaign that was instrumental in election victory was devised. The launch of Malaysia Incorporated, an authoritative publication of key investment opportunities and the most widely distributed industrial publication in the country, was initiated by Tan Sri Lim to promote cooperation
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between the private and public sectors. Being a caring corporate citizen, Tan Sri Lim's works emphasise his own personal involvement in charitable institutions. He has been vocal in his crusade to make people aware of atrocities happening around the world especially in war torn Bosnia. He is the man behind the heart wrenching video clip on national television highlighting the plight of the people of former Yugoslavia. To document what a civil war can do to a country and its people, he brought out a book and video, Global Humanitarian Appeal, a nonprofit making fundraising project dedicated to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Demanding schedule
With this he has made the international community sit up and notice Malaysia's efforts to help. Although hard pressed by an ever-demanding business schedule, Tan Sri Lim somehow makes time to serve the society through his work in charitable and professional organizations. Apart from his well-known involvement in the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, he is also the Founder and President of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, Founder member and past President Cancerlink Foundation, Vice President United Nations Malaysia Association, Vice President, Malaysian Institute of Directors, Member of the Board of Trustees to both The Malaysian Handicraft Development Board and the National Art Gallery. Tan Sri Lim has also published Volume One & Two of Guli-Guli, a compilations of life in cartoon form. GuliGuli, the cartoon strip by Tan Sri Lim, ran in the New Straits Times for a period of five consecutive years. A man who is extremely reticent to talk about himself, Tan Sri Lim, however, is known for his vision and resilience with the stamina to compete with the best. An artist, communicator, cartoonist, designer, strategist, philanthropist and educationist, he is much more concerned with what he is doing right here and now than what is past.

June 15, 1998

Courses tailored for the deaf

A new window of opportunity has opened for the hearingimpaired which will enable them to contribute, like everyone else, to the success of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). and specialized design skills, join the skilled knowledge workforce for the MSC and IT industry, and gain entry later into tertiary programmes locally and abroad." A working committee comprising representatives from the two associations and the institute has been set up to oversee the implementation of the programme.

In acknowledgement of their potential, Design and Information Technology programme specially tailored for the hearing-impaired was launched yesterday at the The preparations involve sign Limkokwing Institute of language classes for LICT Students learn to communicate and work together at Creative Technology (LICT) lecturers by Tan Yap, one of various levels of their studies. campus in Taman Mayang the programme's initiators. Jaya, Petaling Jaya. LICT has worked out the best options for them together with the Tan is president of the National Council for the HearingAssociation of Interpreters for the Deaf and the Association Impaired, Malaysia, and chairman of the Society of Interpreters for the Deaf in Selangor and Federal Territory. for the Hearing-Impaired. The institute's president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said the Besides the crash course, Tan will also familiarize LICT staff hearing-impaired have been found to be highly creative on the special challenges in lecturer-student interaction. when given the right training and opportunity but their talents are often neglected or not fully tapped. As a result, they end up being trained only to perform conventional tasks like typing, filing and other clerical work. "Our greatest weakness is to interpret things the way we are accustomed to seeing them without trying to explore other possibilities," said Lim. "The Design and IT courses will provide an excellent opportunity for the hearing-impaired to acquire IT knowledge
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Lim says the institute will develop the programme to enable those with hearing disability to fully take part in this new and exciting career path. "We will bring in other disciplines in creative technology as we go along," he said. "These students will also mix with regular students so that they can learn to perform on an equal footing." Discounts and flexible fee schemes are being worked out for the hearing-impaired students.

In the past, the campaigns we had seen have been mostly very negative, focusing on what these people should not do, Lim added. Conversely, by focusing on the theme Protect Yourself, Protect Your Dreams, this campaign emphasises the positive. It tells the youths that they are at risk and that they can actually do something about it. When we were preparing the campaign, we interviewed about 800 students during our preparation and research stage. We found that there's still a lack of information, still a lot of myths out there. For example, many youths we spoke to still believe that prostitutes, homosexuals and drug addicts would be more at risk than they themselves would be, Lim said. Interestingly, when young people were asked about protection they almost always equated the word with protection against pregnancy, rather than protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The fear of pregnancy appeared to be much greater, probably because it is something much more real and immediate to them compared to the threat of contracting HIV/AIDS. Research also revealed that girls tend to be more reluctant to bring up the issue of protection. In their minds, their partners are healthy, young people. They don't realise that one can be a carrier of the HIV virus and

exhibit no symptoms for many years, Lim said.

Theme song
The campaign incorporates advertisements for print media, billboards, radio and television. Radio and television audiences will hear five pitchy statements on HIV/AIDS. Billboards and print advertisements will have large pictures to capture readers' attention. The LUCT team has also come up with a theme song for the campaign, complete with a three-minute MTV-style video clip. Lim said the rationale behind the campaign is simple:If they like the campaign, they will remember it. He envisions youths catching on to the theme so that, before long, one would only need to say,Protect your dreams" and everyone around would understand what the person meant by that. Moreover, it is so flexible that it can be easily adapted to any culture. The pictures used can be changed to appeal to any group of youths, no matter what their interests and age. Therefore, the UNDP has collaborated with LUCT to use the campaign in its international communication and awareness efforts. This means the campaign could potentially be launched in 166 countries around the world. Lim said the campaign is ready to go live in Malaysia next month.

March 1, 2005

University College offers Aid to Maldives

Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology is serious about reconstructing the Maldives, a Dec. 26 tsunami. This was conveyed to Maldivians Education Minister Dr. Mahamood Shougee when he called on Tan Sri Limkokwing recently and the university colleges' president had pledge initial RM 700,000 in scholarship and computers to the Maldives. The move is part of the university's contribution toward
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the reconstruction of a country which has lost all infrastructures on 13 of its inhabited islands and 29 of its resort islands. The damage has been reported as shocking. Many island communities has been displaced and 12000 residents made homeless in a country with a population of 287,000. Lim said the scholarship would be distributed by the

Maldivian government. He said other forms of support including books and transfer of technology would also be provided. We discussed how we could lend support in areas such as promotion of tourism and trade , said Lim of

his meeting with Dr. Mahamood. The Maldives a country consisting of atolls in the Indian ocean south-southwest of India depends on tourism for growth.

May 9, 2005

Scholarships await Chinese beauties

The three winners of the Miss Chinese Universe Malaysia will each be awarded a scholarship. In addition the 14 winners will at the state level (including the federal territory) will also be awarded a scholarship each. There will also be maximum of 55 scholarships for overseas pageant winners. The scholarship are offered by limkokwing university college of technology (limkokwing), and provided subject to the aspirants fulfilling the basic entry requirement of the course to be pursued. Each scholarship is valued at RM60,000. Limkokwing signed an agreement on the scholarship with prize image sdn bhd the organizers of the beauty contest recently. Limkokwing senior vice president of corporate development Gail Phung represented the university college while prize image was represented by it's CEO. Raymond Goh. Also present were prize image executive chairman Datuk Seri Perkasa Diraja Khoo Gee Chong and Hua Zhong president Datuk Seri Lim Gait Tong. Miss Chinese universe Malaysia 2003 Sharon Beh added sizzle to the event with her appearance.

August 27, 2005

Limkokwing chips inwith scholarships

Limkokwing University College has taken the New Straits Times Adopt-a-student school sponsorship programme one step further. It will give off scholarship up to RM250,000 for students in participating schools to per sue diplomat or degree courses. The university and the New Straits Times Press Bhd will jointly organize an English eassay writing competition for participating schools and winners will receive scholarships. Details of the contest will be announced latter this month and will be opened to all form five students in schools under the NST sponsorship programme.
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Founder Tan Sri Limkokwing also announced that the university would be sponsoring 2,000 students in schools across the country under the programme at the cost of RM 82,000. The 2,000 students will get copies of the NST, which will be used as a tool to improve their language proficiency. Lim also said the university would work with the NST's Newspaper in education (NIE) team.''We have expatriates and Malaysians who specialise in teaching English and who will be very happy to join the programme to train teachers in rural secondary schools'' Lim said.

Following the earthquake in the Sichuan province of China and the cyclone in Myanmar, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology went on a week-long donation drive to help the victims. The highlight was on May 23, when the proceeds from the sales made at the universitys cafeteria and hair salon were channelled to a fund for the victims. Founder president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said the faculty and students were saddened by the natural disasters in Myanmar and China. At Limkokwing, we encourage students to show their compassion and feelings as we guide them in a creative and innovative environment, he said. For this reason, we encourage and arrange fund-raising programmes for them.

The China Club at Limkokwing organised a donation drive for the Sichuan earthquake victims. It organised a photo exhibition. The pictures included scenes of and before the earthquake, and one picture of French President Nicholas Sarkozy signing a condolence book. On May 21, a prayer session was held at the Limkokwing plaza to remember those who had died in the quake. More than 200 Limkokwing student from China and hundreds more from nearby universities and colleges attended the event at the varsity. Hundreds of candles were lit that evening, forming 5.12, the date of the quake. Limkokwing alumnae Wang Ji, the chairman of the China Student Federation Malaysia, led the moment of silence.

July 21, 2008

AF6 winner Stacy receives scholarship to studyat Limkokwing music academy

Nothing delights a person more than what he or she has wished for becomes a reality. This was the case of reality show Akademi Fantasia 6 winner, Stracie Angie Anam or better known as Stacy. Her dream was realised when the girl from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, was able to continue her studies at Limkokwing University, after failing to take her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination. Stacy got a pleasant surprise when she was informed by her recording company, Maestro Talent & Management (Maestro), that she had been given a scholarship by the university. She was further elated when she met the university's founder-president, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, who has made waves internationally with its expansion and multicultural environment on campus.
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What touched Stacy most was that she would receive a full scholarship to study music at the university music academy. Talking to Hits recently, Stacy said she was still overcome by surprise.

Thankful for opportunity

I am very happy when told that I could further my studies. I would like to thank many people, especially Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and Maestro for giving me this opportunity. Prior to this, I did not manage to complete my studies following my family's financial situation. Hence, I was surprised to get this offer, said Stacy. Stacy, who is the fifth in a family of six siblings, intends to continue her studies in music at Limkokwing.

January 25, 2009

Plight of the Palestinians

More than 500 people recently gathered at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Limkokwing) plaza to mark the launch of a fund-raising campaign - Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak. The campaign was launched in the presence of the Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia, Abdelaziz Aboughosh. The ceremony began with Limkokwings presidential special assistant Tiffanee Marie Lim delivering a speech on behalf of Limkokwing president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, expressing concern on the brutality of happenings during the war. Five students, two from Malaysia, one from Lithuania and another from the Netherlands, voiced their views on the war. The fifth student, Palestinian Rafat Dakhili, gave a touching account of his life in the line of fire in his homeland. A song produced by the Limkokwing Sound and Music Design Academy and sung by the universitys choir, Lets Heal the World, and a poem entitled People are Dying in my Living Room and recited by Lesego Goitsemang left many with tears in their eyes. Besides acting as a call for peace the campaign also aims to raise funds for medical supplies. It is the second such campaign organised by the university.

January 28, 2009

Students do their bit for Palestinians

Cyberjaya: A charity event to highlight the plight of the Palestinians is being organised by the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. The two-month-long event entitled Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak was launched recently. Speaking at the launch, Palestinian ambassador Abdelaziz Aboughozh said he was grateful and touched by the response from Limkokwing students and their collective efforts to bring peace there. We are still waiting to implement the whole peace initiative that we Palestinian people and our leadership agreed upon, Abdelaziz said. He added that Israeli leaders should be taken to task. In his address, which was read out by Tiffanee Marie Lim, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dr. Lim Kok Wing said
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that there were times when the university, which celebrated creativity, had to respond to disastrous events which took place around the world. The recent conflict in Gaza has taken a terrible toll on the lives of civilians, especially Palestinian children who paid a heavy price. It is baffling that nations that can do something to stop the killing can look the other way when children are being massacred. said Lim. He said that the exhibition provided a brief history of the Palestinian struggle and tells the root cause of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and why world leaders were facing difficulty in resolving the issue. A song by Limkokwing Sound and Music Academy entitled Lets Heal The World, a poem recitation by Lesego

Goitsemang, speeches by student representatives and a video presentation were part of the launch. Besides performances, guests and students signed a petition to protest against Israels action. Guests also checked out the many pictures of the war which were a part of the exhibition. Buttons, scarves and brochures were sold to raise funds for the Palestinians.

Donations are also being collected by the university. Proceeds will be handed over to the embassy of Palestine. Palestinian student Rafat Dakhili said: The persecution has made us strong people. We still live in hope that something will happen to change our lives. He added that the campaign and support gave him hope because he knew the story of the Palestinian plight was being told.

February 3, 2009

Limkokwing speaks up on the Plight of the Palestinians

In a world where war has become a destroyer of the human race, Limkokwing University stood firm on its belief in the abolition of war and chose to speak up for Palestinians through an exhibition called Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak. It was a very touching atmosphere at the universitys plaza where distinguished guests, staff and students assembled to witness the exhibition and charity event to raise funds for the victims in Gaza organized by our very own students. Among the guests were His Excellency Abdelaziz Abu Ghoush, Ambassador of the State of Palestine, senior management members of the media, Academic staff and the universitys multi national students. In 2003 the university created an exhibition titled Plight of the Palestine: A nation denied a homeland, which displayed the tragic story of peoples struggle to build their nation. Five years later, the situation has grown from bad to worse and the university is sending out a message that war does not solve anything but causes pain and destroys nations. The current condition in Gaza has moved people
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across the world and as a global university we have taken the initiative to put up an exhibition and a donation drive in aid of the Palestinians which will be on show for the next two months. Students from various countries expressed how they were affected by the destruction in Palestine and even though they were far away one could feel the impact that it had on them from the emotion in their voices. Robin Coenraad, a student from the Netherlands mentioned how he was disheartened by the number of people that had lost their lives, the men, women and children that would not see the light of day and left behind mourning family and friends. There was a heart felt musical performance from a group of students who presented a song entitled Lets Heal the World, calling for a harmonious and unified world specially composed by the universitys Sound and Music Design Academy. His Excellency Abdelaziz Abu Ghous took to the stage to address the crowd in which his deep words could not help but touch you. He applauded Limkokwings initiative

February 4, 2009

Limkokwing compassion over Palestinian grief

the tragedy in Palestine. The university is aware and is giving attention to the Palestinians, a people with no rights in their own land, she said. Meanwhile, Abdelaziz in his press conference said, the USA cannot use the defending Israel as in issue to keep attacking Palestine. According to him, prior to this, the USA has time and time again promised an independent and free Palestinian state. However, the suffering still continues in Palestine. As we speak, more than 100 Palestinians have lost their lives at the Gaza Strip and 1.6 million others seeking refuge from Israel.
Ambassador of Palestine to Malaysia, Abelaziz receiving a plaque from Tiffanee Marie Lim, Special Assistant to the President.

Cyberjaya: Around 150 students and staff gathered to mark the launch of the Limkokwing organised campaign, Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak recently. The campaign is aimed mainly to stop the Israeli attacks in Palestine as well as to create awareness on the suffering of the Palestinians and to raise funds which will be used for medical aid for the Palestinians. Present was the Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia, Abdelaziz Abu Ghoush. Speaking on behalf of the university, Tiffanee Marie Lim said, the conflict at the Gaza Strip is not a new issue and has been going on since 1948. It has brought a lot of suffering towards the Palestinian people especially children. Today, the world is trying to intervene without any success. Todays ceremony brings back flashbacks of the tragedy in Iraq in 2003. The Iraqi tragedy holds a lot in common with

Give the Palestinians a chance to live peacefully as the whole world lives with hope that Israel retreats from Palestinian soil, he said. Meeting separately, a student from the university, Wilson Yeoh, 22, said, although the university is a private institution of higher learning, the university has always fulfilled its social responsibility by launching campaigns such as this one. The campaign is a sign of sympathy towards the Palestinian people and as Malaysians, we should be thankful because Malaysia is still a peaceful country, he said to Sinar Harian. Meanwhile, a Palestine national studying at the university, Fahd Abd Rahman said, he is aware and knows a lot of things happening in Palestine. Following the attacks on Palestine, many Palestinians lose their lives everyday. This ongoing conflict darkens the future of Palestine and hopefully, the trouble will end and we will get back our land, he said.

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March 16, 2009

FORBES ASIA names Tan Sri Lim as one of its 48 Heroes of Philanthropy in the Asia Pacific Region
Limkokwing 62, founded and serves as president of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. Has contributed and organized fundraising for everything from fighting AIDS to fighting apartheid. Mission is to create learning pathways for needy individuals to fully develop their talent and skills so they can contribute to nation-building. Provides scholarships, disabled-student services. Gave $22,000 last year to the Plight of Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak fund-raising event.

Tan Sri Lim... philanthropist and global educationist.

Voize.my March 17, 2009

Rocking charity concert at Limkokwing

Thirty-five acts from 30 countries used the universal language of music, dance and poetry as their instruments for peace at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology yesterday. The fund-raising charity concert, Heal the World sent a strong message of peace and reconciliation to the world in an attempt to draw the worlds attention to the plight of displaced people all over the world, particularly the Palestinians. Present at the event was His Excellency Abdelaziz Abu Ghoush, Ambassador of the State of Palestine, industry guests and the media and more than 9,000 people at the universitys Cyberjaya campus. His Excellency also received a mock cheque RM 20,000. Original compositions, poems and dances graced the event in the hopes to have peace in the world; on this occasion Palestine. Besides that, students from various countries expressed how they were affected by the destruction in Palestine and even though they were far away one could feel the impact that it had on them from the emotion in their voices. Speaking on behalf of the university, Special Assistant to the President, Tiffanee Marie Lim shared the negative implications of war. Often, war threatens the existence of traditional culture, wiping away history and making it nothing, she said, continuing, To build peace, is to build a fair and humane world and

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Students from the Limkokwing choir performing Lets Heal the World during the charity concert.

all we want is a world with no war. But the journey to get there seems like one that is impossible. Special guest Sulaiman Saleh Alzamly, touched by the effort by Limkokwings effort to raise funds to buy medicine for the people of his homeland gave an explicit account of life in the Gaza Strip. He says, although the situation has calmed down a little, the trauma of the war is still felt from day to day. In this 22 days, I couldnt leave my house. I sat with my family waiting for death because we could not find a safe place to protect ourselves. We are still a wounded people, physically and mentally, we are still living in fear, although it has quietened, he said adding, This charity concert to raise funds for us is a very overwhelming effort by Limkokwing. The highlight of the concert, dubbed Heal the World was the launch of the music video of the theme song titled Lets Heal the World, a song by 30 international singers, coming together in a harmonious voice for peace, was composed by the Limkokwing Sound & Music Design Academy, which is being repeatedly aired by national radio stations. The song, now recorded in a variety of languages including

Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia received an encore during the concert and the singers were more than happy to oblige the crowd by performing one more time as 5,000 voices joined them from their seats.

Rocking performances at Limkokwing

Students warmed up the concert with solid performances by bands and solo acts, Paraless, Julian: One Man Band, and the Ezra Project among other notable performances. The main concert kicked off with the Limkokwing Choir singing the theme song Lets Heal the World before Limkokwing starlet Ernie and Zasrina gave their rendition of the Adibah Noor song, Terlalu Indah. A heartfelt poem, In My Living Room, recited by Lesh followed performances by Jonah Sithole of Zimbabwe and local Mandarin songstress Karen Kong who had the crowd join her in the chorus of her song. An international ensemble followed with a speech by student Malaysian Wilson Yeoh among three songs Bavar Kon by Souroush (Iran), Di Antara by Akademi Fantasia finalist, heartthrob Dafi (Malaysia), and Belaian Jiwa by Idrissah (Siera Leonne), Gabriella (Indonesia) with Limkokwing staff, and Protest, a poem recited by Bianca

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Rodrigues & Frederico Laruccia (Brazil). Right after the Limkokwing International Dance Academy made their mark shaking and moving, wowing the crowd, Noraniza Idris belted out Malaysian ethnic music to the delight of her fans, marking her first performance at the universitys Cyberjaya campus will be. Another artiste made her debut at Limkokwing is the runner-up to the first ever Malaysian Idol, Dina, pleased her fans with her strong, and powerful vocal range. Much awaited Malaysian based American band, Common Culture left the crowd wanting more of their soulful performance. While arriving fresh from their Best Rap Group Award at a recent independent award show, The Rebel Scum busted rhymes and beats, hyped up the crowd. Crowd favourite Melodica, comprised of staff and students of Limkokwing, gave all to their fans with their brand of inspirational rock music. The energetic Blister also gave it their all with their hard-blues and rock & roll styled music. Heal the World is an ongoing concept envisioned to help make the world a more peaceful place. The concert, also in conjunction of the universitys humanitarian effort, Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak; a two-month charity drive for medical aid for the people in Palestine. The drive is a follow up to another Palestinian campaign launched by the university. In 2003 the university created an exhibition titled Plight of the Palestine: A nation denied a homeland, which displayed the tragic story of peoples struggle to build their nation. Five years later, the situation has grown from bad to worse and the university is sending out a message that war does not solve anything but causes pain and destroys nations. The current condition in Gaza has moved people across the world and as a global university we have taken the initiative to put up an exhibition and a donation drive in aid of the Palestinians which will be on show for the next two months.

Strong message for peace at the concert

A strong united voice for peace resonated around the Limkokwing plaza by artistes, students, guests and staffs at the recent Heal the World concert held at the universitys Cyberjaya campus last Friday (13 March). Heal the World, a massive fund-raising charity concert saw performances of speech, song, dance and poetry from 35 performers from more than 30 countries. Director of the Limkokwing Sound & Music Design Academy, Anuar Razak sees the concert as a very powerful instrument to convey a message of peace and harmony. Music has always been the universal language that unites people. Therefore, this concert has served the cause perfectly, especially with the kind of line-up we had 35 performers from more than 30 countries. Heal the World remains one of the most international concerts for peace. The first-ever Malaysian Idol runner-up, Dina, after an energetic performance thinks that Malaysians are very lucky not to face war and should not take peace for granted as she praised the Limkokwing peace initiative. We should thank God and appreciate peace for the other side of the world is suffering; we only see it through the pictures, she said before praising, Limkokwing has made a tremendous effort in raising funds through this concert. Her sentiments were echoed by Malay-ethnic music singer Noraniza Idris and Mandarin singer Karen Kong with the latter feeling sad at the thought of the war-torn countries, specifically Palestine amidst the lively concert environment. The atmosphere at the concert was amazing, but I still feel sad about all thats happening in Palestine, its really unlucky to be facing war, the songstress said. Limkokwings rising stars, songstresses Ernie and Zasrina together with Ronnie, believe peace and tolerance is pivotal

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to make the world a better place; not only in Palestine but make the world a better place for all of us. everywhere in the world. The whole situation is very heartbreaking. Everyone Its a sad thing happening in Palestine, the people are suf- should chip-in and support this cause to help make peace in fering and this has to stop! There is just too much suffering Palestine and all over the world, said Ronnie. in the world, and globally, mankind have never really enjoyed Local heartthrob Dafi believes the world should stop sufferpeace. We all have to do our part for peace and I believe the ing and it is a collective responsibility to get world peace. It only way to have peace is to tolerate and compromise with is a sad thing to see people in the modern world suffering each other, said the Ernie. through wars, he said with a sigh before adding, The war We are very lucky here in Malaysia to be living in peace and should stop and the world should help. harmony; but we have to spare a thought for those suffering Members form independent rock-bands Melodica and around the world, in Palestine especially, said a very endear- Blister along with rap group The Rebel Scum believes with ing Zasrina before adding, We all have a responsibility to a passion that all the world needs is peace and love.

March 25, 2009

Marathon concert a prayer for peace

Thirty-five acts from 30 countries parlayed the universal language of music, song, dance and poetry into a rousing, fundraising campaign for the ongoing Plight of the Palestinians - From Grim to Bleak organised by Limkokwing University in Cyberjaya. Aptly called Heal the World, the charity concert was a peace initiative organised by both lecturers and students. Over 8,000 thronged the cavernous Plaza of Limkokwing campus to rock and roll with professional singers and performers from the various faculties. The concert raised RM20,000 for the Palestinians. The money was presented to guest-of-honour Abdelaziz Abu Ghoush, ambassador of the State of Palestine, by the universitys International Development vice-president Associate Professor Jayles Yeoh. Longing for their homeland: Palestinian students singing a well-known Arabic song during the event. Abdelaziz also received, on behalf of the Palestinians, a personal donation of RM80,000 from the universitys founder Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. The Holy Land has suffered for 61 years. Each religion has a place in the Holy Land. We are not asking the superpowers to manage the conflict. We just want them to end it. he said. Sulaiman Saleh Alzamly, a victim of the bombing of Gaza by Israeli forces, told the gathering of his experience, Imagine the ground shaking as bombs fell around you. For 22 days and nights we stayed indoors. My family and I waited for death to come! For us who survived, we only knew sorrow and despair. Now we know Malaysians and students at Limkokwing are our friends. He and his brother arrived in Malaysia more than two weeks ago to begin their studies in this country. Tiffanee Marie Lim, who represented Limkokwing University, said: Isnt it incredible how things are looked at depending which side you are on? Someone who is willing to die for his or her cause is seen as either a terrorist or hero.

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Transforming a Nation
He shared the nation's dream to be a developed country by 2020 and played a key role in most of the nation building campaigns to transform and propel Malaysia into the 21st Century.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed, Malaysia was on a major drive to re-invent and brand the country as a nation of quality products and quality people. Tan Sri Lim shared the Prime Minister's vision and confidence and was very much involved in the major nation-building campaigns to transform Malaysia. Tan Sri Lim was a national unity campaigner and in the national campaign Proud to be Malaysian and Reach Out - Caring is Sharing and Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can), he sought to motivate the nation and urged Malaysians to have confidence in themselves to compete on the global stage. He also contributed his skill as a cartoonist in a series of billboards using the characters from his well known cartoon series Guli Guli, to foster courtesy and good behavior as part of nation building. The famous trio are drawn from the three major races of Malaysia - Bakar, a Malay; Ah Boo, a Chinese; and Muthu, an Indian.The Malaysia Inc campaign to brand Malaysia as an investment friendly nation was highly successful in attracting foreign investment funds. In the Asian financial crisis , he created the Hidden Agenda campaign to draw attention that foreigners were pulling the strings to destabilise Malaysia. He persuaded Malaysians to stay calm as the Government was solving the financial crisis the Malaysian way, which steered Malaysia through the crisis with considerably less damage to the economy than neighbouring countries.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has been able to use his creative talents to communicate Malaysia's message to the outside world with great success. He combines creativity and patriotism, and has managed to highlight Malaysia as it should be highlighted to the rest of the world.

Dato' Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi

Prime Minister of Malaysia, 2006

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He helped the nation solve its youth loitering problem with an innovative youth development programme called Rakan Muda which provided opportunities for youths to be involved in creative recreational activities. He was a man of peace and initiated the Kuala Lumpur World Peace Conference to promote the image of Malaysia as a peace loving nation and a model Muslim nation.

He was involved with the national election of 1986 in which he helped the ruling Barisan Nasional party with his unique communication skills as a cartoonist. In later years, he played a key role in organizing the Commonwealth Games to project Malaysia as a sports loving nation. It was rated the best Commonwealth Games and made the nation and Malaysians proud of their collective achievements.

The MSC 's blueprint includes a concept that is taking shape in the form of the Malaysia Design Technology Centre (MDTC) - a unique international centre for the promotion of design and multimedia creativity as vital resources in business strategy and operations. MDTC is being developed as the world's first fully integrated design centre and is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2003. MTDC integrates the expertise of researchers, designers, technologists, academics, marketers and multimedia experts to develop a platform for research and development in Southeast Asia. The Malaysian Government welcomes any collaborations that will anchor the success of the centre. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has been given the task of ensuring the Centre achieves its set objectives, especially in establishing contact with the global design fraternity as well as the business community to work out collaborations and other arrangements for partnerships.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Prime Minister of Malaysia, 2001

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August 24,1982

Inseparable trio show public the way to foster social harmony

easy-going Ah Boo and the volatile Muthu. They talk everybodys language and are very much involved in the day-to-day happenings. For instance, during the election period, Muthu even stood as a candidate and campaigned vigorously. The trio reacted to the adoption of new standard time for all Malaysia as well as the need for punctuality. More recently, they were involved in the campaign against dengue fever. How did the series start? The famous trio Bakar, Ah Boo and Muthu of the New Sunday Times cartoon strip Guli Guli, have recently been featured on billboards all over the country and are attracting a lot of attention. The billboards are a public relations message by a private company to foster courtesy and good behaviour among the people. The principal characters, Bakar, Ah Boo and Muthu, are representative of a cross-section of the Malaysian public. People can easily recognise the philosophical Bakar, the Guli guli means marbles, explained originator Lim Kok Wing. The game is a favourite pastime in Malaysia, especially among the youngsters. I see the series as an interesting change from our usual diet of imported cartoons. Through this series, I also hope to foster harmony between the races. You will notice that the three buddies, Bakar, Ah Boo and Muthu, are inseparable. True, they even argue and disagree, but that doesnt prevent them from understanding and loving each other.

September 7,1986

Caricatures convey powerful message

The startling caricatures that leapt out of the pages of our newspapers during the campaign for last months general election heralded the arrival of the ubiquitous advertising mans slick and sophisticated persuasive skills. Ong Hock Chuan examines the image makers and how effective their work was. Perhaps the most powerful image that emerged during the short campaign leading up to the general election last
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month was that of a grotesque, four-headed monster which confronted newspaper readers throughout Malaysia on July 25. It had a misshapen and hairy body and each of its four heads caricatures of PAS Yusof Rawa, the SDPs Ahmad Nor, NasMas Raja Nasron and PSRMs Abdul Razak Ahmad had two faces, one smiling deviously, another contorted in pain or rage. You may have nodded in agreement or winced with anger when you saw it but you should not have failed to register that with this Barisan Nasional advertisement, political advertising in Malaysia moved into a new, slick and sophisticated era. The hydra-like monster was part of a carefully planned eight-day Barisan Nasional advertising campaign, which, said mass communications lecturer Mrs Marlene Cheong, reflected a very matured propaganda machinery. Mrs Cheong is a guest lecturer in persuasive communication at the Institute of Public Relations.

The focus of the campaign was, naturally, on the caricatures because of their visual impact. I applaud the people who did the caricatures, said Ogilvy and Mathers creative director, Victor Ng.

Witty caricatures
Whether they were distasteful is something else but they were witty and funny and they made you look forward to seeing more caricatures. They were also attention-grabbing because of the style adopted, he said. They were drawn in Mad magazine style lots of details so that the longer you looked at them the more interesting they became. The advertisers were also very clever to choose caricatures from among the Opposition as it gave them the creative licence to be naughty and funny without being sued. Agreed Mrs Cheong: Political caricatures allow you to zero in on some human foible and magnify it. It exaggerates the ridiculous and ugly. Added Mr Ng: The caricatures were also strong because they made use of a widely perceived truth, rumour or suspicion of the Opposition leaders. For example, many people believe SDP president Ahmad Nor made use of his position in Cuepacs to get into politics and for his own benefit. Hence the caricature of him running over a line of people to Fan Yew Teng on the other side of a river. The caricatures also had a very effective device in the form of a crow, an owl or a frog making comment on the situation depicted, said Mrs Cheong. This is called a two-step flow of information in mass communications theory and it has the effect of making the second source, in this case the crow, owl or frog, a more credible source.

Sophisticated effort
In her definition, she hastened to add, propaganda was a legitimate form of persuasion used every day by religious institutions, social action groups and the like to influence the opinions and actions of others towards a predetermined end. What impressed her and others most was the calibre and sophistication of the Barisan advertising effort. Whoever planned this campaign must have read all the textbooks on persuasive communication, she said with admiration. The advertisements, which appeared in all English and vernacular newspapers, appeared in two distinct forms: one consisted of five full-page pro-Barisan line drawings; the other type consisted of conventional advertisements using photographs and words to urge the readers to vote Barisan and reject the Opposition.

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Barisan logo was there as well as a plea to voters for peace and moderation, to vote the Barisan and reject extremism, fanaticism and racialism.

Peace and harmony

The line drawings of the former Prime Ministers imparted credibility and suggested a continuation of leadership, said Mrs Cheong. The third days advertisement, an open letter from Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad to the voters, together with the manifesto of the Barisan, was basic public relations to Mrs Cheong but a boring layout to Mr Ng. This was followed by one full-page advertisement each for the next two days featuring the Prime Ministers photograph and the Barisan logo respectively: Clear outright persuasive propaganda and it reinforced the message in the first and second advertisements, said Mrs Cheong. The sixth days advertisement switched course again and featured a group of anxious- looking children. The main message was: Thirty years from today, these little ones will be thankful for a peaceful, harmonious, more progressive Malaysia. Children never fail to make most people think twice about what they are going to do. The underlying message here is do you want to do anything to jeopardise their future? said Mr Benedict Morais, vice-president of the Institute of Public Relations. This was followed by another reminder, full-page advertisement of Dr Mahathir, The Peoples Champion, and the last advertisement which combined elements of the second advertisement with the one featuring the manifesto. Thirty years of unbroken peace, harmony and progress wrapped up the advertising campaign which stopped on July 31.

readers were not overloaded with information, said Mrs Cheong. That the pro-Barisan conventional advertisements made use of photographs may also be significant because people tend to believe that photographs are more sincere, said Mr Ng. Who were these advertisements aimed at? That the advertisements were placed in all the English and vernacular papers indicates that they were trying to reach every race, said an advertising executive who declined to be named. The use of words like incongruent and the dependence on the readers to recognise the caricatures of the lesser known politicians like PSRMs Razak bin Ahmad suggest that they were appealing to a more educated and sophisticated audience in the urban areas, he added. Mr Ng disagreed: The less sophisticated audience will still relate to the drawings. They will think that they are funny but they will make an impression on them. Another industry source added that different advertisements aimed at different audiences: For example, the caricature of a PAS member pandering to the Chinese in the West Coast and the Malays in the East Coast would aim more at the rural Malays while the caricature of DAPs Lim Kit Siang was aimed at the Chinese. While acknowledging that the caricatures were certain attention grabbers, Mr Morais said it was bad public relations in terms of overall image.

Public relations
The basis of good public relations, he said, was good performance, adequately communicated and therefore publicly appreciated. Running down opponents always risked a backlash. A few years ago Borneo Motors ran an advertisement which featured a salesman flanked by other salesmen who had crocodile heads. The caption read something like our salesmen are not like others. Within a week the company

Clever use of photographs

Again it was very sound strategy to stop the campaign a couple of days before polling day. This ensured that the

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March 2,1987

Guli Guli strip makes its last Sunday appearance

Guli Guli, a satirical local cartoon strip that highlighted many a Malaysian issue with racial harmony as its objective, will be no more. The cartoon, which has appeared regularly in the New Sunday Times for well over five years, takes its final curtain call this week as its creator, Dato Lim Kok Wing, calls it a day. However, Dato Lim, managing director of Wings Creative, one of the leading advertising houses in the country, is not planning to hang up his boots permanently. I may consider a return to cartoons but not Guli Guli. I might try my hand at political cartoons instead, he said in a farewell interview. Guli Guli made its debut in September 1981 inspired by the need for greater racial harmony. It was also aimed at breaking the monopoly enjoyed by foreign cartoon strips in the local media. Said Dato Lim: Guli Guli was principally a commentary cartoon on current affairs. That is why it was prepared only on Saturdays and rushed to meet the New Sunday Times deadline. The three characters in the cartoon, Ah Boo, Muthu and Bakar, reflect the three races reacting to social and political issues and problems together. The curtains may come down on Guli Guli this week but a collection of it is being compiled into a book to be released soon. Dato Lim is planning to publish a limited edition of 300 copies of this. True to his charity consciousness (he is in charge of fund raising for the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and has raised millions of ringgit to charities over the years), the proceeds from the sales of the book will go to Bakti (Badan Amal dan Kebajikan Tenaga Isteri-Isteri).

August 8, 1989

Anti-nuclear filmlet wins top international honours

A simple idea and message has enabled Malaysia to share the top prize in an international competition to heighten awareness of the threat and consequences of nuclear war. The winning Malaysian entry is a one-minute film titled Ceasefire 89. A song from the Soviet Union shares the honours. The film shows a green and blue globe made of 10,000 matches green for land and blue for sea. A match is lit and placed against it. Within seconds, the whole globe is aflame, depicting what can happen should there be nuclear war. The voice-over says this: This message is addressed to everyone committed to the preservation of mankind and to

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Relations project by the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) for the Kristal Award recently. IPRM said the campaign clearly conveyed its powerful and moving message through various media succeeding in touching the hearts of Malaysians from all walks of life. The project was based on the success of the campaign, its excellent creative element and high professional standards in the presentation of the message. Launched in February 1996 by Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the global appeal was initiated by chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. Themed Beyond Words, Beyond Tears, the campaign was aimed at creating awareness of the plight of the Bosnian citizens and to rally worldwide support financially and in kind for the rehabilitation of the country. Every aspect of the project was presented in black and white to represent the stark symbolism of the appeal. The publicity and promotion for the project consisted of: The book Bosnia: Beyond Words, Beyond Tears A 60-second appeal video distributed to television stations, mainly in West Asian countries Internet appeal A five-minute filmlet A photo exhibition

destruction wrought by the war. It portrayed the horror and terror faced by the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the four years of Serb aggression. It was composed of footage sourced from Reuters, RTM and TV3, and was presented to local television stations for free airtime to spread the message of the appeal. Malaysias Foreign Affairs Ministrys Wisma Putra also distributed some 100 copies of the video to counterparts in West Asia to seek the assistance of their television stations for airtime. Additionally, the campaign also involved an Internet Appeal, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, a photo exhibition and a five-minute filmlet. The Global Appeal also received an award for its competing category Issues and Crisis. Limkokwing Integrateds campaign Rakan Muda was also shortlisted for this category. Limkokwing Integrated also topped the Consumer PR Category with its anti-inflation campaign, Inflasi Sifar.

Greater Public Awareness

The multimedia campaign for the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs was aimed at creating greater public awareness of the causes of inflation, and thereby, bringing about a change in consumer spending habits. IPRM received 45 submissions for the awards, 22 of which were short-listed. Six organisations won awards in seven categories: Employee Relations, Community Relations, Industry & Commerce, Voluntary, Consumer PR, Issues and Crisis and Environmental Project. The awards were presented by Entrepreneur Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Khalid Husin in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 14, 1996.

Four-year aggression
The book, co-authored by Tan Sri Lim and Cik Faridah Hameed, was the origin of the appeal. It is a pictorial depiction of the suffering endured by the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina during the war. The book is available at all major bookstores and proceeds from the sale are directed to the appeal fund. The 60-second video highlighted persecution and

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Visage, 1991

Biggest private art gallery blends in with bustling city

Enveloped in a shroud of timelessness, Loke Mansion has emerged, unscathed by history, to become a showpiece of some of Asias finest artefacts. Loke Mansion or Wisma Loke, as more recently known is that immortal creation. Surrounded by the commercial bustle of the Medan Tuanku vicinity, it still commands a pre-possessing presence, as it did in its heyday at the turn of the century. The original structure is a little past the hundred mark, but seems to have no difficulty blending in with 20th-century Kuala Lumpur. It is wrapped in a shroud of timelessness, and time only. Perhaps its timelessness bears testimony to the pioneering spirit of its past owner, the late Dr Loke Yew, a man who was well ahead of his time. He arrived penniless in Singapore, a mere waif of 13, but by sheer hard work and foresight rose to become one of Malaysias first multi-millionaires. electricity and Loke Yew was believed to be the towns first car owner. To top it all, he even issued his own bank notes which could be cashed on demand. Loke Yew acquired the mansion in 1892 from one Cheow Ah Yeok, a close ally of Yap Ah Loy, the founder of Kuala Lumpur. Some parts of the house go as far back as 1860. The property was sprawled over 4.5 hectares which included an ornamental lake, stables, coach houses and garages. The grounds sloped down to the Sungei Bunus, a tributary of the Klang river. But today, what remains of this estate is only about half-a-hectare, the rest having been sold off for commercial development. Towkay Loke Yew believed in working hard and also playing hard. He was in his element when he threw parties that satiated his guests. An article in the Malay Mail (April 2, 1897) describes a bacchanalian: A first class repast was served and by the time the champagne hock, liqueurs and whiskey had all amicably mixed, the company had exhausted all their vocal and oratorical powers and accordingly adjourned to the Malay theatre. On his travels abroad, Loke Yew observed architectural styles keenly, and incorporated them into the existing mansion. The result is a harmonious blend of East and West, Cote d Azur and Canton. Being the perfectionist that he was, the tycoon continued to modify his house till 1904, when he finally decided everything was in place.

Working and playing hard

Loke Yew never forgot his modest beginnings and throughout his life made substantial donations to various charities. One such beneficiary of his largesse was the University of Hong Kong which, in 1916, received a $500,000 loan, interest-free for 25 years. Loke Yew was a man of many firsts. He built the first road from KL to the rich mining district of Sungei Besi, until then accessible only by water. He was also the first to use an electric generator at his tin mines in the Kinta Valley. Loke Mansion was the first private home in KL to have

Training centre
Yet another excuse to throw a party, and he did. The

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Steeped in history... over a hundred years of history contained within, now a Malaysia creative hub.

Malay Mail, August 30, 1904, reports: Towkay Loke Yew entertained a few of his friends to dinner last night at his residence on Batu Road. We hear there was quite a house-warming. Upon Loke Yews death in 1930, the family continued to live there, until the Japanese occupation in December 1942. The Japanese seized and converted the building into their headquarters, or Hombu. Huge brick buttresses

were built to support the garden wall during Allied bombing attacks.When the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the house became a school and then, during the Emergency, a Special Branch Training Centre. The police were to occupy it for the next 10 years, after which it fell vacant again. In 1970, the proprietor of Asia Antiques leased the place from the Loke Yew Trustees, restored it and sold antiques and paintings for a short while before the lease expired.

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Then, into the fray stepped Dato Lim Kok Wing ad tycoon, philanthropist and businessman. This is my contribution to tourism and the arts, he explained. What KL lacks is a focal point for the arts, a place where they can grow and where people can come to appreciate them. The Artiquarium a play on the words art and antique is here to fill that void. Two art galleries one on each floor showcase works of top Malaysian artists like Ibrahim Hussein, Long Thien Shih and Dr Chew Teng Beng. We are always looking for new talent who have in them what it takes to make it, stressed Dato Lim. He sees the place as his mission to give recognition to artists in this country the artists who dedicate so much time and effort to enrich our art and culture.In Malaysia, we give awards to singers, actors, footballers and badminton players, but not to artists. The Artiquarium is easily the biggest private art gallery in the country, and opened with Documenta 1, a cross-section of works by local artists, especially young ones waiting in the wings of fames hall. The other part of the equation antiques is displayed in the four alcoves flanking the main hallway, and in the black room. Antique furniture and rare antique pieces from all over Asia speak of the rich artistic diversity: Indian cupboards with plain tops and intricately carved legs; Palembang marital beds richly ornate with hard carvings; Balinese statues that speak volumes with their facial expressions. They assault the senses, though unconsciously. Categorising items by country, though, is not always plausible. A better way would be to classify accordingly to regions, as in Balinese, Sundanese or Javanese artefacts. This takes into account influences these places imbibed in

the past, and explains the recurrence of certain motifs and symbols. For example, while Palembang and Bali are both in Indonesia, Palembang artefacts show a strong Chinese influence, while Balinese art portrays the Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana closely. Dato Lim admits that the project is something close to his heart. Each item on display must have high art value and content. The piece should say something to you. It should elicit a response. I have spent a lot of time going to places off the beaten track to look for antiques not available from any old antique shop. It has been very time -consuming, but rewarding at the same time. What if the pieces do not sell? I broach the if warily, considering that some price tags hover around RM50,000. Then I would have taken a gamble that didnt take off, he says, without so much as the bat of an eyelid. Im willing to give it a shot. Then its up to KL to make it work. I, as an individual, can only do so much. To stimulate public interest in Artiquarium, some facilities are open for use two seminar halls that can hold 100 people each, a conference room, and two large exhibition rooms on both floors. These can be rented out for seminars, dialogues, poetry reading and other activities of an artistic nature. We are even willing to give the rooms free if the occasion warrants it. This could perhaps be a poetry-reading session aimed at inculcating the love of poetry in our school children. The possibilities, it seems, are endless. It took one man to realise his dream by utilising what was already there the Loke Mansion, itself a historical building. Add to that an eye for beauty, and a tenacity to make it happen. Dato Loke Wan Tho, the son, would have approved wholeheartedly of this adaptive use of his erstwhile home, for he was an avid antique collector himself. Old man Loke Yew would probably have chorused: Time to celebrate!

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February 27, 1991

Wisma Loke regains its pride of place

Yesterday saw the opening of a unique art and antique center, the first of its kind here, housed in one of Malaysias most historical mansion. Once a rundown house after years of neglect, Wisma Loke today stands majestically in Medan Tunku housing some of the most beautiful and precious artifacts, antiques and paintings. Called the Artiquarium, the center is the brainchild of philanthropist Datuk Lim Kok Wing, who sees the place as a contribution to the development of art in the city. He sees the establishment as a way to encourage active participation of creative arts in Kuala Lumpur. At the artiquarium, one will experience rich and fascinating glimpses of Asian heritage. A collection of antique furniture and rare antique pieces from around Asia stand in the center. In its galleries, hang works by Malaysian artists. The artiquarium was officially opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad. In his speech, the Prime Minister said that the Government wants to preserve historical places including buildings which reflect the countrys history and heritage.

Malaysian Tattler, March 1991

House of treasures in the heart of city

Art and design are topics and pursuits close to Tan Sri Lim Kok Wings heart. A collector of antiques and a connoisseur of fine art, Tan Sri Lim has devoted much of his time to the preservation of the countrys heritage and turning Kuala Lumpur into an art haven. Loke Mansion, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has been given a new lease of life. It has been turned into an art gallery while preserving its historical structure. Nothing makes history more than preserving a piece of history. Much has been said about preserving the past in Malaysia, particularly historical buildings, but very little has been done. It is heartening to note, however, that in the past decade there has been a growing groundswell of support for the cause of conservation, led by prominent Malaysians. One of them is Dato Lim Kok Wing. A legend in advertising, Dato Lims contribution to historical Kuala Lumpur is the preservation of Loke House in Jalan
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Medan Tuanku. The restoration of Loke House is an example of modern enterprise embracing history. Built in 1862, Loke Mansion was the home of Dr Loke Yew, one of the countrys first multi-millionaires. Once the home of a man who loved life and its pleasures, both work and leisure, Loke Mansion is now an art and antiques gallery. Called Artiquarium, it aims to be the art centre of Kuala Lumpur, set as it is off bustling Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. I have always wanted to open an art gallery in Malaysia. Personally, I see this as a contribution to the development of arts and culture in the country, said Dato Lim. For an entrepreneur who has always been interested in art and design, the Artiquarium is a dream come true. It is my intention to turn it into the art centre in Kuala Lumpur. I have always wanted to put up a gallery of this

nature as I feel Kuala Lumpur is an attractive city, but lacking in the cultural and art aspect for the visitor. The Artiquarium will fill the vacuum. I wanted a historical building which was a piece of art in itself, and I found the magnificent Loke Mansion suitable for this purpose. So I made sure I got hold of it. I have taken a long lease on it and completely restored it as it was empty for several years and had become derelict. Loke Mansion has been gazetted and is protected by the Government. It cannot be torn down, but can be restored and revived as it is part of the nations heritage.

aged, has been reinforced with steel. The integrity of the design is completely untouched. The extensive restoration job took six months to complete. Dato Lim, who set up a temporary office at the mansion to supervise the project, had a say in every aspect of it. The Artiquarium was launched on February 26 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad. It is the largest art gallery in the country, if not the largest in this part of the world. Its display, set in the rich splendour of the past, consists of contemporary art as well as ethnic antiques from the Asia Pacific. Items from Papua New Guinea jostle with treasures from Java, Kalimantan, the Golden Triangle, India to China, and all the countries in between.

Oriental moon-gate
European arches and porticos with Oriental tiles and features, such as a moon-gate. Originally set on 11 acres of grounds which sloped down to the Sungai Bonos (one of two rivers that formed the Klang River in Kuala Lumpur), the mansion had a pillared portico and three terraces that led to the river. The portico is gone now, as are the terraces with their ornate balustrades and the 11 acres of grounds. A cantilevered concrete portico was put in by the Japanese when they occupied the house. But the original chengal wood doors remain. The moon-gate, which was bricked, was rediscovered and restored. The original tiles from China have been cleaned. The two halls, archways and verandahs are still there. They have been cleaned and imbued with new life by DatoLims desire to keep an old part of Kuala Lumpur alive. We have avoided using air-conditioning as there is a natural flow of air through the house. We have not renovated, but restored all the original parts of the house, such as the walls and tiles, and tried to keep it as original as possible. The back section of the mansion, which was severely dam-

Most talented artists

In conjunction with the opening, an exhibition by 60 of the nations most talented artists was organised and will run for a few months. It is the biggest exhibition of its kind ever held in Kuala Lumpur. It is also one of the most impressive gatherings of artists ever. Called Dokumenta 1, this inaugural exhibition will pave the way for many more planned throughout the year. There is also an exhibition of antiques and artifacts from Southern Asia titled Legacies. The antique exhibition will easily be the largest held in the country. A total of six container loads of items from Southern Asia will be on show. Some of the pieces are absolutely stunning and few people will have laid eyes on them before. Through the antique exhibition, I hope we will be able to stimulate greater interest in our heritage and in our cultural arts, said Dato Lim. We can safely say that a visitor will be happy to be here because of the large collection of paintings, potteries,

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Vantage, June 1991

A meritorious endeavour
I think having an appreciation for the arts is important. Its good for everyone to have this appreciation, otherwise there will be no sense of design in your house, place of work and whatever you do. You may have a lot of money but not an inch of art in your house and place of work. The conversion of Kuala Lumpurs Loke Mansion into an antiquarium was certainly not a facile success. Once merely a structure emblematic of the opulence of a bygone era, it is now one of the largest art and culture centres of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is the realisation of one mans dream. The result of months of contemplation and hard work. Dato Lim Kok Wing is the man. Artist, philanthropist and a formidable figure in the advertising industry, Dato Lim, who is noted for his sharp intellect, gave the historical mansion a new lease of life by turning it into a treasure trove of arts, artifacts and antiques.

Big surprise
Much, in fact, has already been written about the antiquarium which officially opened its doors to the public on February 25. It spells a future for the past, says one newspaper article. An ambitious project, describes another write-up. Characteristically forthcoming with observations and opinions, Dato Lim reflects on this development. Reclining in the public lounge of his residence, he comments, No less than 3,000 came during the first month itself. It was a big surprise. I didnt expect such a tremendous response. I think its a good thing for KL. There are small shops around but it has never been on this scale before. Visitors

For the love of art, culture and heritage the historical Loke Mansion was transformed into a huge art gallery by Tan Sri Lim. It is aimed at helping to promote local artists.

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are mostly locals while foreigners and expatriates make up about 30 percent.

Positive attitude
The antiquarium is my support for the arts, he declares. I want to help promote art and provide better recognition to our local artists. Next to the National Art Gallery there are very few galleries here. I hope the antiquarium will give our artists the additional support. For the opening, I invited the Prime Minister together with the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, and the Minister of Education because I wanted to give the artists the support they deserve. And it went very well; a lot of people came. Dato Lim believes that having an appreciation for the arts is not totally an inborn ability. Rather it is something that is cultivated from young. He deplores the general lack of interest among Malaysians. I think having an appreciation for the arts is important. Its good for everyone to have this appreciation, otherwise there will be no sense of design in your house, place of work and whatever you do. You may have a lot of money but not an inch of art in your house and place of work. Those of us born with this strong sense of approach for the arts are lucky but to a large extent, this positive attitude is cultivated. By and large, the people here go to school and the years they spend in school is one big paper -chase. Unlike in the Western world where involvement in the arts is very much expected of the student. This explains why foreigners are so interested to look at cultural arts. It is also reflected in the way they decorate their homes. That sense is cultivated in them. In Malaysia, Dato Lim adds, there are very few houses with pieces of art in the hall. We have pictures of the Swiss Alps, Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson, but paintings by Malaysian artists are not often found in the house.

Hopefully, there will be greater awareness when we expose people to art and cultural arts. Dato Lim also hopes that the Malaysian education system will place more emphasis on art so that it will have a bigger role in peoples lives. Manufacturers are now looking for better design. So are architects. You have to start with better appreciation for art before you talk about designs, he says. It is this observation that has propelled Dato Lim into embarking on his other current project. He is in the midst of setting up a design college which he hopes will attract students from the region. In the school, Dato Lim sees the opportunity to help overcome the dearth of design talents in the country. Dato Lims antiquarium was given its concept not without a purpose. And the purpose is a simple one, he says. My intention was to expand the audience coming to both the art gallery and the artifacts section. There are people who go to art galleries and art exhibitions alone. The antiquarium will expose people to both, he remarks. He went to great lengths to ensure the antiquariums success. Restoration of the two-storey building cost more than RM500,000.

Local art scene

Dato Lim says, The idea had been there for a while. It was just a matter of finding a place. I took time off work to look for a place before managing to secure the Loke Mansion. The physical setting up took six months. Having been neglected for 10 years, the mansion was in a bad shape. The antiquariums first month saw the exhibition of more than six containers of artifacts plus paintings by about 60 of the countrys artists. Some of the pieces in the antiquarium were part of Dato Lims collections for many years. When he decided to start the centre, he reveals that he had journeyed through the South Pacific in search of suitable objects for the place.

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I collected pieces I felt were the best I could find, he recalls. The artifacts were nice pieces and quite a few have been sold. The place is quite depleted now but in the next two or three weeks another four containers are arriving. By now, KLs artistic set must be looking upon the antiquarium as perhaps benefiting the local art scene. But does Dato Lim himself share the general view? I think we have achieved a degree of success, he replies. If you ask me if the antiquarium is an economic success, I dont know. Ive never looked at it that way. I want it to be an important art and culture centre in the region so that when people come to this part of the world, they can see it. This will help in the promotion of tourism, of course. In the eyes of local art enthusiasts, the 90s may have triggered off a terrific vogue for abstract art. But Dato Lim chooses to view the scenario differently, if not critically. I dont know why they call this the era of abstract art but more and more local artists are becoming emotional in their paintings and works. And because of that, we find more symbolism and abstract works. I dont think this era is any different from the previous era. Our local artists are talented people. Their choice of subject however is limited. Themes are limited. Expressions are limited. This could be due to the lack of exposure and the lack of challenge. I notice local artists settling for a fixed pattern of expression. They do the same thing very quickly. They can do 50 paintings looking very much the same. I think there should be more attempts to break into more subject matters.

years of amassing the items has yielded a vast collection of more than a thousand of them, big and small. I collect old art pieces. Most of them are mementoes with art value from my travels around the world. Wearing a thoughtful mien, he glances at a huge ornamental piece on the wall. Thats an Indian ceremonial headgear from India. Turning to another object near the headgear, he says, This is the Goddess of Peace from Tibet. And this, he continues, his left foot tapping on the side of a wooden chunk supporting a slab of glass, is part of an old pillar from Sri Lanka. I use them as legs for my coffee table. He proceeds to touch on several more items before revealing how his wife, Datin Tessie, enjoys the collection although the collecting part is mainly done by him. Indeed, it is Dato Lims deep-rooted love for art that impelled him to start the antiquarium in the first place. But he was also motivated by another his philosophical approach to life. Life is really very temporary, he remarks. Its true that we live on borrowed time. I think its true that we are only passing through but it should be good if we can do something for others. Before long well be gone. So I sacrificed a lot in terms of business opportunities to spend time in social and charity work. This time I could have spent to make more money but I just feel that while you are here you should do something to help others. When Im in the position to help people, I will. For instance, when some artist came and talked to me about their problems the lack of galleries, the lack of support, I felt I could spend some time and effort to help them. So I went out to do it and now, its done. A respected historical building has been saved and assistance has been given to local artists.

20-year collection
At home, Dato Lim used to paint a lot. He would like to resume the avocation one day, he says. In the meantime, he surely derives a lot of pleasure from his surroundings. His residence abounds in paintings and artifacts. Twenty

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November 20, 1994

Rakan Muda for secondary schools

The Education Ministry will incorporate the Rakan Muda programmes into the curriculum of secondary schools when the new school year begins. Deputy Minister Dr Leo Michael Toyad said yesterday that the ministry would work with the Youth and Sports Ministry to set up Kelab Rakan Muda in all secondary schools. "The different lifestyle programmes can be adapted into the schools existing co-curriculum activities," he said. A secretariat, to be chaired by him, would monitor the programmes progress, Dr Toyad told reporters after opening the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technologys Creativity Show 94 at the Lot 10 shopping complex yesterday. The Rakan Muda programme was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Oct 29. The programmes under the Rakan Muda scheme are sports, martial arts, culture, entrepreneurship, community service, environment, recreation, innovation, physical fitness and uniformed corps.

July 26,1995

Book on where to invest in the country

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad today launched a special 300-page publication entitled Malaysia Incorporated which has been described as a road map to investments in Malaysia. The book is a collaborative effort between government leaders and captains of industry delving into investment prospects within the various sectors of the economy. This unique presentation is published by Limkokwing Integrated Sdn Bhd with the co-operation of the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Ministers Department. Also present at the launching ceremony at the Putra World Trade Centre here were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Economic Adviser to the Government Tun Daim Zainuddin, who is also the special advisor to the publication, Cabinet Ministers, Menteris Besar, Limkokwing Integrated executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, corporate leaders and senior government officials. The book is the result of a series of consultations and coordination between the public and private sectors is aimed particularly at foreign investors. The book, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, is also a useful guide to domestic entrepreneurs and the business community. The book, which comes in both hard and soft covers, contains among others an interview with Dr Mahathir on Malaysias quest to achieve developed nations status. Dr Mahathir is expected to launch the book in London in September which Anwar will unveil it in New York during his visit there later this year. Work is currently under way to translate the book into

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and private sectors in fuelling growth. It also provides glimpses of future trends as espoused by corporate leaders providing valuable insights into investment opportunities. Economic prospects are laid out in a colourful presentation that reveals the natural scenic beauty of the country and the harmony that exists within Malaysias multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-religious society. Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Seri Yahaya Ahmad in his opening remarks said chapters contributed by government and industry leaders offered important analyses of the economy and were written in the spirit of Malaysia Incorporated. Malaysia Incorporated is a concept introduced in the early 1980s which has now evolved into a Malaysian achievement that other developing nations are beginning to emulate. With privatization as its main vehicle, the policy has been a major pillar of economic success. It has provided the impetus for the economy to move smoothly and has served as a motivation as well as a catalyst to the business community as a whole and entrepreneurs in particular. "The book enables us to put our words into action and project to the world the harmonious and close working relationship that the public and private sectors enjoy in Malaysia. "It represents a rare collaboration found in the world today," Yahaya said. He said Malaysia Incorporated was a perfect reflection of Dr Mahathirs wisdom and ability to steer the nation confidently towards success currently being enjoyed by the people. The book, priced at RM150 per copy for the hardcover and RM90 for the softcover will be available from today at all Times bookshops. The book is also available in selected outlets in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Brunei and Singapore. The first print of the book will total 10,000 copies.

Japanese and it will be launched in Japan sometime later this year by Dr Mahathir. There are also messages from Dr Mahathir, Anwar, Daim and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz. There is also an analysis by Daim entitled "Growth Triangle New Regional Co-operation" and articles by EPU director-general Tan Sri Ali Abdul Hassan and captains of industries. The book serves as a guide to government thinking and provides examples of successful collaboration between public

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April 21, 1996

Incorporating creativity into business planning

"We are entering a new age where the perimeters are constantly being redefined" says communications strategist and educationist, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing who is the founder president of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. Today, LICT is recognized as one of the countrys foremost tertiary institutions with links to 19 established universities. Among the universities are Auckland Institute of Technology in New Zealand, Middlesex University, Britain and Deakin University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, both in Australia. LICT has three schools Business and Management, Architecture and Design at Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Imbi campus in Kuala Lumpur. "Incorporating creativity into business planning and operations is a factor that will expedite the attainment of Vision 2020 to build a progressive, prosperous and united Malaysia," says Lim. "Creativity and innovation allows us to adapt to the changing business requirements as we head towards the goal of a fully industrialized nation, one that is committed to excellence," adds Lim. A leader in this effort is LICT which has already set new yardsticks in providing tertiary studies and training for designers business leaders and architects. Lim is a visionary and an educationist. He combines a unique blend of artistry and a business acumen in developing new and effective curriculum. He wishes to produce a new group of creative business personalities. "There are many emerging markets like China and India where we can export our innovations and business ideas," says Lim. The labour supply is projected to reach 15 milion by the year 2020. Education and proper training are very essential tools. "It is important that we lay the foundation for the future by carefully nurturing the latent abilities of our students and preparing them for the global changes."

August 23, 1996

New prospects in store for ultimate designers

Designers are creative professionals whose work includes designing consumer/ industrial products, interior and exterior of buildings, creating illustrations on television commercials, outdoor billboards as well as corporate communication tools. With rapid development in almost every sector of society, designers are in demand to promote business, education, the television market and the service sector. The founder and president of the institute, Tan Sri Dato Lim Kok Wing, says that students at the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology are taught to explore the realms of creativity and be able to conceptualise. We want our students to be the best in their field, not just by having a portfolio of excellent work but also having an understanding of the mechanics of putting forwards their ideas either in electronics or in print, he emphasises.

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Lim states that the institute draws talent locally and from abroad by inviting local and foreign experts to share their knowledge, experience and the latest techniques and trends in their respective fields. "In the field of design, students have to know the newest approaches so that they have an advantage over others in this very competitive field.

Students should consider pursuing courses that would allow the development of their creative potential rather than follow conservative professions that are already saturated.

The demand for talented designers is constantly on the rise as Malaysia moves towards achieving Vision 2020. As foreign manufacturers set up manufacturing facilities in Design is important for the development of the nation, Malaysia, the need for designers will increase, Lim adds. to propel it as a producer of innovative designs as well as Product designers work as technical model makers, envian ultimate centre for designs. According to Lim, the coun- ronmental designers, exhibition designers and also play a try has the edge in many areas like in furniture, consumer role in engineering. Lim continues to say that there is a products and jewellery making because local designs are growing trend for Malaysian manufacturers to employ fast making inroads into the European and Asian markets. professional product designers.

November 30, 1996

Top public relations projects win honours

The Institute of Public Relations Malaysia has introduced the Anugerah Kristal IPRM which is the first award programme in the country to select the most exemplary public relations project. Entrepreneurial Development Ministry Deputy SecretaryGeneral Datuk Khalid Hussein presented the awards to the overall winner and the seven category award winners at a tea function at the Nirvana Ballroom in Kuala Lumpur Hilton recently. Limkokwing Integrated was judged the most exemplary public relations project this year with its project Global Humanitarian Appeal for Bosnia and Herzegovina Beyond Words, Beyond Tears. The institute received 45 projects for award consideration, which were later shortlisted to 22. The winners were divided into seven categories. Under the category of Employee Relations, the winner was Perkep for Rumah Ku Syurga Ku; Community Relations (TV3) Jejak Kasih; Industry & Commerce (Binariang) for the launching of Measat 1; Voluntary Womens Institute of Management for Networking; Consumer PR Limkokwing Integrated for Inflasi Sifar; Issues and Crisis Limkokwing Integrated for Global Humanitarian Appeal for Bosnia and Herzegovina Beyond Words, Beyond Tears and Environmental Projects Hongkong Bank for Marine and Environmental Projects. The panel of judges were Shahreen Kamaluddin of Shahreen Corporate Communication, Monica Voon of Burson Marsteller, David Liew of Peter Beaumont and Prof Dr Syed Arabi Idid who is also IPRM chairman. Judging was based on conceptual planning, programme analysis, proposal versus implementation, budget, publicity and promotions, objective, level of research, innovativeness, return on investment and measure of success. The programme was also to acknowledge a higher standard of public relations professionalism observed by Malaysians both in the public and private sectors, to demonstrate the institutes serious role in upgrading public

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relations professionalism in the country, to facilitate the production of a publication on exemplary Malaysian public relations projects and to reflect the high standard of public relations practice in the country. About 300 people attended the function.

Chief executive officers who were present to receive the awards included Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing (Limkokwing Integrated), Datuk Napsiah Omar (Womens Institute of Management), Tunku Datuk Seri Mahmud Burhanuddin (Binariang) and Datuk Sulaiman Sujak (Hongkong Bank).

September 14,1996

Corporate citizen who wears many hats

Reticent about his achievements and often reluctant to be in the glare of public attention, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing does not look every inch a high-powered corporate figure in appearance. He conducts meetings, attends conferences and hosts high-profile events, minus a business suit and tie. However, the unassuming corporate leader does not shy away from active involvement in the business community. In fact, he has often made it his crusade to promote, among others, branding, corporate governance, Made-in-Malaysia goods and locally-designed packaging. Despite his hectic schedule, Tan Sri Lim also takes time off to attend to matters close to his heart. At 49, as head of Lim Kok Wing Integrated, and widely acknowledged as one of Asias most accomplished communications and design strategists, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a buoyant and energetic leader in his field, committed not only to his career but also along with his company, seen as a caring corporate citizen. The latter has been very much part of his mission ever since his involvement, 25 years ago, with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, with which he has been, among others, the national fundraising chairman and is currently vice-chairman. Asia Magazine has named him The Message Man, while The Asia Week refers to him as The Compassionate AdMan. Asian Business describes him as having embarked on a creative crusade for quality, for he is known to be a perfectionist who is always striving for excellence. Tan Sri Lim has always believed that Malaysia has the potential of becoming the regions creative capital and must win recognition as a country capable of producing high quality if we are to compete with the best in the world. His dream of setting up a prestigious art and design school in the region to educate talented young Malaysians has already borne fruit with the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), the first Malaysian college to offer internationally recognised diplomas and career-driven programmes in the fields of art, communication and design as well as multi-media programmes and international business and communications. With the founding of LICT, Malaysian students have benefited from Tan Sri Lims industry leadership and enjoyed a better range of specialised career-driven programmes. LICT initially started off Tan Sri Lims contribution to the industry. Although many parents hope that their children would take up safe professional courses such as accountancy or business, he stresses that the future manager will be a techno-grad. A person going to university now will be working in the year 2000 when there will be a communication explosion.

Creative capital
Tan Sri Lim is a much sought-after professional and is an expert in his field. He has won more creative awards than any others in Asia and has contributed more towards building this industry than anyone else. His achievements have been recognised by the international media. The

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Strategic mission
Tan Sri Lim was awarded the honorary doctor of letters by Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia which recognises his contribution to higher education and community service in Malaysia. Tan Sri Lim has also received an honorary doctorate from Englands University of Hertfordshire and an honorary fellowship award from Auckland Institute of Technology, New Zealand. One of his latest ventures is to collaborate with leading software designing firms worldwide, thus moving into the multimedia corridor and exposing Malaysian to the high end of technology transfer. This will offer tremendous scope in software development and Malaysian applications in the area of professional designing. In 1978, Tan Sri Lim started his first agency, Wings, which went on to challenge foreign domination of the communications arena by sweeping national and international awards and proving that Malaysia is capable of producing work of substance, style and quality. His work has been adopted by the government for public campaigns. The jingle, Be Nice To Your Neighbour, is still heard over the radio after a decade and Proud To Be Malaysian is the echo in our heart put to rhyme by Tan Sri Lim. The song continues to be aired over national radio and was recently revised to accompany a series of videos, broadcast over national television, highlighting the latest achievements by the country.

media, serving to keep the target firmly fixed in the nations mind. He is a man who has consistently highlighted the multiracial factor in all campaigns to promote a society which is instrumental in nation-building. He has also been appointed communications consultant by the Sarawak State Government on the Bakun Hydro -electric Project which will see more investment opportunities by national and international corporations. Internationally, Tan Sri Lim has proved to be a formidable player. In preparation for South Africas first-ever democratic elections, a voter education campaign that was instrumental in election victory was devised. The launch of Malaysia Incorporated, an authoritative publication of key investment opportunities and the most widely distributed industrial publication in the country, was initiated by Tan Sri Lim to promote cooperation between the private and public sectors. Being a caring corporate citizen, Tan Sri Lims works emphasise his own personal involvement in charitable institutions. He has been vocal in his crusade to make people aware of atrocities happening around the world especially in war-torn Bosnia. He is the man behind the heartwrenching video clip on national television highlighting the plight of the people of former Yugoslavia. To document what a civil war can do to a country and its people, he brought out a book and video, Global Humanitarian Appeal, a non-profit making fund-raising project dedicated to the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina. With this he has made the international community sit up and notice Malaysias efforts to help. Although hard-pressed by an ever-demanding business schedule, Tan Sri Lim somehow makes time to serve the society through his work in charitable and professional organisations. Apart from his well-known involvement in the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, he is also the founder and president

Investment opportunities
Some of his latest and best projects adopted by the government cover all strata of society such as the Rakan Muda, which was a strategic mission for young people devised to turn a national problem into a national pool of human resource. The anti -inflation drive widely highlighted on national television is an awareness campaign, which heralds unprecedented cooperation between consumers, traders and the government in combating inflation. Within days of the launch, tremendous response was generated in the

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of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, Founder member and past President of Cancerlink Foundation, Vice President of United Nations -Malaysia Association, Vice President of Malaysian Institute of Directors, Member of the Board of Trustees to both The Malaysian Handicraft Development Board and the National Art Gallery. Tan Sri Lim has also published Volumes 1 and 2 of GuliGuli, a compilation of his observations of life in cartoon

form. Guli-Guli, the cartoon strip by Tan Sri Lim, ran in the New Straits Times for a period of five consecutive years. A man who is extremely reticent to talk about himself is known for his vision and resilience with the stamina to compete with the best. An artist, communicator, cartoonist, designer, strategist, philanthropist and educationist, he is much more concerned with what he is doing right here and now than what is past.

January 27, 1998

Limkokwing scores again with KL Games campaign song

The Limkokwing Institure of Creative Technology (LICT) scored another creative first when its staff wrote and produced the campaign song for the 16th Commonwealth Games. Bersama Berpimpin Tangan is a rousing song to get Malaysians to come our in strong support of the Kuala Lumpur 1998 Games, said LICT Executive Director Puan Sri Tessie Lim. The song and its English version, Lets Join Hands, was officially launched by Youth and Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on January 20, 1998, at the LICT campus. More than 600 people, including Sukom Chairman Tan Sri Gen (Ret) Hashim Mohammed Ali, Youth and Sports Ministry Chief Secretary Dato Ahmad Bakri Shabdin, LICT Governing Council Deputy Chairman Dato Sulaiman Osman, LICT Executive Director Puan Sri Tessie Lim, VIPs and representatives from all sports associations, attended the launch where the song was performed live by LICT staff and students. "We are confident that these songs with their uplifting lyrics and rousing music will motivate Malaysians to come out in strong support of the Games. The catchy rhythm sticks in the head and the song should be on everyones lips during the run-up to the Games," said Puan Sri Tessie Lim. The overall concept for the lyrics and music came from LICT President Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, after which staff had a brainstorming to come up with verses. The final version of the lyrics was honed by LICT Senior Manager (Public Relations) Danieul Mudali, while the music was arranged by Anuar Razak, an Industry Advisor of LICT. "It is very much a collaborative staff effort. And we are proud that Sukom gave us the opportunity to do our bit for the Games and our country. We are also deeply honored that Sukom gave us the opportunity to host the Launch of the Campaign Song too," said Puan Sri Lim. LICT has been awarded Proud Supporter status which entitles the institution to use the Wira mascot and phrase Proud Supporter on its stationery and promotional mate-

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rials. Proud Supporter status is given to institutions that donate RM50,000 or more towards the organization of the Games. Limkokwing Integrated, a sister company of LICT, is the designer for the Games mascot, Wira. It was also respon-

sible for writing and producing the first games song, Lets Make It Great and a video based on the song. The company also designed the Sukom and Kuala Lumpur 98 Games logos as well as help create the first wave of publicity for the Games.

March 1, 1998

Anti-dadah film gets New York award

Two Malaysian films have won honour in the international arena for public service filmlets. One is a 60-second anti-dadah film titled Trap that won an award as one of the best public service films in the 1987 International Advertising Association Annual Award. The other is a 19-minute documentary on the elephant rescue operation during the building of Terengganus Kenyir power station in March 1984 (see accompanying story). Trap was among 250 entries received from around the world for the contest held recently in conjunction with the International Film and Television Festival in New York. The film showed how a rat tempted by a piece of cheese gets caught in a mouse-trap. The idea came from Dato Lim Kok Wing, deputy chairman of Wings Creative. Dato Lim said the film was timely, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad was elected as chairman of the International Conference on Abuse and Trafficking of Drugs last year. "The award shows Malaysian-made films can be accepted at the international level," he said. Dato Lim said it also proved that Malaysias anti-dadah campaign message is appreciated in the West. He said the mouse-trap idea was choosen because it symbolizes dadahs effect on individuals, that it will not kill immediately but die slowly in pain and agony. He has completed two other short films which are expected to be shown over television soon. Titled Dont Be A Litter Bum, there are two versions. He is also planning another film called Good Driving Habits as part of a road safety campaign.

March 31, 1998

Tomorrows education, today

The Government has urged local educational institutes to step up their operations to take in more local students, and to also adopt the "Smart School" concept. While this is happening, a quiet revolution of sorts has already taken place, with the birth of creative technology based institutes. High-tech schools set up and funded by private organizations are emerging in the Klang Valley. They offer courses such as multimedia authoring, computer generated imaging, music programming and media production using state-of-the-art

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Minister of Youth and Sports Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin join hands with Wira, Limkokwing staff, students and guests to drum up support for the Commonwealth Games at the Limkokwing campus.

computer hardware and software. Schools such as Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), The One Academy and International College of Music (Icom) are investing heavily into information technology; and already offer Malaysians courses that were once available only in the United States, Japan or Europe. "I would like to consider LICT a school that fits the Smart School model," says LICT chairman and founder Tan Sri Dato Lim Kok Wing. "I believe that new media, specifically involving IT, will be a mainstream part of life in the future, and it is important that future generations of Malaysians learn about such technology," he says. LICT students today get to learn crafts such as 3D animation, web-page design and broadcast technology. As Malaysia positions itself to become the broadcast hub of Asia, creative technology schools such as LICT prepare a new pool of knowledge base for this dream.

Technology education
These new breed of institutes have to make both ends meet, as both business entities and education institutes. Unfortunately, they are sometimes perceived by the public as money-mongers out for parents money only, and not really interested in providing higher learning to students. "Sometimes, it is difficult for us," admits Lim. "We are considered a money-making venture the moment we say we are a private school." "Fortunately, the corporate world has high regard for our graduates, since we have been constantly turning out good students," he claims. LICTs new campus in Taman Mayang boasts a highly sophisticated computer network that links over 200 units of Apple Macintoshes and IBM-compatible PCs in the computer laboratories. Recently, before its 1998 semester kicked off, the school acquired an additional 70 units of the Apple Power Macintosh for a new course.

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"We are constantly looking for better courses to offer our students," says Lim. "We have partnered with overseas institutes through twinning programmes so that our students can take up courses offered by schools in the United States, Britain, Germany, Canada, New Zealand and Australia." LICT offers courses that are moderated by 35 overseas universities, colleges and polytechnics. These include wellknown schools such as RMIT, Auckland Institute of Technology, Pratt Institute of New York and Mainz University. "By bringing these courses to Malaysia, we can make such education accessible to all Malaysian," says Lim. "These schools offer qualifications accepted by even more countries."

Also, its not all doom and gloom because of the economic downturn. "During these tough financial times, some people have actually taken the opportunity to go back to school," says Lim. "In fact, our 1998 student intake has increased."

Technology-driven future
With Malaysias Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) project a year ahead of schedule, it is becoming more important for the country to make every brain count in the technology rat race. Its going to be a technology-driven future," says LICTs Lim. "Malaysia needs knowledge workers in fields such as new media, broadcast and creative computing technology, and we are here to provide them, good times or not."

"I think schools like ours should come under a different cate- On this point, TOAs Hoi agrees whole-heartedly with gory," says LICTs Lim, who claims its difficult for private Lim. schools to get licenses to run new courses. "We will need to keep up with the rest of the world," says Hoi. However, he says the Government has been very suppor- "There are a lot of talented people in Malaysia, all they need tive, with officials always willing to attend LICT functions. is the skill to command the technology we have in our hands." "This is a real morale booster," he adds.

April 17, 1998

The voice of silent majority

The Education Minister, Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak, who launched the book, In The Eyes of the Tiger: Hidden Agenda, in a simple ceremony at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday, extolled the qualities of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is featured prominently in the book. To me, this book encapsulates the thoughts of Dr Mahathir, which represents the voice of the silent majority. It puts forth a strong and cogent case to explain the current economic turmoil, he said. The book, co-written by Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, Robert Ho You Chai and Yee Mee Fah, also carries exclusive interviews with Dr Mahathir and the executive director of the National Economic Action Council, Tun Daim Zainuddin. It seeks to give an Asian perspective of what has happened to the tigers of the region as a result of the economic downturn.

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Sept 6, 1998

Going ape over Games mascot Wira

Wira, the popular mascot of the XVI Commonwealth Games, is a familiar sight to all Malaysians, and the visitors and foreign sportsmen here for the event which opens this Friday. But few are aware of the meticulous preparation and work that went into his creation.Work on the Games mascot started in 1994 when Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and his LICT design team created Wira and his winning ways. Says Tan Sri Lim: We wanted a mascot that would project the image of Malaysia and Malaysians as warm, friendly and fun. It also had to be a unique animal easily identified with Malaysia. The creative team tried out various options like the hornbill and the kancil (mouse deer) before settling on the orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus). The team wanted an animal that not only had a Malay name but one that looked agile, natural and manlike. As a result, the orang-utan was stylised and presented as Wira, or warrior in Bahasa Malaysia. The orang-utan or man of the jungle is known all over the world by its Malay-derived name so it projects a very Malaysian image, said Tan Sri Lim, who is president of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. Its also an agile and flexible animal so it can easily be posed in illustrations depicting the various sporting events in the games. A lot of thought went into the design, because we wanted an image that people would find warm, friendly and loving, Tan Sri Lim said. The choice of the orang-utan also projects Malaysia as an eco-friendly place where conservation of the rainforest is a vital concern. Wira is currently the countrys most popular ambassador appearing just about anywhere and everywhere from billboards and posters to mugs, T-shirts, ties, pins and stationery. Tan Sri Lim was also responsible for the overall concept of the song, Lets Join Hands, the third campaign song released for the Games. The song, which emphasises the spirit of togetherness, was performed by students from the LICT. And a gold medal, lots of people will agree, should go to these people who, with their tireless efforts, are already champions in their field.
A mascot that is Malaysian in flavour Tan Sri Lim and his team designed Wira, the orang utan, for the Commonwealth Games, creating an image that projects friendliness and warmth. The choice of the orang utan also projects the country as an eco-friendly place where conservation of the rainforest is a vital concern.

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February 16, 1999

Right mix makes country ideal education centre

Quality education is right here in Malaysia as it offers good facilities, cultural diversity, support from the public and Government, and can serve as a halfway point for foreign students, reports Norani Shariff. Malaysia can become an international centre for education as it has the right mixture of talent, facilities and support, said Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. He said the nation could build itself as the next country for education after Britain, Canada, Australia, the United States and New Zealand. This mixture will make it a good halfway house for Asian students who later want to continue their studies in Western countries. Also, Malaysia should also harness its cultural diversity and creativity and make use of available technology, said Lim. It would then become a leading force in creativity, originality of design, packaging and quality, he continued. Lim said one factor which will make Malaysia an international centre for education is the wide use of the English language. He said the courses are taught in English and the language is widely used by the public. In addition, the cost of living and education is cheaper here compared with Western countries. At the same time, foreign students will not experience the cultural shock they would generally have in Western countries, as they would be living in an Asian culture, which is similar to theirs. We are unique because our programmes are in English, but are conducted in an Asian environment, Lim said. For instance, he said, a student from China would find Malaysia a good middle point before he heads for the West. Another factor which makes Malaysia right is the modern facilities that it offers students. Lim said while other Asian countries can offer tertiary education, they may not have good and modern facilities. Malaysia is also a safer place than other countries, he continued, and it is a culturally-vibrant country. Equally important is the high premium placed on education by the public and the government. Malaysia has a long tradition in education and we have become quite good at providing it. It is only the public who is not aware of this fact. He added that many Malaysians still complain about education here and still think that other countries are better in education but it is actually a lot better than other countries. Lim said any country which can educate people from elsewhere commands international respect. On making Malaysia a design creativity hub, Lim said this plan is possible due to the countrys diverse cultures. Outside of Japan and Taiwan in Asia, there are no other countries which have gone down this road, he said.

Modern facilities
You get international qualification because some of the programmes are twinning courses and validated by foreign universities, but you pay only one-third of the price (than if you were to go to the West), Lim said.

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January 12, 2000

Keeping creativity alive among younger children

The Limkokwing International Education Group has spread its wings to the education of younger children with the establishment of Wings of Creativity (WOC) centres. The first WOC is scheduled to open early this month in Bukit Damansara and the second is due to start at the end of the month in Subang Jaya. political leaders of the future. Whichever area they choose to go into, theirs will be a world very different from ours. They need to be able to operate confidently and creatively in order to be competitive with the rest of the world. The WOC was conceptualised on the premise of nurturing what is already inborn in children.

This is a natural progression A brochure promoting the Wings of Creativity Centre... from the Limkokwing Institute designed to nurture and encourage childrens creativity Children are born creative and of Creative Technology, said in order to be competitive. analytical they are always curiTan Sri Lim Kok Wing, ous and their favourite word is founder-president of LICT. The time is right for us to Why?, said Lim. Unfortunately, as they grow up, that cremove forward by going back to the future, if you will, to ativity and curiosity gets repressed and many bury that side of younger children and nurturing their bent for creativity and their personality because creativity is thought to be frivolous innovation. and not serious enough for real-life. The WOCs are for children aged 6-15 and the curriculum is divided into four levels that cover mind expansion, skills What we are doing is to nurture and encourage that creativity through a whole range of activities which will keep enhancement and character building. that spirit alive even as they grow older. Each level is for one-and-a-half hours a week for 40 weeks. Classes are held every day and students can choose which His experience in promoting creativity makes it clear to class to attend from five different segments throughout the Lim that there is still a long way to go in educating the public about the concept. day. All classes are taught in English. The WOC was developed to meet the countrys aspirations in the 21st century. Its about nurturing whiz kids of the next generation," said Lim. Those who are in our target age group are the ones who will be the corporate and Creativity isnt just about art and design, he said. It involves adaptability and flexibility of thought. Today, all the management gurus talk about it because its a key skill in running businesses.

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January 23, 2000

Creative young minds for the digital world

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is taking creative thinking to the youngest of Malaysians. He wants the next generation the ones entering the workplace in 2020 to go in with skills like weve never seen before. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing wants to redesign the Malaysian brain. For the past year, hes been studying children and how to free their minds. To make them think creatively and perform a task, any task, with ingenuity and 21st-century savvy. Last weekend, his new school Wings of Creativity opened to children aged five to 15. Inside, they are let loose into the world of language, knowledge and IT with a massive sense of freedom to use these exact tools to learn new things and new ways to use them for a new age. For the digital world that is our destiny, says Lim, it will take the combined power of these elements to develop people who think differently, are articulate in expressing ideas and unafraid to show off their work. Most of all, they will need to be independent, competent seekers of information in todays context. Not hand-out freaks with a herd mentality. There are no exams. Kids go there after regular school but its not a tuition centre. ing but its purpose, says Lim, is for that same child to see a whole new world in the math, history, physics, geography, chemistry, literature, biology and any other subject which he or she is taught in normal school. More than that, to harness the power of those very subjects, says Lim, so it doesnt matter if they become lawyers or doctors or secretaries or chauffeurs, the acquired tendency to think creatively means theyll do their job with distinction. Lim is thinking of intellectual convergence where (what we call) different subjects do not stay as disparate entities because of our rote-learning teaching tradition.

Highly competitive
Todays children will have to be different because they are inheriting the Multimedia Super Corridor for a professional playground, be hot-linked to every nook on the planet, expand to bandwidths of creativity in every imaginable discipline and have enough savvy to sell it to a liberalised, globalised market. The school two centres are open, more are planned this year has a syllabus designed by an international team of child education experts. There are even perky, colourful T-shirts for uniforms. Children are assigned to age groups and can progress through four levels. Decorum, discipline and demeanor are self-generated, peerdefined elements of behaviour. Competitiveness is deliberately encouraged, aggressiveness is not. The emphasis is on self-confidence and personality development. I want every kid to get used to accomplishment, says Lim in his hard-edged Gandhian manner of speech.

Whole new world

The environment is provocative but not fanciful. Classes are small. Theres no chair for the teacher. There are many computer terminals and all-day Internet access. The children will have to do some public speaking to present an idea, or even defend one, but will never be asked to make a speech. Such a school may sound a radical exercise in free-think-

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March 31, 2000

Book showcasing quality education launched

A book which showcases the quality of education available in the country titled Education in Malaysia was launched today by Deputy Education Minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim. The book, which is the first publication by the Malaysian Education Promotion Council (MEPC), also carries the thoughts of renowned educationists and academics on the education industry as seen today. Hon lauded MEPCs effort in promoting education opportunities in Malaysia. "I am pleased that the governments aspiration to make the country a regional hub for education has the full support of the private sector. "I believe the efforts are already bearing fruits as there are already 17,000 foreign students enrolled in our institutions of higher learning." Hon said since the Malaysian economy is almost returning to its former vibrancy, education will play a key role in the nations continued revival. He said education will not only provide the country with skilled manpower but can be turned into a major income to the country, besides reducing serious outflow of funds.

September 18, 2000

Down memory lane

Merdeka celebrations are still being held across the country to appreciate 43 years of sustained peace and prosperity. But the celebrations are also a time for reflection on the sacrifices made by past generations which enabled Malaysians to stand tall today. About 100 students and lecturers from the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) joined hands to preserve a part of the countrys history to ensure the sacrifices are not forgotten. Their efforts can be seen in War & Peace, a unique pictorial exhibition on Kuala Lumpur. The unique visual presentation takes visitors through the turbulent times of the Japanese occupation, the divide and rule period under the British and the changes that transformed Kuala Lumpur into a bustling city. "Our students worked for more than two months to make this exhibition a reality," said LICT vice-president of corporate development, Gail Phung. "Lecturers and students combed libraries, looking for information and old pictures for this project," she said. They came up with more than 200 pictures but only 100 were chosen for the exhibition.

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February 10, 2003

Good design offers value and competitive edge

Good design is good for business, said Malaysia Design Innovation Centre (MDI) president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. Design is applied to everything and no one is spared; we all design when we choose our glasses, clothes, colour and even furniture for our house. Everyone is conscious of a need to design and that is the extent of the importance of design, he said. Creativity, where good design comes from, will give businesses a competitive edge by increasing productivity and cost efficiency. A well-designed product will also encourage repeat purchase and lend support to the extension of a product while a well designed environment will encourage workers to be more productive. Companies would therefore have a bigger profit margin and this --would add value to business, he said. and designing their products and making them popular the world over. Lim said the Western world had been setting standards all this while but it had come to a point where Malaysians needed to really originate and learn to innovate. We must not be afraid to compete with others but instead learn to design and brand our products so well that the world would come to know about the brands that we have. We must build our own reputation as a quality country which is capable of producing high-quality goods, he said. Our SMIs, manufacturers and retailers must think about expanding beyond Malaysia to the 500 million people in Asean and 3 billion in Asia. They must look at the bigger market and not to stop just because they are doing all right here, he said, adding that companies must look at building their products for the next 10 or 20 years by practising creative thinking in business. For creativity, productivity and value of a product to be seen as enhanced, Lim stressed the importance of research and development (R&D) for companies. Companies must be prepared to put resources into R&D and engage creative people to develop better products, he said. He said Malaysia would become less attractive in future as a production/manufacturing base and efforts must be made for it to be known to the world as a country of creativity, as a place where quality products are made. This would draw in designers who will see working in Malaysia as an opportunity for them to do well.

Producing high-quality goods

However, he feels the level of creativity in Malaysia is still quite low although there had been more locally designed products recently. He said the most challenging and difficult part was to get the small- and medium-scale industries (SMIs) and bigger corporations to look at design as a means to achieve better quality and to look at creativity as a way to grow their business. Malaysia has always been driven by agriculture and manufacture of products which were not self-designed unlike Japan, South Korea or Europe which started by creating

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Business development
We have a lot of natural resources timber, rubber, palm oil and if we are able to design a product well for all countries, we would become the worlds biggest manufacturer of the product, he said. However, trying to change the mindset of companies on the importance of design and R&D has left Lim a very tired man. With the MDTC opening its doors in Cyberjaya in September, he is hopeful his efforts to promote creativity and design would be made easier. The centre is the first of its kind a fully integrated design centre which will be a nucleus for all things creative. It will become a regional creative hub, he said confidently. According to Lim, part of MDTCs function is to be a business development centre. It will have, among others, a design museum displaying the best of Malaysia on one side and the best of the world on another. We plan to attract companies which make very good products from other parts of the world to have exhibits there, he said. The centre would enable foreign business delegations visiting Malaysia to look at our best and business would be generated if our designs were marketed in their country. Designers from other parts of the world may come to MDTC and the centre would be able to link them up with local manufacturers who want people to contribute to their business creatively. Manufacturers wanting to introduce new products could also visit the design museum to access the design bank which consists of products that have been desi-gned but still unused like shampoo bottles and labels which could be incorporated into their own products. MDTC would also have a business centre and an enterprise development centre incubation centre for graduates who believe their ideas have commercial value, to design new products /services for the market.

Lim said the centre would provide the space and back-up in terms of equipment, facilities as well as support staff. "They would not have to set up a business so there is no risk, they just need to use their brains and work," he said. The design plaza would have continual exhibitions, car shows, concerts, hair and clothes fashion design shows. Lim said the centre would also be a place to pool together creative businesses like cybercafes, health spas, cinemas, art galleries, designer boutiques and virtual entertainment centres to enable people to experience a good sense of creativity all in one place. Companies would be invited to set up concept stores where their latest as well as experimental designs can be displayed in a more dramatic fashion, showcasing their best.

Wide talent core

Lim said MDTC, because of its focus on design, would get people to look at design and be more discerning. It is also a knowledge centre to attract secondary school students and students from colleges and universities to absorb the very meaning of good design. Besides, the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology would also be situated at the centre. What the Prime Minister had done in turning Malaysia into an education centre is wonderful because countries which provide education to the world are always respected. Malaysia has become a provider of international education with 17,000 foreign students from 100 countries studying here. I think a branding is taking shape, Lim said. He said Malaysia has a big and wide talent core. We have very talented people who grew up in a multicultural mixture; we can design something Indian, Chinese and Malay. We can even design something universal because of the way we were educated.

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August 6, 2003

Leaders meet to explore world peace steps

While many people are shouting slogans for peace, in real life wars continue to be waged all over the world. The Kuala Lumpur World Peace Conference to be held on the coming Saturday and Sunday will explore whether world peace is only an utopia. If not, how can peace be achieved? This inaugural meeting, organised by the Malaysian World Peace Foundation, will see world leader and peace crusaders from all over the world deliberate on world peace issues. Apart from 10 academicians and government officials from various countries who will speak at the conference, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will officiate at the conference while the closing ceremony will be conducted by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi. Their participation shows the importance of the event. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, chairman of the organising committee and the Malaysian World Peace Foundation, said, Malaysia is very suitable to organise such an event given her colonial past, multi-racial, multi-cultural society and peace and stability long enjoyed by her. Most importantly, Malaysia always calls for peace and opposes war and adopts a clear stand on some international issues such as its criticisms against the apartheid policy of South Africa and the campaign for aid to the suffering people of Bosnia. The world will have peace if other countries can do what Malaysia does, he said. However, different ideologies and own interest have led to countries to misinterpret the definition of peace to achieve other purposes. Tan Sri Lim is of the view that true peace means everyone 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.

Threat to quality of life

When life is protected and secured, it means everyone has a job and is able to sustain himself or herself. he said. If we cannot resolve hunger, poverty and other problems, the people will get angry as their basic needs are not satisfied. This will cause them to take things into their own hands and the society will no longer be peaceful. In other words, peace comprises many elements. 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. The peace conference will not merely lay emphasis on how many people die during a war. More importantly, it will mull over the various social problems such as hunger, inadequate medical facilities and refugee plight caused by a war, he said. Meanwhile, the Malaysian World Peace Foundation has set up the Kuala Lumpur World Peace Award. The award for this year was presented to French President Jacques Chirac last month. The Kuala Lumpur World Peace Prize is different from the Nobel Peace Prize, which is mostly awarded to westerners and candidates have to be nominated, meaning they may not win the prize, said Tan Sri Lim. Although the Kuala Lumpur World Peace Award does not require nomination, a recipient must be someone who has contributed significantly towards world peace and is recognised for efforts in eliminating poverty.

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Apart from the peace convention and the world peace prize, the Malaysian World Peace Foundation has two other principal objectives, namely, the setting up of a

World Peace Centre, which will serve as an exhibition centre, and an educational fund to create employment opportunities for people in poor nation.

October 11, 2003

Changing Malaysian mindsets

Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing wants to change the Malaysian mindset about design and quality. And he has two projects in the pipeline to help achieve that end: the Malaysia Design Technology Centre (MDTC) in Cyberjaya and the Creative Malaysia campaign. A lot of people look at design as something frivolous. Theyre very wrong, because it is design that will differentiate a product, add value and make people buy our product in the first place. Therefore, we would have to pay a lot of attention to design, which stems from creativity and the spirit to innovate, Lim tells BizWeek. MDTC, of which he is the president, will play a more comprehensive role to promote design after it relocates from Petaling Jaya premises to the bigger and better building in Cyberjaya. The move is scheduled for December. a professional institute that provides benchmarking and industry training in areas like designing and brand development. The fully integrated design centre aims to facilitate, educate, promote and develop content for application throughout the world a task the government has entrusted to Lim. MDTC will link those with ideas to those who can turn those concepts into reality manufacturers, venture capitalists, bankers and perhaps MDTC itself. It will connect students with companies allowing the latter to tap all that vibrant energy of the youth in designrelated projects. Also, the campus at MDTC will interface with other colleges and universities to bring everyone together and ensure the best are showcased. In short MDTC will be abuzz with creativity driven activities. But Lim is aware that not everyone is excited about the centre. People say, Oh, a design centre is coming up, ah? They talk about it as if it were something frivolous.

World-class designs
The government-funded building, costing almost RM100 million, has a 600,000 sq ft built -up area and sits on 15.5 acres. It incorporates: A design museum showcasing world-class products and designs A plaza for activities such as concerts and exhibitions An enterprise centre (basically a facility for incubating ideas from cartoon characters to product designs) Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology (LUCT) which will be MDTCs training arm, and The National Design and Creativity Institute (NDCI),

Quality products
But I keep saying to them. Look at Germany. It has brands, from clothes to cars, which are perceived to be the best in the world. Its the same thing with France, which has high-tech products such as planes as well as perfumes. In other words, once you have it the ability to create, to design, to innovative you have the whole thing. Once you have the ability, whatever you make will become better

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and better as you go along, because it becomes the culture. Lim continues: You dont expect a product from Switzerland to be cheap, and you also dont expect it to be of bad quality because their society will reject a bad quality product. Which is why we need to educate Malaysians so that theyll become more discerning purchasers; this will compel manufacturers to produce quality products. Even a plate of kuey teow will be served properly. Educating Malaysians from year-one students to CEOs on that as well as on the value of creativity will be the objective of the Creative Malaysia campaign, to be launched by NDCI after it has become operational. On funding, Lim says NDCI will galvanise the industry to move it forward as a private sector initiative. Such a project, which involves the topic of creativity and the task of educating people, seems perfectly suited for the 56-year-old Lim, who has won more than 100 awards for creativity and now heads a highly successful education institution.

(Incidentally, Limkokwing Integrated does own a marketing communications unit called Unigrafix, but Lim doesnt run it. Unigrafix focuses on government projects so as not to compete against other players in the industry.)

Products patented
Lim believes that Creative Malaysia will create the momentum that leads to national competitiveness being enhanced so that Malaysian companies are able to compete overseas. Malaysians, he says, own only 3 per cent of all the things patented in this country. It is of concern and its something I have been discussing with (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in order to reduce the time it requires to patent products and therefore encourage more people to do it, says Lim. He also wants to see more Malaysian companies make use of universities to do research. If a company goes to a design house to create a packaging for its product, it may get 10 designs to choose from. And these 10 designs are probably the work of two or three designers. At LUCT, we can assign it to 200 students. These students are focusing only on that because they dont have any other client. At the end of the day, youll get 200 very good designs, Lim says. On venture capitalists overwhelming focus on technology, he says, Its sad that our corporate boys only want to go into landed property development (as opposed to intellectual property). Lim says that in Malaysia it is not easy to link designers to manufacturers, bankers and venture capitalists. He says: Sometimes I want to give up. Well give it another big push when we are there (in Cyberjaya) in physical form and we could show them the thousands of designs. In Malaysia, a lot of companies are focusing on immediate profits copy an existing design and make it cheaper. We cant talk about branding unless you have a philosophy and a culture for developing a business and a brand that will continue to grow in value over the years.

Private initiative
Interestingly, though he heads a university college today, Lim as a teenager actually passed up higher education due to his familys financial difficulties. He entered the job market soon after Form Five, becoming a part-time reporter for the Eastern Sun and later as a cartoonist. At 27, he joined the ad industry as art director at Lintas. He was McCann-Erickson regional creative director just before he set up his own agency, Wings Creative Consultants, in 1975. Lim was the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents president for two terms in the 1980s. He stopped being actively involved in the ad agency after setting up his educational institute in 1991. Nonetheless, his list of achievements was so impressive that two months ago, Lim was awarded the title Advertising Personality of the Year by the Malaysian Advertisers Association. That was the first MAA dinner I had attended in 16 years! remarks Lim.

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May 11, 2004

Businesses to benefit from good branding

Malaysia has the potential of becoming a leading provider of education for the developing world but first it must benchmark itself against the best in the world. According to educationist Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, good branding for the industry as a whole is of pivotal importance as an industry tainted by questionable integrity will ultimately hurt the country. To go forward as an industry, all private higher education institutions must commit to achieving the highest standards and uncompromising professional ethics, the best practices and to building a reputation that is not tainted by questionable behaviour, Lim said. The surge of students from overseas came only recently it started in 2000. There are now close to 40,000 foreign students in the country, coming from more than 100 countries. The government is targeting 50,000 by 2010. I believe we can exceed that by 2005 if we play our cards right. Speaking on The Art of Branding IPTS at the recent Management and Good Governance of Private Higher Education Institutions seminar organised by the Education Ministry and the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei), Lim said although Malaysian business leaders and managers are fast waking up to the fact that good branding is good for business, many, I suspect, dont have much of a clue of what it is about. Its about building an organisation that people will get to know and learn to trust. The purpose of brand building is to differentiate your organisation from your competitors, build a bond between your customers and your organisation, and build a reputation that stands for quality and integrity qualities that will build a sustainable brand.

Unquestionable integrity
Inevitably, brand building must be founded on what is true, what will result in a definable and measurable benefit to the buyer. He said at the heart of successful branding, therefore, must be unfailing quality, unques-tionable integrity and a distinguishable image. While generally it is believed that it takes at least four years to build a brand to the point where it is easily recalled and widely accepted, in education, Lim said, it takes much longer. In education, I reckon it takes 12 years or more, simply because a degree study cycle takes at least three years to complete. He said branding is never done in isolation of the building process that it must be placed at the core centre of the process. The whole organisation must adopt the brand philosophy, live its culture in all aspects and practise it everyday. Unfortunately, Lim said, Malaysians are known to have a herd mentality. When they see others seem to be making it good doing a certain type of business or doing it in a certain way, many will rush in to do the same thing and do it in the same way. And when the going gets tough, they get rough by knocking down prices or running down competitors.

Reputation of industry
That is no way to build a business; certainly, no way to build a brand. It can only harm the reputation of the industry and the country, and we must be vigilant against such type. This is where Napei can play a more active role as an industry watchman. The seminar was held to improve accountability and efficiency in the running of private colleges. Among those present were director of registration and standards Haji Abu Bakar Ismail and Napei president Dr Haji Mohamed Thalha.

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May 19, 2004

Driving home a serious message about smoking

Conveying an important message one of the graphic posters designed by the Limkokwing Group for the governments nationwide anti-smoking campaign targeting the young and old alike.

The Governments Tak nak! anti-smoking campaign has entered its second phase. Educationist Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, who has lent his expertise to the project, talks to Allan Koay about what is in store. By now you have heard about the nationwide Tak nak! anti-smoking campaign. You would have seen the bill-

boards depicting a crushed cigarette, and the cinema and television shorts. One of the TV shorts shows an attractive young man who turns heads wherever he goes. But the moment he smiles, we see that his teeth are stained unpleasantly yellow because of smoking. That was the first phase. Now comes the second.

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In the new TV and cinema shorts, you will see not just a smokers bad teeth, but what happens inside his body as the smoke travels into his lungs and other areas. It is rather graphic and spares no details to get the message across: smoking damages the body. According to educationist Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, who is also president of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology, the first part of the Tak nak! drive was essentially to draw attention to the campaign and its catchphrase with a softer approach that employs humour.

While the two words, Tak nak, are not offensive and are a soft way of popularising the campaign, the hard message is designed to get people to think. For instance, a student could go home and tell the parents not to smoke, because he or she is aware of how health can be damaged by smoking.

Emphasis on young people

So if you care for somebody, you will tell that person not to smoke, said Lim. In that sense, it is an educational campaign. In fact, for the campaign to be really effective, Lim believes there should be both education and enforcement. The education part of it has been embarked on, with special emphasis on young people. The messages are meant to play on peoples minds, reminding smokers of what is happening to their bodies every time they light up, and deterring potential smokers from the habit. In other words, it is to help them make an educated choice not to smoke. I think it will be effective in that sense, said Lim. And its important to see the damage smoking does to your body, instead of just someone standing there and telling you that it causes damage. The other thing is enforcement. People must realise that smoking is damaging enough for the authorities to ban smoking in certain places. People who dont smoke also suffer from the smoke emitted by the smokers. It has to be a double-track thing education and enforcement. The five-year, RM100 million Tak Nak! campaign was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in early February at the Putrajaya Convention Centre. Lim hopes the Tak nak! campaign will be the catalyst to get the whole nation to be involved in an active anti-smoking drive.

Warning to people
There is a reason for the two words, Tak nak, explained Lim, who has lent his expertise in helping the Government with national projects. We wanted to create a campaign that would connect very easily with people, especially young people. Secondly, we wanted a campaign that would not offend. So we looked for a simple expression, and Tak nak appears to serve the purpose very well. You can say Tak nak to anybody. A child can say it to a father, a child can say it to a friend. Its not offensive. And the whole idea is to have the whole nation become aware of it. Over time, everybody would know what Tak nak means. It means Dont smoke. The second part of the campaign, however, is designed to very seriously warn people. So on TV, you will see smoke being drawn in, going to the lungs, how it damages the lungs, and then how the toxins travel through the bloodstream to damage the brain, said Lim. The sequence is deliberately graphic so that the message will remain etched in peoples minds for a long time, Lim added. There will be a series of such ads, he revealed. And alongside that, currently running in print are a number of statements that will get you to think about it. The ads say smoking will wrinkle your skin, cause impotency, lead to the smoking of illicit drugs, cause heart attacks and so forth.

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Student participation
Schools have been encouraged to use the Tak nak! concept to take thecampaign further, perhaps with essay-writing or poster -designing contests among their students. In fact, you may have noticed on TV that a message appears at the bottom of screen that warns people of the dangers of smoking whenever a character in a movie lights a cigarette. Everyone is encouraged to take his own initiative. Hopefully companies that employ a lot of people will also do the same, said Lim. I think if we all pay our part, it will help to decrease smoking, for sure. Even if we dont reduce the number of smokers, we will still have reduced the amount of time they spend smoking. If you can do that across the country, it will be effective. But it must be a conscious effort. You cant just rely on something you see on TV to do the job. You have to participate in it. Although the number of smokers in developed countries has declined, the number in developing nations is on the rise. In Malaysia, said Lim, smokers are getting younger and younger. I think there are several reasons for this, he elaborated. Firstly, cigarette promoters have linked smoking very closely to lifestyle, that it is part and parcel of the social scene and growing up. So the kids grow up thinking that thats what you do in order to show that youre grown up and independent. Also, if you look at the promotional activities of cigarette brands, they link them to sports. So you see very healthy people who are involved in sports but sponsored by cigarette brands. That has been going on for some years now. In developed countries, they are stricter with laws. Whole airports are non-smoking areas and entire buildings are designated non-smoking places. But in developing countries, laws of this nature are not very much practised. As a matter of fact, the less developed a country the more its people will smoke.

Some international events are heavily sponsored by tobacco companies. One of the main benefits of such events is that they help to promote Malaysia as a tourism stop. Asked how the campaign will balance the benefits and detriments pertaining to such events, and how it will affect tax revenues from the sale of cigarettes, Lim replied: The big picture is this; unless the Government decides to ban the sale of cigarettes altogether, then our task will be to discourage people from smoking. And I believe if you educate them well, as more people become aware that smoking is really bad for them, I would imagine that the number of smokers will fall.

Educated society
But people must be educated. If you know that its not good for you, then you will stop smoking. So even if there is a pack of cigarettes in front of you, you wouldnt buy it. And if the awareness increases, and as the young people grow older, I think the message will take hold. It has to be an educated society. The level of education in developed countries is high, therefore the message gets through. There are people smoking, and youre not going to be able to stop everyone from smoking. But the numbers (in developed countries) are kept to a much smaller proportion than in developing countries. But will advertising really work in a campaign against smoking? Some social researchers hold the belief that advertising works only if it reinforces peoples attitudes, not challenge them. Lim believes the campaign will be effective. I think its true that no adult likes to be told what to do and what not to do, and be treated like a child, he said. But if it is done in a manner that is polite and educated, I think it will be taken well. In advanced countries, it has taken hold. And if someone goes up to a smoker and says if you dont mind the person will listen. They will very often apologise as well. But that has to be an educated and polite society.

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June 15, 2004

Potential in Malaysian products

With its abundant natural resources, Malaysia is capable of producing innovative products that are of international standard, said Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, president of Malaysia Design Technology Centre. At a time when globalisation is intensifying, such products can be marketed abroad and, in return, they will generate additional earnings for the country. Our country is rich in agricultural, cultural and tourism sources, he said. Most of our local products have good export potential. and Japan are successful in producing furniture, mobile phones, textiles, packaged food and other popular items. Malaysia can also make inroads into overseas markets with its own merchandise. Through MDTC, he said, students with potential can use creativity to give a new look to a wide range of Malaysian products. They can work on design, packaging, promotion and marketing to target the global marketplace.
Innovative packaging designs for rural products.

Of course, not all products will be suitable or acceptable because they are not manufactured creatively and innovatively. According to him, the government has invested heavily in research and development. However, the emphasis on innovation is lacking. The country has R&D facilities but it does not use them to make innovative, world-class products. From there, we need to train the younger generation by offering them the latest multimedia technology to ensure that they create or design not only locally manufactured goods, but also quality products that will be accepted by world markets. We should also think about the proper ways to market locally-made products so that they can be sold and branded on a global scale. For example, small countries in Europe

He said that Limkokwing has worked towards this direction since 1997 through cooperation with industry and branding efforts. The purpose of the establishment of MDTC is to raise the level of competition through the use of the latest technology and creativity. Our 4,000 students are groomed to lend support to industry and raise the productivity level of our country, he said. About the abilities of Bumiputera students on Limkokwing campus, Lim said they are highly creative and have shown promising potential. Nearly 70% of its graduates are involved in sectors like film and television, design, publishing and public relations. Apart from learning to apply their creativity in practical and beneficial ways, these students are taking part in largescale, off-campus events, undertaking industry assignments, interacting with international students and winning awards in competitions.

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September 15, 2004

Country in forefront of new civilisation

Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology is poised to excel owing to its worldclass campus at Cyberjaya, according to Higher Education Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Adham Baba. He said Limkokwing was a prime example of what the country was capable of achieving. the student population of 4,000 from 60 countries reflected a world race. This highly international environment is where we can create closer rapport among different nationalities and races. Programmes are creative and innovative here. Limkokwing is the only one in Malaysia with such unique facilities.

Limkokwing is where one can gain quality qualifications. The He thanked Lim for Hi-tech technology skills are essential for the new civilisation. technology used is the university colleges highly advanced and evidently among the best in the contribution of RM1.4 million to the Umno Youth Fund world, he said when addressing some 550 students at a that was set up to provide help to Malay students. recent visit to the university college. Limkokwing has 44 students who are sponsored by the Adham said Malaysia was in the forefront of a new civilifund, the second batch of such students. Some 18 per sation of the world and such campuses of world standard cent of Limkokwings student population is Malay. presented an area to be explored further. I call it a new era, a new civilisation, and this is represent- Adham said Lim had been instrumental in lifting staned by the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), Putrajaya, dards to those of global level. Cyberjaya, KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), Formula One and the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). Adham, who was taken on a tour of the university college by its president, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, was impressed with the facilities and its international atmosphere, saying Tan Sri Lim has always taken care of the performance of his students. Limkokwing students are easily employed. The employment issue does not exist here. No Limkokwing student is known to be unemployed because this is where we create our brands and services and carve our niche, he said.

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October 10, 2004

Celebrate innovation!
Tan Sri Dato Dr Lim Kok Wing has a checklist. Top of the list is to instil in Malaysian businesses a culture of creativity. Its the way forward, he tells Umah Papachan. Tan Sri Dato Dr Lim Kok Wing is a man of boundless energy. The founder and president of the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology is in pursuit of perfectionism. In that respect, he laments the many trials and tribulations of his long struggle to make design technology an acceptable part of Malaysian life. Owning ideas and owning brands that is the way forward, he says. When you have a generation of people who have the vision to innovate and design products that can capture the global market, we will have shaped our destiny. We have everything, as many Malaysians will tell you. We have skilled labour, natural resources, technology, good infrastructure, a stable government and economy. But we lack innovation. Innovation must be industry-led and supported by the government, he adds. For that reason, he says, the Malaysia Design Innovation Centre in Cyberjaya has been established. Its the professional arm of the university college. Its motto reads: fusing university education with industry. We want to nurture, create and develop a generation of designers who can design products from soaps to cars. We want to show the rest of the world that we can take on the big boys of design technology, he says. MDI is a stunning white building, a complete contrast to the black colour of the Limkokwing building. Shaped like a huge hockey stadium which can seat 10,000 spectators, its wing-shaped roof lends an open air view of the palm oil trees fringing the Cyberjaya surroundings. Some 4,000 students from 60 countries converge in the wide open space to sit, eat, chat and hold discussions. The lower ground houses a gym (called Fitofly), food stalls serving local and western food and the Wings Coffee, the brain child of Lim himself. MDI is being developed as a fully integrated design centre within a university college. Working together with Limkokwing, it intends to link up with local and international design fraternities as well as the business community. The centre will assist individuals, companies, government and academia to develop new products and services. It wants to create a whole generation of students who are creative, inventive and innovative. MDI will be working closely with government and industry, says Lim. For over 20 years, Malaysia has been a manufacturing hub for the electronics industry, clothes, shoes, automotive accessories, sports goods, furniture, and other products for foreign companies. Seventy per cent of Malaysias manufacturing products are based on designs that come from abroad. We are losing out in terms of our competitive edge. What have we gained in the last 20 years? he asks. We need to be innovative in designing products. According to the World Economic Report Global Competitiveness 2003-2004, 25 countries in the Business Competitiveness Index Ranking are from highly developed economies. Top on the list is Finland, the land of Nokia mobiles, followed by the US, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Asian countries on the list are Japan, Taiwan

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Malaysias top brands on show Malaysia Design Innovation Centre works closely with industry and the government in the area of brand building through such efforts as the Best of Malaysia Showcase. The exhibition highlights 25 top Malaysian brands recognised for their innovative spirit and pioneering ways. Among the participants are recipients of the National Creativity and Innovation Award.

and South Korea. Malaysia is ranked 26th. Take Taiwan, for example. They are now designing hip, high-tech gadgets. Their personal computer designs are winning international awards and gaining a market share over foreign rivals. Taiwans industrial designers are building microprocessors and other key parts for personal computers. The island is already making three-quarters of the worlds notebook computers and its share of flat-screen displays and other gadgets is growing. Its tech companies are moving from low-cost production to high-value product design, building own brands and

boosting R&D spending in the process, he adds. Malaysian manufacturers must think about reaching the global market, says Lim. If they dont, their competitive edge will fall because China is emerging as a huge manufacturing competitor, he adds. We can create smart partnerships. We have a huge 6.8 ha campus. Companies can seek the assistance of our creative students to help them design and launch innovative products and services. We must celebrate innovation," says Lim. MDI, he adds, can help hatch ideas and turn them into viable projects.

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October 23, 2004

Innovation a way of life to enhance status

Innovation, in the mind of Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, the founder and president of the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology, is not merely about the hatching of new ideas or about simply creating new designs for products and services that will be on par with top global brands. Rather he sees innovation as a way of life for Malaysians to attain developed nation status where innovation becomes a mindset as in adopting an attitude of not simply accepting anything that comes our way but only choosing that which meets acceptable standards standards that can only enhance our way of life, and in the process, raise Malaysian products and services to that of global standards. Innovativeness is part and parcel of the quality of life and must start with the demand for quality goods and services, says Lim. He adds that while Malaysia has good and successful brands, they are comparatively few and there is a need for more brands. Such has motivated Lim some three decades ago and hes applying this philosophy through the Malaysia Design Innovation Centre incorporated into the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya. The carefully designed and fully integrated campus today is showcasing the best of Malaysian products, through exhibitions and awards, while ensuring the thought processes that go into the design and innovation of these products are handed down to the student body through the curriculum as well as work assignments. Lim has a fervent hope that with such exposure to the Best of Malaysia, the Malaysian mindset of accepting goods and services simply because they are cheaper, although inferior in quality, can eventually change to one where acceptance of such goods will depend solely on the quality and thus force manufacturers to adopt higher standards. Malaysian manufacturers still have the mindset to produce substitute goods that are inferior, simply because they are cheaper (and thus easier to market), Lim tells BizWeek in an interview. It is with these facts in mind that MDI and the university were integrated, resulting in a centre that will not only bring Malaysias leading brands together with inquiring minds but will also provide the resources and support necessary to futher the ambitions and vision that may sprout, for both students and businesses alike. The centre and university were launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Oct 11. Lim says students will learn that design is not simply a creative pursuit but one that involves aspects like the necessity for associated research in designing for a specific target market, for example, for a manufacturer trying to break into a specific segment of a market. Lim says it is this aspect of design that many people, manufacturers included, do not appreciate it. It is the power of research that enables the designer to suit the design according to the profile of a particular market segment or demand. In Malaysia, Lim points out, appreciation for design is still at an insignificant state, compared to overseas institutions where such appreciation is taught at the early stages, while the latter stages of a course are given over to design technology.

Creative environment
In western cultures, for example, Lim says people who add interest and value to life, are celebrated something that

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December 30, 2004

Nation-building efforts win IPRMs recognition

Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wings nation-building efforts were again acknowledged by the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia. At the institutes recent Crystal Awards 2004, Lim was bestowed a Special Acknowledgement Award in recognition of his role in last years Kuala Lumpur World Peace Conference and the Plight of the Palestinians project. Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology won the Image Building category award for the Plight of the Palestinians project. The winning campaign dealt with global issues and highlighted the need for unity among different races and nationalities to promote a better, more peaceful world. The Kuala Lumpur World Peace Conference in August 2003 saw Limkokwing students roped in to organise the event that brought together distinguished world leaders such as Deputy President of South Africa Jacob G. Suma and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General Adolf Ogi. The students made their presence count in many ways, notably the anti-war exhibition they put up in conjunction with the conference. The were involved in the production of Peacevolution, a New Age album launched at the closing of the conference by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi. The Plight of the Palestinians project was planned with the help of the Palestinian Embassy and educated Malaysians about the Palestinians cause. The exhibition was Limkokwings contribution to the endeavour undertaken by the Malaysians for Peace movement. Aiming at touching hearts and minds, Limkokwing benefited from the presence of Arabic and Persian students on campus who provided insights which helped in the formulation of the exhibition components. The victories at the Crystal Award 2004 have further confirmed Limkokwings expertise in handling projects that are focused on helping produce Malaysians who are not only creative, innovative and competitive but also peaceloving and aware of global issues. Its contributions included projects such as the Commonwealth Games Kuala Lumpur 1998, the Rakan Muda youth development campaign and Inflasi Sifar (zero inflation). Lim often describes the Limkokwing campus as a driving force where creativity is nurtured and where students are inspired to aim for the highest. He said that the Limkokwing campus has been carefully designed and co-ordinate to bring out the best in students. "We imbue them with a strong sense of passion, inspire them with big ideas and motivate them to succeed.

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April 30, 2005

MDC and Limkokwing varsity unit to turn Cyberjaya into a creative hub
The Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) and Malaysia Design Innovation Centre, the professional arm of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology, will collaborate to turn Cyberjaya into a creative hub in an effort to strengthen the countrys competitiveness. The two establishments will focus on developing two key areas, namely content capacity and content creation, Limkokwing president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said. "Its a necessary step in light of intense competition from our neighbouring countries," he said in a statement released in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. "Cyberjaya has what it takes to be a leading creative hub. The infrastructure and facilities are all there, we only need to focus on content creation and capacity building," he added. MDC chairman Tan Sri Halim Ali had led a delegation of senior executives to meet Tan Sri Lim recently to discuss the collaboration. The latter briefed the team on the development taking place at the university college, specifically the establishment of Malaysia Design Innovation Centre, the professional arm of Limkokwing that has introduced the concept of industry within university. Halim said the Limkokwing campus has "created a lot of excitement in Cyberjaya" since its arrival.

Packaging design
MDI, along with the university college were officially opened by Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last October. The MDC delegation was taken on a tour of the centre that includes various incubators and a design gallery featuring students works in various areas of design such as packaging design. Halim acknowledged that the MDI is "truly a productive hub for content development in areas such as multimedia, information and design". Lim said Limkokwing itself is a huge reservoir of creative talent and that if we work together, the two sides will complement each other well. "We are already in the business of content creation, and are, in fact, recognised as a front runner in content creation. We have done work for the various ministries and we are involved in national events such as Bio Malaysia 2005 and ASEAN Summit 2005." Many other activities have been lined up at MDI, including the National Branding and Packaging Innovation Exhibition & Conference, to be held in October. Lim said there are many opportunities for the two organisations to collaborate, the university colleges position as a leader in the promotion of creativity and innovation makes it an ideal choice for government and industry players seeking to work with educational institutions to develop research and development.

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Innovating Education
He saw education as the key to innovate Malaysia to be competitive in the 21st Century globalised environment and founded a creative and innovation based university to provide the human capital for the future. In the process, he changed the mindset about design as a career.
Tan Sri Lim was a man of vision and a patriot. He saw the need for Malaysia to innovate and reinvent itself to compete in a globalised environment and that education was the key. In 1991, he pioneered thinking outside the box education with the setting up of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. His mission was to change the mindset about design as a career. Traditionally parents and students viewed design as a sideline activity which was pursued only if you have nothing to do as it was not going to earn you much. Tan Sri Lim innovated and turned this concept on its head. The designer, he argued, is a vital innovative force of the future. Advanced countries who had the foresight to embed design and innovation into their national strategies had become the most successful, most wealthy and most powerful. He cited examples like Sweden, Germany, Italy, the US, the UK, Japan and Korea who innovated, designed and produced goods that consumers want. This innovative strategy to provide creative-based education had an immediate appeal to parents and students not only from Malaysia but overseas.

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.

Dr Haris Silajdzic

Former Minister of Higher Education, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2004

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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 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 embience thinking. The cultural milieu here is exciting. Imagine the chance of studying with students from 65 countries in Limkokwing. Imagine what that will do to you in terms of benefits, the interaction you get with different cultural backgrounds of other students.

YB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak

Deputy Prime Minister, Malaysia, 2005

He persuaded the nations leaders to build a culture of creativity and innovation using the education resources he generously contributed to move Malaysia up the innovation ladder. He initiated innovation awards and promoted a culture of creative excellence.

campaign. What began as an institute in 1991 expanded rapidly to be the first private institution to be accorded a university college status and later the first to be given a full university status. The vision to build an international university has been realized within a short span. Its campus in Malaysia now has 9,000 students and 60% of them come from 140 countries around the world. And the total number of students from all its campuses worldwide is a staggering 25,000 and still growing. The work of Tan Sri Lim in education has made him into an icon among educationists, a man who had no experience in this field but learned much to make the impossible possible.

Innovative concept - Industry on campus

Tan Sri Lim innovated education further by bringing industry on campus so that students could work on real life industry projects created in partnership with industry and government. As a result, students work on such international brands as Nestle, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and the Tak Nak national anti-smoking

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ers and a host of part-timers. Dato' Lim said he would be happy to start with 200 full-time students in the first year. The institute's director, Peter Efford, is seconded from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, a leading design school in Australia. Dato' Lim said the Limkokwing Institute would also conduct short courses and seminars specifically packaged to industry needs. He said while other colleges emphasised twinning programmes and thus channeled students overseas, the Limkokwing Institute would reverse this trend by attracting foreigners into Malaysia.

there is no better way than to study here, he said. He added that one of its goals was to reduce the outflow of local talent and money to foreign countries for education. Malaysians, Dato' Lim said, should view design and creativity as business tools, a national resource. Familyrun companies' products might be better than those of multinational companies, but poor package design would make the former's products appear to be less appealing, he added. In the foreword to the institute's booklet, Dato' Lim wrote: The institute is the first to specialise in the business of making creativity a productive national resource ... The institute will produce the finest creative minds in the region.

Talent outflow
If New Zealanders and Australians want to work in Asia,

January 18, 1992

International-type college to open with two faculties

The first international-type college specialising in mass communications and design - Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology - will be set up in Kuala Lumpur this June. It will offer not only world-class courses, but also an opportunity for local students to exchange ideas with foreign students. The founder of the private college, Dato' Lim Kok Wing, said Kuala Lumpur was fast becoming an important higher learning education centre in the region, attracting many students from neighbouring countries to study here. As these students from different backgrounds study at the college, they will share ideas and views for mutual benefit, he said. He believed that the trend of local students going abroad for further education could be gradually reversed. In the long run, he added, local colleges and universities would prove more ideal for them.

Two facilities
Dato' Lim Kok Wing was speaking at a press conference where he announced the setting up of the new college. He also disclosed that he would sign agreements with Auckland University of Technology and Curtin University of Technology for mutual cooperation. Initially, the college will offer courses through two faculties - mass communication and design. It will employ high-calibre lecturers to conduct classes in subjects such as advertising, public relations, interior design and fashion design.

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Limkokwing graduates will be sought after and employed Advanced system as professionals after completing their studies. Our diplo- Limkokwing students learn in a very conducive environment mas are recognised by universities worldwide, he added. at their colonial-styled campus at Jalan Tun Razak. The institute is equipped with advanced CAD systems, a Pool of local experts computer lab, a tuition centre, a library, a photography The institute runs the school of design and the school of lab, a canteen and design and fashion workshops. communication. The former offers courses in graphic According to Dato' Lim, design and communication design, interior design, fashion and textile design while graduates can look to promising career prospects. Many the latter provides courses in advertising, marketing and job options are open to them, he said. They can earn a public relations. Although the institute is affiliated with monthly salary of RM800 to RM8,000. reputable colleges and universities in the UK, Australia, the US, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong, its students can Professional standards complete their diploma programme without going overseas, Dato' Lim believed that advertising plays an important role in the nation's march towards an industrialised nation said Dato' Lim. and this profession still requires a lot of human resources. Apart from engaging foreign lecturers, we also have a pool He said the advertising industry currently employs nearly of local experts. We also invite international professionals 10,000 workers. Dato' Lim hoped to see more new faces or academics to conduct short courses to ensure that our and higher professional standards in the local advertising students receive the best training, he stressed. industry. His goal is to upgrade the institute into a leading We believe that, after three years of learning, the students integrated institution in the country. trained by us will be more creative, competitive and "I plan to set up a news editing, reporting and broadcasting dynamic to become the cream of industry. school next year," he said.

March 21, 1992

Communications graduates can count on rosy job prospects

Contrary to the misconception that prospects for artists, designers and mass communications graduates are dim, the creative industries offer them bright future, says renowned advertising wizard Dato' Lim Kok Wing. In Malaysia alone, Dato' Lim pointed out, the advertising industry employs nearly 10,000 professionals. The industry nets a yearly turnover of RM2.5 billion. It enjoyed a 25 per cent growth over last year. Owing to the demand for professionals in the creative industries, Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) plans to introduce mass communications and design courses from June 15. It will also run professional training programmes for white-collar workers. For the diploma level, students are required to complete

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March 28, 1992

Limkokwing to develop creativity as a national resource

The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) establishes a new precedent in the scope of education at the internationally accepted level that is available to Malaysians without having to go overseas. LICT offers three-year diploma courses in graphic and advertising design, interior design, fashion/textile design as well as marketing, advertising, public relations and journalism. After the first year, a certificate will be awarded to those qualify; after the second year - an Advance Certificate will be awarded and after the final year, a Diploma itself. It is projected that graduates of LICT will become the most soughtafter creative talents in the marketplace. LICT courses are moderated and validated by the Auckland Institute of Technology - New Zealand's largest tertiary education institute - with active support from Curtin University of Technology, Australia. LICT director is Peter Efford, who is seconded from Curtin. Links with reputable overseas universities allows LICT to provide its students quality international qualifications without them having to travel abroad. However, students who do wish to pursue further studies abroad will be able to do so at AIT or Curtin. Furthermore, through ties being established between LICT and other colleges worldwide, students will find it easier to apply to colleges in the US, the UK, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong. For diploma students to gain the benefit of international exposure, study tours will be conducted to New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia and such design capitals as London, Paris and Milan. LICT is the only institute of its kind in the country to offer such a flexible international exchange programme. A governing council has been formed, chaired by highly regarded academic figure, Tan Sri Dato' Dr Awang Had Salleh whose previous positions include deputy vice chancellor of Universiti Malaya, director of the MARA Institute of Technology and special advisor to the Education Ministry. Three Advisory Councils have also been formed to govern LICT. These are made up of leading creative professionals and academics who as a group form an impressive list of who's who in the education, advertising, design and communications industries. The Academic Advisory Council includes Dr John Hinchcliff, director of the Auckland Institute of Technology; Prof Tony Russell, head of the School of Design, Curtin; Dr. Ahmad Tajuddin, controller of SIRIM Malaysia; P Shivadas, head of research, New Straits .C. Times and Ibrahim Hussain, well-known Malaysian painter and art consultant. The International Advisory Council consist of such leading figures as Arthur Sturgess, chairman of BBDO Asia Pacific advertising network (part of the world's third largest communications group); Ken Cato, chairman of the Cato Design, the largest design studio in the Southern hemisphere, based in Melbourne; Ken Sudarto, chairman of Matari Inc. in Jakarta and Vinit Suraphong-chai, managing director of leading Thai advertising agency, Damask Advertising.

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On the Industry Advisory Council, top Malaysian figures include George Chen, president of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies; K. Haridas, president of the Institute Public Relations, Malaysia; Michael Tang, joint managing director of Ogilvy and Mather; Peter Bostock, CEO Bostock-Mohammad Communications; C.T. Hew, managing director of Burson-Marsteller; Yong Kim Seng, managing director of SRM, and Shahreen Kamaluddin, managing director of Shahreen Corporate Communications. LICT is the only institute of its kind to offer such a prestigious group of industry professionals as advisors. Twelve scholarships will be made available annually for the most deserving students to study at LICT. Furthermore, six scholarships will be made available to students who wish to pursue degree studies in New Zealand or Australia.

"Refresher" courses will also be made available for working professionals who already have valid work experience. For Dato' Lim Kok Wing, president of LICT, the college is the realization of a long-held dream to provide affordable, internationally recognised education for Malaysians who are interested to pursue a career in design and communications. Dato' Lim's Limkokwing Integrated Group, for which Wings/BBDO is the flagship company, could well be said to be the largest, most creative, fully integrated communications company in the country. It is expected that his input and influence will help create an unparalleled environment where students gain firsthand knowledge of working standards and practices in the real world.

November 26, 1992

Setting sights on larger campus

Although the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) opened its doors to about 300 students less than five months ago, it is already planning to have its own campus by 1995. Located at Jalan Tun Razak, the integrated design and communications school occupies two double-storey buildings which are owned by Hicom. LICT founder Dato' Lim Kok Wing, a notable personality in the communications industry, said the new campus is necessary because the institute plans to increase its intake and expand the range of courses. We have leased the present campus from Hicom for at least three years. We will have to set up the new campus rather quickly as we expect to run out of space soon, he said in a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur. Lim said he has discussed with the teachers and students on how the new campus is to shape up. Personally, I hope that it will be a state-of-the-art building. As LICT is a creative institute, it will be ideal if we are able to create a building which can inspire students architecturally and artistically. But more importantly, we want to have a campus which is environment-friendly, and has facilities with minimum air-conditioning, for example, he added. Lim said some RM10 million will be needed for the campus. It will accommodate about 1,500 students and is expected to be equipped with the latest art and design, and communications facilities, including a sports complex.

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December 13, 1992

Critical thinking and creativity

Imagine a beautifully shaped perfume bottle, or a bottle of glue in the shape of a pregnant guppy. Packaging is subliminally shaped for a reason. The shapes did not happen just like that. They were a product of painstaking brainstorming sessions often with the help of countless cups of coffee, cigarettes and perhaps sleepless nights. Usually the shape, colour and size of packaging a product destined for public consumption takes hundreds of hours of careful consideration before being introduced to the public. And the people responsible for all the products that we use and sometimes take for granted are the graphic designers. Graphic designers are creative professionals whose work surrounds us constantly. They design the packaging of the goods we buy and produce the illustrations for books, magazines and display work of every type. According to Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology's (LICT) director of education, David W. Brook, graphic designers produce everything from billboards of TV backdrops and from brochures to newspaper advertising, using print and electronic media. LICT recently conducted a guided tour for the Press, and the sole purpose was to let the public know what the institute is all about. Barely five months old, LICT has joined the list of private colleges and institutes in their quest for giving sound and proper education to Malaysian youths. According to the president of LICT, Datuk Lim Kok Wing, the Press session was not just to show the exhibition of works but rather the assembly of the work that students have done in the very early stages of their courses. "The course is three years long and what you see here are some examples of where we begin. By the time our students finish, they will have learned skills and concepts of creative design, but where we begin is in encouraging creativity and thinking," he said. Datuk Lim said the syllabus at LICT was synonymous with the Auckland Institute of Technology and that means the students were of the same standard and would qualify with an internationally recognized diploma. He said students need not to go to New Zealand to be fully qualified, unlike a twinning programme. "On top of that many industry notables have expressed eagerness for the success of our institute due to the dire shortage of trained professionals," he said. The school is temporarily situated in a refurbished apartment blocks along Jalan Tun Razak. Other than graphic designing LICT also offers courses in Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Interior Designer and Journalism. Apart from a course in journalism, there are also other institutes, like the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA), and Advertising Communication Training Institute (ACT), that are offering almost similar courses. However, the most unique feature of LICT, is that it is situated in a refurbished rustic old building, formerly an apartment blocks, and it is not your usual shop lot. LICT also has a very nice library that is well stocked with magazines and books on various subjects.

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March 18, 1993

Creative training a must for Limkokwing students

Students demonstrating to Dr. Mahathir an innovative method in opening durians.

Creativity is an important tool in the increasingly competitive world, said the president of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, Lim Kok Wing. It is not easy to describe creativity in words, but it can be cultivated through proper training, he added. At Limkokwing, students are groomed to be creative. Regardless of the courses they are pursuing, these students are required to undergo creative training. Lim lamented that some parents believe there are poor prospects for their children if the young take up advertising or graphic design. Each is a highly creative and rewarding field, he said.

In any industry, companies must be creative if they want to compete for business, noted Lim, who has won more than 100 local and international awards over the past five years. He said that, apart from honing design and mass communication skills, Limkokwing students are required to undertake projects. Such assignments will enable them to develop creativity and become innovative, added Lim. They will also brainstorm with lecturers and get a feel of a working environment. Thus, they are prepared for future challenges. The pioneer batch of nearly 300 students will graduate July. The institute will take in another 300 students this year.

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April 18,1993

Creative talents can be cultivated

People from far and wide - from critics and professionals to industry leaders and academia - have long acknowledged Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing as a leading authority on creativity and design. He has successfully applied them to large-scale projects and high-profile campaigns. With a avowed mission to provide the environment in which students will become the most sought-after creative talents in Malaysia, the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology in Kuala Lumpur may be biting off more than it can chew. But LICT's founder, Dato' Lim Kok Wing, believes anything is possible. There is little point in aiming for anything unless you are aiming to be among the best, is one quote that Lim unabashedly bandies about. Touted as Asia's leading design and communications strategist, Lim is anything but modest. But then again, Lim is not given to doing things in half measures. He must be given credit for being able to mobilize some of the leading advertising and communications luminaries as well as respected educationists to assist in his efforts to create the best in the region. Already with a hyper-busy schedule attending to his design and communications company - Limkokwing Integrated Sdn Bhd (with 200 affiliate offices in 50 countries worldwide) - Lim seems to do everything in an intense pace. But he still prefers to give personal press interviews to get the right message across. When I'm at LICT, I devote full attention to the students because it is important to get feedback at the grassroots level. I enjoy being with the students although they give me a lot of work. We are only into our second semester since we commence classes last June but it is amazing that the students have been able to come up with their projects. I'm not saying this because they are LICT students but it proves that creativity can be learnt given the proper environment. Flipping through several mock books on dinosaurs, Lim seem perfectly pleased with the technical standards achieved by everyone concerned. Said Lim: After only seven months, I must say that the students have been producing things that are really good. Ever the communicator, Lim solicits opinions and views on how LICT could appeal to a greater segment of schoolleavers and to convince uninitiated parents on the advantages of studying in a local institute that provide tertiarylevel courses. Many institutions see their primary task to be the passing on of knowledge; our philosophy is very different. We aim to provide careers, not just diplomas or certificates. From the first day a student enrols, a career path is being prepared. We have developed some unique learning experiences which dovetail the development of career opportunities into acquiring knowledge. In the past, the artificial world of the classroom and the real world of business have been separated. At the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology they merge together, creating a transition to a successful career.

Well-rounded professionals
Our emphasis on practical skills makes our graduates immediately valuable in the marketplace.

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September 2, 1993

A patriotic effort by students

Though housed in separate locations, the Limkokwing School of Business Communications and School of Art & Design students managed to work well together on a recent National Day project. In conjunction with the celebrations, the art and design students created a triangular structure which stands on a one-metre high platform and is backed by a 20-metre flagpole bearing the national flag. The communications (public relations) students helped out by organising the speeches, contacting the media as well as preparing the sound equipment needed for the unveiling ceremony of the configuration. Communications student Patricia Gui said it was quite a task for them to get everything ready since they were also in the midst of the mid-term examinations.

Pioneer students
The project afforded the students a chance to expose themselves to the real situation. She and 15 other pioneer communications students will be working for private firms in the industry during the final year of their course. Don Chooi who represented the School of Art & Design explained at the ceremony that the triangular structure, which took about a month to create, symbolised the nation's struggle for a better future. "The four different coloured graphic figures symbolise multiracial teamwork while boldness and dynamism are reflected in the two bright coloured sun sails," he said. He added that the concept was based on the theme, Unity Towards a Vision.

August 11, 1993

Passing on the torch to young creative minds

The 2020 ideal of a developed Malaysian society may mean towering skyscrapers, booming businesses, affluent lifestyles and a richer lifestyle to most people, but to media maven Datuk Lim Kok Wing it also means a time when Malaysians will be equipped to excel in all aspects of business - especially within the neglected creative arena. Lim's office at Limkokwing Integrated in the refurbished Loke Mansion displays a combination of old and new - a juxtaposition that has come to typify the man. His modern, high-tech office unit sits nestled in the quaint antiquity of the building that houses it. A love for the old and new is also apparent in the furniture in Lim's office. Antiques such as the roll-top desk (My favourite piece!) sit beside his telephone and other modern office paraphernalia.

Design campus
His latest venture, the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), is located on two separate campuses - one in Jalan Tun Razak (for courses in business communication); the other (and newer) campus in Jalan Barat (the design campus).

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Competent workforce
All these arenas require people with creativity. LICT will see to it that such people are available for our nation's objective to be a fully developed nation by the year 2020. Lim observes that while there is nothing wrong with onthe-job training (which is how much of our local talent is developed), it tends to create a workforce that is competent but not brilliant. You cannot expect an adventure-seeking nature in people trained on the job. They are not exposed to new techniques and only know how to work the way they are taught. It is not a situation that cultivates further creativity. Before LICT appeared, Malaysians had to go abroad to obtain formal training in the fields Lim's college offers.

to what they think are greener pastures. The courses at LICT are tailored for the Malaysian market, so our students know exactly what to expect. We are training Malaysians for Malaysia. LICT's courses are moderated and validated by New Zealand's Auckland Institute of Technology, one of the region's most highly respected creative institutions. Our philosophy is to get students to pick up their own steam. The only way to learn is to dirty their hands by entering the fray, and that's what we train them to do. By the end of their courses, they are resourceful and ready for the job market.In their first year, students are exposed to every facet of their chosen career. It is akin to throwing them into the deep end of the pool. But it is a good way to learn. A visionary with one of the most creative minds in the country, Lim's passing on of the torch to a whole new generation of creative minds is to be applauded. I spent a large part of my career trying to develop this industry. Now, it is time to develop the people for the betterment of the industry. In developing a nation, it is important to remember to develop its people.

Resourceful and ready

The problem with this is, foreign graduates come back accustomed to a faster pace and bigger budgets. They complain about restrictions and become increasingly frustrated with the situation here, and many of them go away

February 5, 1994

Slogan winner is London-bound

Kuala Lumpur: It took just 15 minutes to think up a slogan that won Teh Ming Li two plane tickets to any destination in the world. "I just thought very hard and wrote out my slogan and next thing I knew, I could fly anywhere in the world," the 21-year-old advertising student from Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology said. Grand prize winner of the ICI Paint Dulux Homecoming contest, Meng Li and "someone very close" will fly return business class to London where she will visit her aunt. ICI Paints' Syed Salleh Othman said the contest was to reunite the winner with loved ones during the holiday season. Ming Li received her prize from Minister of National Unity and Social Development Datuk Napsiah Omar at the prize presentation yesterday. Ming Li spent 15 minutes from her busy schedule of exams and assignments to think up a slogan on what "home values" meant to her. Her slogan: Home values mean a sense of belonging fostered by tradition, nurtured by love and united by family. The second and third prizes were cash prizes of RM5,000 and RM3,000.

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March 1994

Seven beat professionals in car design competition

Success was all the sweeter for seven students from the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) who won the third prize in the National Concept Car Competition because they were pitted against 115 car manufacturers, companies and professional designers. The seven are final-year diploma students at LICT Caroline Lim 20, Lisa Lim, Ong Lea Own, Lim Ban Guan, Ken Ku Au Yong, all 21, Elizabeth Siew, 22, and Lim Beng Keat, 24. Six are pursuing diplomas in Interior Designing while Ken is doing Graphic Designing. Although they had only three weeks to submit their entry for the competition, they managed to form a winning team which toiled day and night and worked with enthusiasm to ensure that they designed a winning entry. Their moment of triumph was receiving the prize from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammad recently. The National Concept Car Competition was organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and sponsored by Proton. Lisa, 21, who comes from Petaling Jaya, said: " It was a combined effort. We just thought of a car which suits our weather and embarked on our project. "We thought of building a car which will not be outdated in the next five to 10 years. We looked at car which was sporty, sleek, not too big and suitable for both the young and old and both sexes. Ong said the team also looked at many other concepts before coming up with Peluru - their pride. "Basically, none of us was interested in cars. The only thing that we knew was how to drive. But we had to think of some new designs for our project. "We started by looking at existing designs. Many motorists have problems although they drive the best carssuch as not knowing where to store their umbrellas after getting into their cars after a downpour. We thought about how to solve such problems and came up with the design," she said.

School support
They attribute their success to their Australian lecturer from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Wayne Draper, who was then attached to LICT on an exchange programme. Draper was here for about 14 days and he taught us what we were supposed to know about car designs and how to fix designs to human dimensions. "We were invited to take part in the competition just three weeks before the closing date. As we had the support from the school authorities and Wayne, we got down to work immediately," said Caroline. The students stayed in the school for two weeks to complete the project much to dismay of their parents. "We only went home for the Chinese New Year break and did not even attend the family dinner the previous night. We looked terrible as we were totally engrossed in our work. "Some of our friends even asked us whether we brushed our teeth when they saw us in school the next day. Now

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The Leader, April 15, 1994

'Asianising'education locally
Dato' Lim Kok Wing is a man of vision. He envisions Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology as an international school in Kuala Lumpur offering the best education in creative design technologies infused with local values and elements. Asian values and attitudes are vastly different from those of the West, he said. "We are more considerate in the way we do things compared to the hard-nose attitudes of the West. The problems we have now with Western media reflects this vast cultural divide." Students from the West will find studying here a problem because of the "local colouring". "How we name things can be an issue, the way we talk and describe can be an issue, and unless you understand local culture you can't handle it," Lim said. He said the problem is the same as that experienced by Malaysian students when they go abroad and this is reflected in their academic performance. On the other hand, Lim said, local students studying in colleges like LICT perform brilliantly. Lim expects that the "Asianisation" of education here will attract students from the emerging nations in the region, like Cambodia since it costs less to study in Malaysia that it would to study in Europe, Australia or the United States. "Culturally students from the region will not find it difficult to adapt since Asian sensibilities are very much similar throughout this part of the world," he said. Lim hopes to attract students from Asia, Australia and New Zealand. LICT's new programme will see nine students from the Auckland Institute of Technology spend three weeks in the homes of nine LICT students who will then go to Auckland in an exchange arrangement. "We are currently negotiating for more Australian and New Zealand students to do a whole semester in Malaysia and vice versa," Lim said. Lim said it is now possible for students to complete an entire diploma programme locally with this arrangement. This means that Malaysian parents will save money on their children's education whilst benefiting from the flexibility of graduating with a diploma or a degree from an overseas college or university of their choice. LICT is very much in the forefront in the field of design education, but Lim laments society's attitude towards courses in design, and students with creative talents. They are not viewed in the same light as science students. He views the lack of a design culture a serious deficiency because being creative is necessary towards achieving the national goal of Vision 2020. "We don't pretend to have the answers, but we are focused on creative driven technologies. We want to be the best educational institution in the fields of graphic, interior and industrial design and architecture as well as mass communications. We will soon add automotive design, landscaping, film, television and multimedia production into our list of courses," Lim said.

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July 10, 1994

Interior design students notch up first win

Seven Interior Design students have not only scored a first for their college - the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology - but also outdone a large field of professionals in the industry. Though completely new to the field of car-designing, the team spent three weeks undertaking research before pooling their creative skills to come up with the design, Peluru, which bagged the third prize jointly with Proton manufacturers Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Berhad in the Concept-Car competition. The competition was first launched last October. And for their effort, the seven received an award and RM7,500 from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammad at a prize presentation in Kuala Lumpur three weeks ago. The first prize of RM30,000 went to Perusahaan in Otomobil National Berhad with their entry of Metrolite Urban Commuter", while the Standard Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia bagged the second prize of RM20,000 with its entry, "Ria Felis" They shared third prize notwithstanding, the fact that a group of students, had beaten 110 other entries, mostly from professionals in the car industry, is a feather in the cap for LICT. Team leader Lisa Lim, who said the lecturers contributed greatly towards their success with their guidance, added: "We have to come up with fresh ideas of a concept car using our innovative skills. The other members of the winning team were Caroline Lim, Elisabeth Siew, Ong Lea Own, Lim Ban Guan, Lim Beng Kiat and Ken Khoo. The name for their winning entry-"Peluru"- denoting a small, sleek yet powder packed object, overrode other suggestions like "Fatima" and "Cili Padi". The "Peluru" is based on the Hybrid Automation, Zero Emission (HAZE) concept which utilises the rain and heat of the rain and heat of the Malaysian climate as energy conserves and for the cooling system, said Lisa. Peluru's rear spoiler expels hot air, while the frontal spoiler cools the engine and expels heat via the door panels. Its reflective film coating on all surfaces reduces heat absorption and buildup, while the glass is shatterproof, double-glazed and laminated. Peluru's raised side roofing prevents rain from entering windows as the rainwater is channeled into Plenum chamber producing cool air for the cabin. Other features of the car include automatic cornering lights, ultraviolet lights for extra visibility, air pillows, size adjustable driver's seat and optional cabin temperature control. The competition was organised by the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry and sponsored by Proton.

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The institute is now into its third year of existence and the first batch of graduates will hit the market in the middle of this year. What I have in mind you can't find anywhere in the world," says Lim, warming to the subject. I have a habit of rejecting what has been the beaten track. When we put up the school, I refused to start with the twinning process because, although it seems the easiest and perhaps most profitable way of doing it, the students would just be preparing themselves to go abroad. I prefer to encourage students to come here.

Kok Wing is a hard man to work for, says a former employee, telling of how Lim would reward those who performed well but had little patience with those who did not. I have two faults, Lim says with a wry smile. One, I don't hide my feelings, and therefore what you see is what you get. Two, I have placed myself in a position of wanting to train people. He tells the story of how a headmaster in his secondary school days, who was fierce but had a genuine concern for his young charges, made an impact on his life. "He took the risk of not being liked but he knew all the time that he was doing you good. He didn't expect us to like him, because he gave us a hard time. But he also gave all of us something that we would never forget. The moral of the story is, maybe one day people will remember me for what I tried to do.

Foreign-student inflow
So, working with foreign academic partners, the programme, which is recognised by 15 or 16 universities around the world, was developed and is run in Kuala Lumpur. The strategy of having a foreign-student inflow rather than local-student exodus seems to be something of a trailblazer in the private education sector. The college has an ongoing student exchange programme - that is a first step - and from next year, it will enrol students from abroad. It is a simple idea, Lim says. All good ideas are very simple. Lim brims with enthusiasm about the students. They have won tons of awards and competitions, and their work is really outstanding. He contends that the Asian dimension - the ability to be comfortable with both Asian culture and western perspective - makes them superior vis-a-vis other creative students around the world. Success hasn't come easy, though. I push very, very hard for quality, says Lim. And pushing people whether students or employees - to the limits seems to be one consistent factor in his professional career. People who have worked with Lim find him a difficult taskmaster.
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Pushed to the limit

There are people who will certainly remember me as a tough person to work with. I push them to the limit and I say, unless you push yourself to the limit how do you know how fast you can run? But it is gratifying to know that in the area of communications and design, so many of them have become successful. Something must have happened in the relationship of our working together. Tough boss or not, there is no denying that the man gets things done. Says Tan Sri Khir Johari, who is a board member of the Malaysian Institute of Directors of which Lim is vicepresident, 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 college of creative technology. I think his aim there is not so much moneymaking; but by establishing all these links abroad, he is promoting the country. Despite the accolades he has received for his efforts in the

institute, Lim is prouder yet of another achievement: The Rakan Muda campaign, the little bit of controversy at the administrative level not with standing. He finds parents' response to the campaign particularly heartening. I think the campaign will achieve its goal very successfully. It is not a numbers game, it is not how many people will eventually write in. It's how effective it is in influencing young people. However, he declines to talk about the funding for the project, saying only that there has been a lot of misinformation and the best people to clarify this is the ministry.

somebody on the phone and say, 'I need some money to buy this machine, or we need more wheelchairs.' I can't fund it all myself. 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 onto one cap - that could explain the many hats he wears.

Many creative awards

Besides his professional positions of chairman of Limkokwing Integrated Group and president of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, he is active in at least a half dozen cultural and charitable organisations. He is, among other things, president of the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, vice-chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, protem chairman of the Designers Guild of Malaysia and a trustee of the National Art Gallery. While it is hard to fathom what drives Lim to such frenzied activity, what is obvious is that the man doesn't do things by halves. This came across clearly on the morning we met at his office in the Loke Mansion, which Lim has converted into the Artiquarium, an art and antique gallery. It is a grand bungalow, and Lim seems totally at home among the priceless art pieces scattered in the building. What is his business worth? I don't know, Lim says earnestly. Not much I can say, but I don't know. Then, gesturing to the antiques, Everything here is old, you know. It appears not much is a relative phrase. The man has a communications group, a college and more than 100 creative awards to his name. However, Lim, 48, says his family is more important to

Election effort
Lim has a good working relationship with the government, as seen in his involvement in past election campaigns, which he says was done in a professional capacity, as was his effort in the South African election last year which saw Nelson Mandela being swept into power. Is he involved in the upcoming general election? My lips are sealed, he says. He is, however, less guarded in responding to talk that he is well-connected. To be well-connected is sometimes mentioned in a derogatory fashion, but it shouldn't be the case. Malaysia Inc has been in place for a number of years now, so we should be quite well-connected because we work closely with the government or civil service. I think everybody should strive to be well-connected in order to be able to network. Otherwise, how can one be effective? Lim adds that contacts are not built overnight; it requires plenty of effort - and a person with his responsibility has no choice but to work at it. I have been fund-raising for 25 years. Every year, I must raise more than a million ringgit - it is a responsibility, although it is voluntary. I have to be able to call

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him than any of these. His wife Datin Tessie Lim affirms this. He puts the family before anything else, unlike many other businessmen. He works for the family and home is his focal point, she says. Lim softens visibly when he talks about his family. My kids and my wife are my best friends. The children are both very good artists - they think they are better than me - and they are good at the computer, too. Kok Wing Junior is now 12 years old, and Tiffanee Marie is 8. Why did he name his son after himself? Lim seems surprised at the question. It was a very natural thing, he says after some thought. I just did it; I didn't think about it. The school is named after myself as well, but that is

because we tested a number of names - the research was done by an independent house - and I guess because I have been in the industry for such a long time, the name Limkokwing was found to be the most preferred. I suppose one should be proud of one's name. How does Kok Wing Junior feel about having his dad's name? He is quite proud of it, I think, says Lim with a grin. It is always lonely at the top, says Lim, unruffled. Still, it must be comforting for him to know he has a great fan in his wife. He is awe-inspiring, says Datin Tessie. He has a new perspective to many things that I never see myself, and I find that really refreshing.

March 30, 1995

Limkokwing and Curtin seal pacts on architectural study

The growth of development technology in Malaysia will receive fresh impetus with the signing of two architectural study agreements between Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology and Australia's Curtin University. According to Tan Sri Dr Awang Had Salleh, chairman of LICT, the introduction of the twinning degree and diploma programmes in architecture will help strengthen the country's human resource in development technology. "Malaysia and the entire region in going through a period of unprecedented growth, so more expertise in architectural technology is needed," he said. "Therefore, the LICT-Curtin partnership, in providing training and education in architecture, will help ease the demand for architects," he added. According to him, Curtin has a strong reputation in the region for its architecture programme and a large number of Malaysian architects have graduated from that university. " It is only right that LICT benefits from Curtin's good standing by drawing it into partnership. "This is consistent with LICT's philosophy of going for the best in its academic offerings," he said. The degree and diploma programmes will commence in May next year. "Apart from vast savings for parents, the diploma programme will also enable many young graduates to fasttrack into the industry." Datuk Lim Kok Wing, president of LICT, said that there would be two parallel programmes running from next year.

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The LICT-Curtin programme in architecture enables students with only SPM to complete a bachelor of architecture degree by a planned "staircasing" system, he said. This, he added, will lead to clear exit points, leading to different levels of career paths. "SPM students will commence with a seven-stage course of study from a certificate through an advanced certificate and then diploma in architecture technology from LICT. "Although the whole syllabus is provided by Curtin, in the third year, students are required to undertake course projects which are adapted to suit local needs." "Therefore, there will be a lot of local content to enable students to enter the local industry with relevant skills." According to him, since it is a skills-based programme which is more practical-oriented, students will learn more professional skills. Students with good grades and proficiency in English

proceed to an advanced diploma in architecture technology at LICT. They can then spend three more years at Curtin to qualify for the bachelor of applied science (architectural science) in the first year and the bachelor of architecture degree in the second and third years. On the other hand, explained Lim, students with STPM or equivalent will be able to undertake the first two years of their studies at LICT under the twinning arrangement. They can spend one more year at Curtin University to qualify for the bachelor of applied science degree. Those wishing to qualify for the bachelor of architecture degree will undertake two more years of study at Curtin University. Present to witness the ceremony was Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, John Dauth.

March 30, 1995

Post-grad course for professionals

The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) in collaboration with Curtin University of Technology now offers a post-graduate programme in design for working professionals. A memorandum of understanding was signed by LICT president Datuk Dr Lim Kok Wing and associate director Prof Lawrence Apps of Curtin University's School of Communication and Cultural Studies. The postgraduate diploma course will stretch for 28 weeks, seven of which will be spent at Curtin and the rest at LICT. To enroll for the programme, applicants must have completed at least a three-year diploma course at LICT and have six years of relevant experience. For the Masters of Art programme, a first-degree holder with at least 10 years working experience in a relevant field, will need to spend only seven weeks at Curtin and 21 weeks at LICT. Apart from tuition fees, the costs involved include the stint in Australia for the theoretical component of the course. Lim said the programme is designed to allow more working designers to pursue a higher degree at reasonable cost. Since only seven weeks are spent at Curtin, the amount of time and money saved is considerable.

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Tan Sri Lim with Limkokwing graduates equipped with creative skills for the 21st century. He is untiring in his relentless push to impart cutting-edge expertise, innovative technology and world-class education to the young.

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June 8,1995

Advanced multimedia centre on the cards

Limkokwing Integrated Sdn Bhd will set up what it claims to be the most advanced multimedia training centre in the country. The company, a member of education-based Limkokwing Group, is teaming up with Microsoft (M) Sdn Bhd and Digital Equipment (M) Sdn Bhd to set up Advanced Multimedia Centre (AMC). The estimated RM10milion project is aimed at linking up existing and upcoming distance learning facilities with a global network of education programmes. Limkokwing group chairman Dato' Lim Kok Wing said the centre would be set up within the Limkokwing Institute in Kuala Lumpur and be transferred to the proposed RM200-billion Multimedia Super Corridor site by early next year. On completion, the facilities are expected to benefit over 3,000 full and part-time students as well as industry practitioners, he said after signing a tripartite memorandum of understanding on the venture in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Digital was represented by its managing director, Jamaludin Ibrahim, and Microsoft Malaysia general manager Benedict Lee signed for the company. Digital and Microsoft are expected to supply about RM1 million worth of equipment, including personal computers, processing equipment, software and servers. Through Microsoft, AMC can be immediately hooked up to the website of the US-based Global School House, a Microsoft-sponsored distance learning programme on the Internet. The centre will comprise prominent foreign universities, including RMIT University of Australia, AIT New Zealand, Pratt Institute of the United States, Sheridan College of Canada, Leed Metropolitant University of Britain and Mainz University of Germany.

July 15, 1995

PM launches investment book

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad today launched a special 300-page publication entitled Malaysia Incorporated which has been described as a road map to investments in Malaysia. The book is a collaborative effort between government leaders and captains of industry delving into investment prospects within the various sectors of the economy. This unique presentation is published by Limkokwing Integrated Sdn Bhd with the cooperation of the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department. Also present at the launching ceremony at the Putra

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October 6,1995

Huge investment in computers

Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) will invest RM1.9 million in computer equipment, especially for computer-aided design (CAD), to provide a complete learning environment for its design course students. The investment in multimedia technology, including CAD, will be for departments like architecture, interior design and desktop publishing. With these facilities, LICT will have one of the state-of-the-art (computer and graphics) laboratories. LICT senior assistant director Prof John Teschendorff said, With the new equipment we hope to introduce an integrated programme for design students in two phases. He said the first phase or module would involve learning about cartoons as an introduction for students to the world of multimedia. The second module would involve an integrated animation lab with video, film, sound and still-editing facilities. We already teach illustration, photography, computer design, graphic design and pure design, so animation will complete the process enabling students to enter the animation industry directly, Teschendorff said.

January 7,1996

Preparing the young for challenging millennium

Some of the ideas that have changed our lives were first met with disbelief, or even ridicule. It takes vision, sound analysis and a nose for opportunity to read future trends correctly. For tomorrow's jobseekers, having these skills may mean the difference between a middling career and being ready for that knock on the door. To admancum-educationist Tan Sri Dato' Dr Lim Kok Wing, the writing on the wall couldn't be clearer. Young people choosing a line of study must prepare not for today but the new millennium, says Lim, founder and president of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT). They must prepare for jobs that are not available today but in the 2000's, and operate in a developed environment peaking around 2020. The institute's product design course reflects that confidence. It signals that fields of expertise now emerging in the country will be in high demand in tomorrow's manufacturing environment. But first we must believe that we can design world-class products, says Lim. Isn't it the common perception that the design is Mitsubishi's? People just accept that cars are designed by the Japanese. Today, Proton is the best-selling car in Malaysia. What

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about making it the best in the world? Malaysians, says Lim, must begin to think in bold terms. Parents should encourage their children to go into new areas that never existed before. Technologies that weren't around 10 years ago will lead the way 10 years on, he says. Anybody who can design new products will rule. This thinking, however, is slow to catch on. Besides LICT, only Institut Teknologi Mara offers a course in the subject. A journalism course had to be scrapped, Lim says, because only 15 students signed up. Parents balked at the idea of their children having to scramble for the news, as they often see journalists do on television. But just look at the media scene in this country, Lim tells these parents. The TV, radio and print media are going through tremendous changes. There are many new openings developing. LICT plans to offer a journalism course again next year, says Lim. For those who are ready for the new era, the next stage of Malaysia's development is already under way. Beyond 2000, we will be moving towards internationalisations. Malaysia will be on its way to be coming a major trading nation. It will be a strong manufacturing country. For this we need to develop our capabilities in innovative technology; we will need marketing capabilities and marketing skills. Tourism will be even bigger than it is today, so hospitality design and hospitality management will be important skills to have, Lim says.

And it will be driven by information technology. In many ways, young people are spoilt for choice in career options today. But the new dynamism of the economy also means that those who have special skills will be highly employable. Housing, environmental design and architecture hold tremendous potential, says Lim. With new highways opening up, he says, there is no ruralurban divide anymore. Opportunities for delivery systems and services will increase. The 2020 generation, says Lim, must not think of the Malaysian market alone. Many do not realise that if we put together China, India and Indonesia, we are talking about a market of about three billion, he says. And that's a lot of consumers. So we must design not for Malaysia, but for the world.

Vision of achievement
Lim expresses confidence in the strength of Asians. We have the qualities to be the best. On the one hand, an Asian has firm roots in his culture. On the other, he is proficient in more than one language. Put him in New York, and he is an international person. He can communicate with perfect clarity. Lim shares some advice he gives his students: Everybody should have a vision. If we have a vision of achievement, then life will have a mission. LICT's mission is to be the best. We should have a goal, and move towards it. We may fall down, but we'll surely move ahead. I tell my student that if they work in a difficult environment, they tend to become better. That's lesson one. Number two is to make the best use of the situation. If someone else has more facilities, it doesn't mean they are better utilised, he says. Number three: Mission means having a bottom line, that is, a target. If you see a problem," Lim tells his students, solve it. Don't complain. Innovate and improvise. If you do that, you become more resourceful.

Specialised skills
Traditional approaches to higher education will take a back seat. New technologies will surge forward. You can be in business, but you will have to be technically driven, and must have specialised skills, he says. Way beyond 2000, there will be a new China, a new India and a new region. We will be competing with the best. Like Singapore today, the region too will be developed then, Lim says.

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Success Magazine, January 1996

Advertising guru with passion for excellence

Still very much identified as an advertising man, not many people realise that Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has shifted gear to concentrate on another project. He speaks frankly to Wong Mei Leng about his latest concern. I first encountered Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing while still a smart-ass cub reporter at a press conference to publicise a charity project for spastic children. He was still Dato' Lim then, advertising maestro extraordinaire and an active social worker. Still wet behind the ears, I had little inkling of his stature and the high regard in which he was held in the advertising industry. Short of a newsworthy quote or two, I thought nothing of calling up this executive chairman and executive creative director of Wings/BBDO Worldwide to fill in the blanks. I was put through immediately, graciously given the material I needed and warmly thanked by Dato' Lim for my concern" for the cause. The episode stuck in my mind when I eventually realised just who I had so flippantly approached - and so easily reached through the phone. If I had known then, I would have pushed for a more in-depth interview on the spot, but as it is, I had to wait six years for the opportunity. Now widely acknowledged as one of the region's leading communications and design strategists he has gone on to much bigger things - like helping Nelson Mandela and his African National Congress build up the party's image prior to South Africa's first ever election campaign in 1994. He is also accredited with Barisan Nasional's last election campaign.

High-profile book
Apart from lending a hand in shaping the ANC's multiracial image, his team from Limkokwing Integrated - a multi-disciplinary consultancy group - reportedly put up tonnes of posters and billboards, organised election rallies and enlisted volunteers to help voters at the polling stations. There is also the high-profile book Malaysia Incorporated, published by Limkokwing Integrated and launched just last December by (former) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad - complete with contributions by CEOs and captains of industry across the country. Of course, the consultancy is also involved with the promotional development of the Rakan Muda project. But the informal attitude and rapport with the Press - so necessary for an advertising man - is still there. So is the philanthropic drive - he is now most prolific as vice-chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. But today, Tan Sri Lim prefers to talk about his latest project - education; or, to be precise, the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), of which he is the president and founder. Set up in 1992, the school provides diploma and degree courses in design, communications, public relations, marketing and business. The institute has already set up links with various colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand, Britain and the United States, enabling its graduates to obtain advance credits there should they pursue their education overseas. I wanted (to set up) the school

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in response to the government's call for KL to become a centre of education and to reduce the outflow of cash overseas (for education), says Tan Sri Lim. And more importantly, I wanted a school that would be the best in the world.

Best in the world

Another important item on LICT's agenda, he adds, is to train qualified personnel for an industry desperately short of talented professionals. Traditionally, the best students take up medicine, law or architecture, he says. Or parents advise their children to take up business. Nobody wants their son to be an 'advertising man' or an artist. So for years, people stumbled and fell into it. People say, 'You're a friendly person, why don't you try PR or advertising?' and the industry has been fumbling for people of quality. And we're still battling that problem. Clearly he intends to help address the situation; just as clear is the fact that his interest in education is fuelled by his conviction that Asian talent is coming of age - and he intends to play in the shaping of this brave new generation. There is no reason why we cannot be the best in the world, he says. And the students we have are amazing. They come to us at 17 or 18 and a few years later, they're talking to me about art and design as my equals. And they are my equals, he says matter-of-factly. My real ambition is to develop a school uniquely positioned to create students who are international yet Malaysian. It is going global, but staying local. We know better than anyone else what's right for us. Foreign experts can only be technical experts, they don't know what's going on whereas we are here. Our graduates know what's going on. What they do is driven by a national emotion.

behaviour, the attitude, and they can go straight to work and fit into a company while others would only find our culture alien. If we want to be export-oriented, we need people to engineer and design things, we need people to stop copying and stealing ideas from Japan or somewhere else, then simply making it cheaper here. We must create our own quality and identity in design, and we're training people who can do that. There is no denying that Tan Sri Lim, too, is in the best position to judge the needs of the design and communications industry. He was once a reporter and strip cartoonist - for the now-defunct Eastern Sun Daily in 1967 - before moving into advertising. He set up Wings Creative Consultants in 1975, overseeing its development and expansion as it went into a joint venture with New York's Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborne (BBDO).

National needs
He devotes more of his personal time and attention to LICT students, closely monitoring their development; and he is justifiably proud of their every achievement. These include winning the third prize in the concept car design competition organised by the Science, Technology & Environment Ministry. The first prize went to Proton. They make cars anyway, says Tan Sri Lim. And the second prize went to Sirim, which is a government body. And our students got third place it is quite an achievement. Such is the extent of his hands-on involvement (You can't leave it to just anyone if you want quality, he laments) that he can rattle off the honours and awards won by LICT students so far without much effort. Among them, LICT students represented Asia in the first Global Multimedia Challenge in France last year. In the same year, they also came first and second in the Swatch Street Painting Competition in August as well as winning the first and third places in the logo competition for Malaysia's first national encyclopaedia project in July.

Hands-on involvement
Being Malaysians, they know what happens here, the

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Undeniably, part of their success - so early on in the history of the institute - can be attributed to the programmes provided. There, too, Tan Sri Lim can claim part - if not all - of the credit. He had personally scoured the world, talking to professors, academics and other professionals, to find the right programmes for Malaysian students. We are in the process of producing students who can respond to the needs of the nation, he says. We create our own programmes, design them for the industry here. You don't want to just learn what others learn because university programmes are designed to meet the needs of the local industry. At the same time, we are also international because I want them to be able to transfer anywhere in the world. It's the culture of achieving the best that will make a big difference, he adds. I think the school is unique in that we don't depend on twinning programmes. But we have them because we need the link that would provide the most practical way in certain areas for our students to obtain their degrees.

Impact on people
Of course, plans are afoot for a permanent campus for the fast-growing institute. We already have the conceptual design, but we're not sure where (the school will be) yet, says Tan Sri Lim. And yet, it should be a landmark school with an inspirational design. And while we're on the subject, of course, LICT would love to obtain university status if the government should pass such legislation. It is quite an undertaking for someone who had never planned to become an educationist. It was a response to the situation, he explains. For example, I'm now working on a book on Bosnia. I didn't plan it because, of course, I didn't plan the war in Bosnia, so I didn't plan the book! But hopefully it will have an impact on people from the humanitarian side. So you see a need, and you meet it? It's purely a passion for success, says Tan Sri Lim. I wanted to give KL that school that would be the best.

April 21, 1996

Incorporating creativity into business planning

We are entering a new age where the perimeters are constantly being redefined, says communications strategist and educationist, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing who is the founder president of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. Today, LICT is recognised as one of the country's foremost tertiary institutions with links to 19 esta-blished universities. Among the universities are Auckland Institute of Technology in New Zealand, Middlesex University, Britain, and Deakin University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, both in Australia. LICT has three schools - Business and Management, Architecture and Design - at Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Imbi in Kuala Lumpur. Incorporating creativity into business planning and operations is a factor that will expedite the attainment of Vision 2020 to build a progressive, prosperous and united Malaysia, says Lim.

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Business acumen
A leader in this effort is LICT which has already set new yardsticks in providing tertiary studies and training for designers, business leaders and architects. Lim is a visionary and an educationist. He combines a unique blend of artistry and a business acumen in developing new and effective curriculum. He wishes to produce a new group of creative business personalities.

There are many emerging markets like China and India where we can export our innovations and business ideas, says Lim. The labour supply is projected to reach 15 million by the year 2020. Education and proper training are very essential tools. It is important that we lay the foundation for the future by carefully nurturing the latent abilities of our students and preparing them for the global changes.

July 13,1996

Biggest regional design centre

Malaysia Design Technology Centre will establish the groundwork for Southeast Asia's largest design centre before the end of the year, its president, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, said today. The establishment of such a centre is necessary in view of the country's progress, he said, adding that it would also enable the country to compete with other countries in producing advanced designs. He was speaking to reporters after the signing of an agreement between MDTC and German-based Design Zentrum Nordrhwein Westfalen. Lim signed on MDTC's behalf while the other party was represented by its president, Professor Dr Peter Zec. Lim said the centre would play an important role in promoting quality design that would raise the competitiveness of Malaysian products at the international level. One of our key services will be to facilitate transfer of technology and knowledge, by acting as a mediator between the international designers and Malaysian manufacturers, he said. He said this was important, especially since national attention was focused on building a strong foundation in aerospace, transport, biotechnology, telecommunications and information technology industries. On the agreement, Lim said it invited further collaborative activities between Germany and Malaysia to enhance the level of professional design capability, particularly in industrial product, architectural and transportation design in the country. This collaboration will pave the way for Malaysian manufacturers and designers to gain insight and access to sophisticated design technology from the world's most advanced economies, he said. Lim said MDTC intended to work closely with at least 10 countries successful in the field, including the US and the UK. He also said that the German Design - Made in NRW 1996 Exhibition, which would showcase famous design products and technological innovations from Germany, would be held in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 6 to 9. The products to be exhibited include well-known cars, furniture, lamps, consumer electrical equipment and electronics, interior decoration products and spectacle frames.

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August 23,1996

Training creative design students for industry

Designers are creative professionals whose work includes the layout of books and magazines, creating illustrations on television commercials, backgrounds in company logos, brochures and stationery, and backdrops in shopping complexes, display units and street billboards. With rapid development in almost every sector of society, designers are in demand to promote business, education, the property market and the service sector. Rapid development thus creates a demand for creative personnel in industry. The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) was set up to train students with potential in arts and design and to introduce to them various courses that would be of relevance in industry. The founder of the institute, Tan Sri Dato' Dr Lim Kok Wing, says that students at the institute are taught to explore the realms of creativity and be able to conceptualize. We want our students to be the best in their field, not just for having a portfolio of excellent work but also for having an understanding of the mechanics of putting forward their ideas either in electronics or in print, he says. Lim says that the institute draws talent locally and from abroad by inviting local and foreign experts to share their knowledge, experience and the latest techniques and trends in their respective fields. He says that in the field of design, students have to know the newest approaches so that they have an advantage over others in this very competitive field. Design is important for the development of the nation, to propel it as a producer of innovative design as well as an ultimate centre for design, he says. According to Lim, the country has the edge in many areas like in furniture, fashion and jewellery making because local designs are fast making inroads in the European and Asian markets. He says students should consider pursuing courses that would allow development of their creative potential rather than follow conservative professions that are already saturated.

Talented designers
The demand for talented designers is constantly on the rise. As foreign manufacturers set up plants, the need for designers will increase, he says. LICT offers diplomas in graphics and multimedia. The diploma programme is moderated and validated by the Auckland Institute of Technology. It also offers a course in product design which is moderated by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Product designers work as technical model makers, environmental designers, exhibition designers and also play a role in engineering. Lim says there is a growing trend for Malaysian manufacturers to employ professional product designers.

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August 25,1996

Limkokwing signs up with IT giants

Limkokwing Integrated recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two IT giants, Microsoft and Digital, to set up what they believe will be the most advanced training centre in the country. The Advanced Multimedia Centre or (AMC) promises to provide the latest in multimedia and information technology at the fastest possible pace and the lowest possible price. It also hopes to build a reservoir of skilled people in Information Technology to actualize the Multimedia Super Corridor. Among the institutes it will be collaborating closely with are RMIT University of Australia, Pratt Institute of the United States, and Leeds Metropolitan University, Britain. All these universities are internationally recognized to be outstanding in the fields of design, broadcasting and multimedia. During its first year of operations, it is envisaged that more than 3,000 full and part-time students will benefit from AMC.

September 8,1996

US twinning for Limkokwing

An American twinning programme is now available at Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) offering students the Bachelor of Science degree in conjunction with Johnson & Wales University (J&W) of Rhode Island. Students of the programme will spend their first two years at the Lict campus before proceeding to J&W for their final year study. In addition to providing career education. J&W programmes encourages critical thinking, clear communication and management ethics on a global scale. The philosophy of the LICT/J&W international business programme is to develop graduates who have an understanding of the global business community as well as the ability to successfully work in that environment. The advantage of the international business programme include a 50 percent savings on tuition compared to the same degree completed in the United States. Completion is in as little as three years where Malaysians can study alongside students from over 70 countries and taking courses in international marketing, direct response, retail and international culture and protocol. Graduates of the programme will find employment as trade analysts, international product marketers and in entry-level positions with multinational companies such as IBM, Price Waterhouse and British Petroleum. Programme coordinator for LICT/J&W Dr James Prest says programme will be both rewarding and gratifying for those who enroll.

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November 17, 1996

Producing right workers to realise MSC dream

The country's Multimedia Super Corridor will remain a dream unless there is adequate qualified manpower to see it through, cautioned Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing. Students and parents alike should be aware of the many career opportunities in multimedia and broadcasting which will be the wave of the future, said Tan Sri Lim, the president of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT). To make the MSC dream come true at a faster pace, he said LICT would introduce two twinning programmes next April with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology - electronic design and multimedia along with screen, TV and sound production. Responding to the call of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad for timely information technology transfer, Tan Sri Lim disclosed that LICT had also formed the Advanced Multimedia Centre (AMC) together with Microsoft Sdn Bhd and Digital Equipment Sdn Bhd to train personnel for MSC. Being one of the most advanced multimedia training centres in the country, AMC will give students a wellbalanced, scientific foundation in the theoretical and applied aspects of computing, he said. He believed AMC would play a key role in providing trained personnel for MSC, which would take 10 years to complete in stages.

Upsurge in IT activities
The need for computer-literate workers is crucial as there is a shortage of skilled people to fill positions created by the recent upsurge in broadcasting and IT activities, he added. AMC is evaluating some technical details to ensure that the three-party partnership would realise its goals. Among its objectives are to run part-time and full-time classes, provide skill enhancement to degree level and study the most effective method of offering the latest in multimedia and information technology. Our increasing dependence on computer technology presents unparalleled opportunities for the young who meet the challenges of designing systems and applications. Those who are conversant with the use of software tools and turn them into fruitful programs also stand to benefit, said Tan Sri Lim. The long-term goal is to train a reservoir of people skilled in 3D animation and designing, digital imaging and broadcasting. AMC will also collaborate with universities and colleges to build a networking infrastructure. In the long run, AMC will be part of a global network that promotes creativity, experimentation and a new approach to using new technologies.

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November 17, 1996

Limkokwing to offer new multimedia courses

The country's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) dream took a step closer with two parties agreeing to offer courses in the relevant disciplines. Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) signed a MoU to the effect on Thursday. Signing on behalf of LICT was its president and founder Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing while RMIT was represented by its vice-chancellor Prof Dr David Beanland. RMIT is well-known in the region for its multimedia and electronic design programmes. Two courses to be offered in the twinning programme are electronic design and multimedia, and screen, TV and sound production. Lim said the MSC would remain a dream if there was not enough manpower to see it through. He said parents should be informed about the many career opportunities in multimedia and broadcasting which will be "the wave of the future". Lim said LICT hoped to start the course next April with an initial intake of 100 students. The duration of the diploma course is two years. Students also have the option of doing the final year in Australia to obtain a degree. Also present at the signing ceremony were Australian High Commissioner William Farmer and chairman of the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) Tan Sri Datuk Dr Othman Yeop. Others present were Puan Sri Tessie Lim, director of LICT and David Wilmoth, deputy vice-chancellor of RMIT.

November 24,1996

Grooming young minds

The young are in with a good chance of becoming successful entrepreneurs and managers when creative and critical thinking is blended with business grooming. With globalisation knocking on the doors of almost every industry in the country, Malaysians need to improve their business knowledge and acumen, said Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. The world is changing rapidly, he added. New trends, practices and challenges are emerging. We must be in tune with such changes. School-leavers and workers keen to venture into the business world can now enrol on an International Business degree programme with Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. The 42-month twinning programme with Johnson & Wales University on Rhode Island, US, provides specific training in job skills, communication, management ethics and critical thinking.

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January 27,1997

Enhancing Bumi role in MSC

The Entrepreneur Development Ministry is formulating a programme to facilitate the participation of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the Multimedia Super Corridor. Its Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the Ministry was currently holding discu-ssions with Mimos Berhad to draft the entrepreneur development programme. "However, the scope of MSC is very wide and the Ministry needs to first equip its officials with all the necessary information on MSC," he said after attending the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology graduation ceremony here today. Also present were LICT president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, LICT governing council chairman Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh and deputy chairman Datuk Sulaiman Osman. Mustapa said the Ministry was already conducting courses for its officials to equip them with all information on the industry scope of the MSC. He also said the Ministry would look into the possibility of sending Mara-sponsored students to LICT. "I have discussed with LICT's president on the possibility of co-operation between Mara and LICT." Mustapa said he had been informed that there was a very low percentage of Bumiputera students at the institute. "I will probably send Mara's officials to LICT in one to two weeks to look into the possibility of sending Marasponsored students to undertake multimedia and design studies there." He said MARA would probably start small as the sponsorship factor had to be studied. If the co-operation proved successful more students would be sent. "The fee per student hare is about RM8,000 a year and if living costs are included it would probably come up to RM14,000 per student," Mustapa said. Earlier in his speech, he said although the LICT was barely five years old it had built a credible reputation in creativity and innovation as well as in producing industry-relevant graduates. "LICT's design students, for example, had the honour of representing Asia in the first Global Multimedia Challenge in France in 1995 and won the first and second categories in the Swatch Street Painting competition the same year," Mustapa said. He said they were also placed third and won two certificates of distinction in the national concept car competition mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "We must create a passion for creativity technology among our students, one which they will nurture and carry for the rest of their lives." Therefore, he said stress should be placed on a creative approach which encouraged critical thinking. "A generation of leaders who are innovative and creative is necessary to go the additional mile," he added.

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January 27, 1997

40 students get industry awards

Various local and multinational corporations presented industry awards to about 40 outstanding students from the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT). Among the winners were Reita Faida Abdul Rahim, 23, and Yeoh Oon Hoong, 25, from LICT's School of Arts & Design. Both won the Ogilvy and Mather Best in Art Direction Award 1997. Reita graduates in June while Yeoh is already employed by a local advertising agency, Bozell. They received their awards from O&M's group managing director, T.M. Freitag, during an award-presentation ceremony recently. Among the other awards presented were J. Walter Thompson's Best in Adverting, Adidas' Best in Marketing, Royal Selangor's Best in Product Design, Burson Mastellar's Best in Public Relations and Unilever's Best in Communications. To be eligible for these awards, the students had to have achieved overall excellence throughout their studies at the college. They also had to score As constantly throughout the duration of their respective courses.

January 27, 1997

Talks on multimedia design programme

Talks will be held with the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) to start a sponsorship programme to let Mara students pursue a multimedia design course. Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamad said there is a lack of Bumiputera student enrolment in the institute which has been set up for the past five years. "I have talked with Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and we have decided to embark on cooperation for this course." He said Mara decided to choose LICT as it has made a name for itself in producing capable and renowned personnel in Malaysia in the multimedia sector. Speaking after attending the fourth LICT graduation ceremony here today, Mustapa said the ministry has yet to decide on the number of students who will be selected for the course. "This depends on the financial capabilities of Mara as well as getting the approval from the relevant parties for the sum needed to sponsor the students." However, he added that the first batch of Mara-sponsored students will be sent for the July intake for the twinning programme in Multimedia design. The programme which will start for the first time this year, is in collaboration with the RMIT University of Australia. On the cost of sponsoring each student, Mustapa said it will cost RM8,000 per year for the course and RM6,000 for lodging and other living expenses. On a programme for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to participate in the multimedia supercorridor, Mustapa said the ministry is holding talks with Mimos.

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April 20,1997

Creating special effects masters for digital animation

Movies have never looked better ever since films such as Terminator 2, The Abyss and Jurassic Park debuted on the big screens in the early 1990s. Eye-boggling special effects, which brought a shape-shifting cyborg assassin, an underwater alien world and long extinct dinosaurs to life, introduced the wonders of digital animation to a worldwide audience for the first time. The manipulation of images onscreen for entertainment is just one of the more mainstream applications of high-tech multimedia, and a potentially lucrative avenue that many here have not yet grasped. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, founder of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), believes that creating a breed of Malaysian whiz kids with the same capabilities as Hollywood's special effects masters is a very real possibility. And considering the national emphasis on going high-tech with computers, Lim adds, that would just be a small slice of a very big pie. A lot of students and their parents are still considering traditional areas of work such as law, accountancy and banking. But the most successful young people with the highest paying jobs in the country are going to be those working in multimedia. One of the problems is people are intimidated by the idea of computers. Parents still don't understand them and so they're not sure if this is something that their children can make money out of. Those interested in computer design, for example, might be told by their parents 'but you can't draw', when that really doesn't matter anymore, he said. The attitudes will have to be thrown out of the window if we want to keep up with the coming changes, he said.

Multimedia campus
For now, the expertise in digital animation lies firmly entrenched within the Hollywood hills but Lim aims to change all that with an ambitious plan to revolutionise Malaysia's own animation industry. The first step took place when LICT recently shared a twinning programme with Canada's Sheridan College, which has been billed by industry watchers as Toon College, the best animation school in the world. Sheridan graduates are regularly headhunted by the biggest Hollywood studios for annual pay packets as high as US$75,000 (RM187, 500), and have gone on to help create blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Pocahontas and Dragonheart. This is the first time the college has agreed to take on a twinning partner and Lim believes this is in no small part due to Malaysia's current drive to go high-tech. They could have gone to Japan, Singapore or Korea but they decided to go with us because of our emphasis on

MSC infrastructure
He said the Multimedia Super Corridor will spearhead the laying of all the necessary infrastructure, but it is time the public woke up to the task of filling in all the job slots that are going to open up.

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multimedia development. They can see the energy here as well as our commitment to providing leadership in this area. Armed with a diploma in digital animation, Malaysian graduates should now have a passport into the heart of the Hollywood's animation industry. The question is, will they come back to home soil? Yes, they will, Lim said They will come back because the job opportunities will be here and they will also have

the chance to be pioneers. With the MSC, he added, The potential is enormous and Malaysia could be a gateway to the rest of the region. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing believes that studying at the world's best animation college might yield a passport into Hollywood and the opportunity to revitalise Malaysia's own animation industry. And all of this is one of the doors being opened by the country's increasing involvement in information technology.

June 5,1997

Limkokwing entry wins top design prize

The Grohe Design Award, which was launched in Malaysia last year, announced this year's winners at the country-level in the first round of judging. Germany-based Grohe, the world's leading manufacturer of sanitary products and systems, presents the awards to the design, graphics and architectural community to help create solutions for the environment. Grohe is known for utilizing the best raw materials, the latest technology and innovative designs to create products which economically control water consumption and energy when using any of their products. Three winners in the student category in Malaysia were given prizes for their submissions in the product design category. They received their awards from Grohe Pacific Pte Ltd (water technology) marketing manager Jorg-Uwe Ramaker during a presentation ceremony held at Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur recently. "There were 200 submissions from students," said Ramaker. "This is the only Asian regional design award, which is sponsored by Grohe." Focusing on an ecological theme, the entrants were required to choose a category to tailor their designs or products to, that meet with the Grohe philosophy - creating products and systems that benefit the environment through their form and function. Institut Teknology Mara student Suhaizy Shamsudin was the winner of a US$250 (RM625) award in the product design category for his "Drainet" product which attempts to solve the problem of rubbish collecting in drains. Another US$250 prize went to a group submission that came from Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology students, Don Quek, Khairul Fadzly and Mohamad Faizal. The group members submitted their idea for a new shower, which relates to the old Malaysian way of bathing. The trio said they looked for something original to save water and the design was a combination of their ideas. Limkokwing was selected to represent the country in Singapore.

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doctors and carry out the necessary treatment. Under the collaborative agreement, the first of its kind, LICT will serve as Sheridan's faculty for creativity and technology education in the region, and offer courses in digital animation and multimedia. The signing ceremony was officiated by Canada's secretary of state for Asia Pacific Raymond Chan. Lim signed on behalf of LICT while Levy signed for Sheridan College. Sheridan College, which was founded in 1968, offers applied arts and technology courses. It is the third largest college of its kind in North America and has two campuses in Ontario, Canada. LICT president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing told reporters later that subject to the Government's approval, the courses will begin in the middle of next year.

Final year students for the three-year diploma course he added, will go on to Sheridan College for animation training after completing the first year foundation and second year graphic design courses at LICT. Lim added that initially, enrolment for the course will be 100 students with the course instructors from both LICT and Sheridan. On another development, Lim told reporters that at the start of 1999, LICT will become part of the Malaysia Design Technology Centre which is being jointly developed by the Government and the Limkokwing Group. The centre that will be a part of the Multimedia Super Corridor will have components of education and training; exhibition and; professional services, he added.

September 6,1997

Memorable evening for two students

For two students of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT), it was a night to remember. Ooi Chok Yan, 22 and Victor Chia, 23, scored sweet victory in the Horseman Design and Print Awards 1997 yesterday. Ooi, a third-year art and design diploma student, won the second prize for his poster entitled Malay, Chinese, Indian. It depicted three sticks of satay to portray Malaysia's cultural diversity in food. Chia, also a third-year student, was among five students from different art colleges who received certificates of commendation. He designed The Mixing Root, an abstract combination of trees based on the traditional art of Malaysia's major races to reflect the spirit of muhibah. Iven Tham, who is studying graphic design in New Zealand, received the first prize for his masterpiece entitled Food For Good, a depiction of restaurant signs and scenes from all over the city. The winners received certificates and cash. Tham won US$750 (RM2,850) while the others received US$500 (RM 1,900). Seven print and design awards were presented to various companies. The awards presentation which was first held in 1995, was organized by Shiro Paper (M) Sdn. Bhd and Arjo Wiggins Fine Papers Ltd. Judging was carried out by a panel of six judges from Britain, the US, Singapore and Malaysia. It was headed by acclaimed British graphic designer Vaughan Oliver. Oliver said the judges were impressed by the creativity of the 1,000-over entries.

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November 29,1998

Technology-oriented college gets MSC status

Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) was recently granted MSC status by the Government. The status further enhanced the college's efforts to provide the best opportunities for students to enter careers in new technology. It is only by keeping up with the advancement in technology that one can stay competitive in the marketplace, president of the institute Tan Sri Dato' Dr Lim Kok Wing said. Creativity, coupled with technology, will anchor our leadership. Content creation, for example, is an area of vital importance. While we can acquire technology, the content, however, has to come from Malaysians. And in order to create the content we need to be skilled in technology, he added. The ultimate objective of the Multimedia Super Corridor would be to originate and create. He said the institute had invested heavily in its multimedia and information technology programmes. Some of the unique programmes include digital animation, electronic design and multimedia. This endorsement (MSC status) gives us the impetus to play a more strategic role within the Multimedia Super Corridor. We would like to move on to the next level so we can continue to contribute to the success of this most exciting venture, Lim added. In another development, LICT's School of Architecture celebrated the success of a joint project between its students and Curtin University of Technology with a dinner-cumexhibition. The project, named Ideas of Paradise, required students to observe abandoned structures and buildings around Kuala Lumpur and adapt them into a conceptual idea of paradise.

May 17, 1998

Centre for creative skills, technology

In a short span of six years, Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology has made significant strides to become one of the largest and most globally connected design schools in the country. With such links, LICT students can have access to worldclass academic materials and research. This is evident from the high standards and achievements of LICT students. LICT is associated with more than 50 renowned universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. "Our aim is to offer world-class quality education and it is our desire to turn LICT into a centre that produces the best graduates in the world in design education," LICT founder and president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said. For LICT, 1997 was an eventful year as the institute was

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television, journalism, marketing and design. More importantly, they are demonstrating what creative skills can make a great difference and produce positive results in whatever they do. Tan Sri Lim hoped High Flyers

would be published regularly. It is aimed at inspiring students to break the norm and succeed in a wide range of professions and entrepreneurial ventures.

March 12, 1999

Scheme to help students in multimedia

Multimedia, animation and graphic design will be important vehicles in the next millennium, and this realization has brought about the Smart scholarship scheme. The scholarships are a collaboration between the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology and New Straits Times. Under the scheme, 20 students will receive half-fee scholarships to pursue a three-year diploma in either graphic design and multimedia (eight scholarship), animation and design or multimedia (six), advertising and broadcasting (six). LICT chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said the scholarships would enable students to be trained as knowledge workers. "This would further ensure the successful development of the Multimedia Super Corridor," he said before the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the scheme. "There is a need to be able to create and commit ourselves to originality and to use the latest technology to add to the diversity of our country," Lim said. He added that creativity must also be used consistently. "We hope the Smart scholarships will help us use more effectively creative thinking and to promote creative awareness." New Straits Times was represented by group editor Ahmad A. Talib. The signing was witnesses by New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group editor-in-chief Datuk A. Kadir Jasin and LICT director of corporate development Gail Phung. Ahmad said the New Straits Times would provide publicity for the Smart scholarships scheme to endure its success and to raise awareness among the young for the need to acquire futuristic skills. "LICT will provide the funding for the scholarships worth RM500,000. "The scholarships' objectives are to introduce multimedia to the country, to meet the industry's needs, to sharpen information technology skills among the young and to provide financial assistance," Ahmad said. A panel of lecturers and managers from LICT and NST will evaluate applications. Only students who have obtained a Grade One in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and were involved in design programmes are eligible to apply. They would also have to submit three pieces of artwork. Lim added that 30 percent of the scholarships would be reserved for Bumiputeras. After completion of the diploma, students have the option to pursue their final year/degree at LICT.

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"We have been constantly focusing on LICT as a creative technology institution and have been contributing to this," he said. With over 2,500 students from all over the Malaysia and another 200 from 22 countries, LICT is now spreading its wings to Kuching. "Sarawak is one of the most vibrant states, rich in culture and ethic diversity and this is conductive to encouraging creativity," Lim said. "With the options of starting their studies in Kuching, we can start a new nucleus of Sarawakian students who are innovative, creative and skilled in multimedia to ensure effective contribution to the dynamic progression of the States."

Students can complete the foundation courses in Design, Mass Communication and Architecture at LICT Kuching before joining LICT campus in Petaling Jaya for two years and complete their degree locally under the 3+0 programme approved by the Ministry of Education. The courses are conducted in collaboration with RMIT University and Curtin University in Australia. "This is clear recognition of the quality of our programme and has given us the impetus to further upgrade our quality to enable the delivery of post-graduate studies in the near future," Lim said. LICT also works closely with more that 50 partner universities to offer a wide range of programmes.

September 15, 1999

Students show flair in designing

A group of first-year fashion and retail design students of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology came up with a costume for LICT's National Day debut in just a month. The students brainstormed for ideas and did extensive research, most of which centred on traditional Malaysian designs. Many hours were spent going through references and repeated visits to shops specializing in local traditional designs. The Internet was not left out. In the process, they found what they were looking for in the traditional Baju Melayu and Kebaya. In addition to a strong identity, these designs are versatile and flexible, which means that the other ethnic elements could be easily incorporated to create a distinctly Malaysian look. From then on, the students let their creativity and imagination take over. As a result, the initial designs were spectacularly experimental. The LICT emblem - wings - was presented in a variety of shapes and sizes. A rainbow of colours was used to contrast the black background. Others had futuristic overtones with pointed headgear and steel-framed hoops. By the first week, the project team zeroed in on a design that had all the traditional, modern and corporate elements. Very quickly, it was streamlined into a highly wearable outfit. With the design finalized, the students moved to select the fabric. Initially, black velvet was preferred for the matching jacket and pants. However, the cost exceeded the budget. They scoured fabric shops in Kuala Lumpur for an alternative. They found what they were looking for and settled on black viscose and silver polyester for the selendang and the sampin. Two weeks before the deadline, the students met with a professional tailor to explain the design. The remaining 12 days saw the students working furiously with the tailoring staff. The last batch of costume was delivered for fittings just on time.

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September 19, 1999

With a passion thats truly inventive

Three Product/Industrial Design students from Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology won prizes including one Grand Prize at the Malaysia Young Designers Award recently. This is the third year in succession that LICT students participating in the Senior Category have won prizes. The Senior Student category is open to students from higher learning institutions aged 35 and under, while the Junior Student category is for students in Form Six and below. transmitter, transceiver and the zone tracker itself. Each part is placed at different locations to provide information for the user. Halil received RM5,000 in prize-money, a challenge trophy and a Certificate of Achievement, presented to him by Dr Mohamed Arif Nun, chairman of the Malaysia Design Council.

Anti-smoking device
Tan Kee Keat who is concerned about the increasing number of smokers in the country, came up with a Pulmo Tester, a device which provides smokers with information on the status of their lungs and data on the risk of smoking. The device, which won him RM500 in prize-money, is specially targeted at teenagers given the increasing number of young smokers and is best located in public places like shopping malls. "The Pulmo Tester is both an information kiosk as well as a machine to test the condition of your lungs," says Tan. "The design will appeal to teenagers and hopefully encourage them to use the machine." When a coin is slotted into the machine, a balloon comes out which the user blows into. A printout is then given with an analysis of the condition of the users lungs as well as information on the risk of smoking. Tans main aim is to make such information accessible to the public in the hope that it will encourage them to cut down on smoking. Alvin Wong Liang Fatt won a consolation prize for a device called Easy Map Magnifier, a user-friendly, compact, water-

Innovative design
The competition is organised by the Malaysia Design Council under the Ministry of Science Technology and the Environment. The awards were first introduced in 1996 to inculcate the importance of good design in the production of world class products. This year, Abdul Halil Abdul Rahman, a Final Year student studying Product Design at LICT, was awarded Grand Prize in the senior category for his invention called the Zone Tracker. His entry is a self-guiding system that provides a host of regularly updated information to the outdoor enthusiast such as weather forecast, location of campsite, as well as an emergency alert in the event of a mishap. "More people are preferring to explore the outdoors on their own," says Halil. "As a result, they require up-to-date information on things like the distance between one place and another, weather forecast and even landslides." The information can be updated every one to two hours making it an effective information and safety guide. The device consists of several major components; server,

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October 7, 1999

Language school all set for online classes

International House Kuala Lumpur, a school that specialises in English language training and education, is ready to conduct English learning and teaching online. Known as IH Net Languages, the online classroom was established last year through a collaboration between the school and the Limkokwing Group. Created based on a self-instructional concept, IH Net Languages is able to adapt to students' learning pace by emphasizing both learning and practice, similar to learning languages through the traditional method, according to the school. Limkokwing Institute's executive director Puan Sri Tessie Lim said IH Net Languages has been set up for online teaching of languages and can also act as supplement to the conventional classroom. "With the Government's emphasis on English and Malaysia's aim to be an information technology (IT) creator, proficiency in the language is vital to us as a nation," said Lim at the launch of IH Net Languages in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Limkokwing Group is also in the midst of preparing online learning of Bahasa Melayu and will collaborate with International House of London and local authorities in this effort. Commenting on IH Net Languages, Education Ministry Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak who officiated the launch said the online course will be convenient as English is recognized as the language of commerce, technology and the Internet. "However, it is also important to note that the role of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language will not diminish," he said. The IH Net Languages is intended to offer materials contained in course books and classrooms such as reading text, listening texts, pronunciation activities, online dictionaries and traditional grammar exercises. "Our learning does not only cater to young learners, or students preparing for academic purposes but also companies," said International House Kuala Lumpur's director of studies David Matthews. There will be four levels offered and these are elementary, pre-intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced. Each level consists of 10 units comprising an estimated 12 to 15 hours of work per unit. At the launch, International House Kuala Lumpur donated 20 units of the IH Net Languages course worth US$400 (RM1,520) per unit to the Education Ministry. Other than online learning, the school also provides an online library for students to refer to dictionaries, grammar books, videos and listening materials. As for social interaction, there is a caf for students to chat using the Internet relay chat (IRC) or i-seek-you (ICQ) programme. There are over 100 International House schools located in 33 countries that teach English to more than 50,000 people every year in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Africa and Asia.

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October 10, 1999

Foldable bicycle designed by student wins gold medal

An innovative student at Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) has come up with a bicycle that folds up and can be carried around. Its young designer, Wong Wai Lam, said the foldable lightweight bicycle was inspired by his own experience as student. His innovative bicycle won acclaim from the country's leading inventive and creative minds, earning him the Gold Medal for Industrial Design at the recent Invention, Industrial Designs and Technology Exhibition, ITEX'99. "The foldable bicycle is meant for short-distance commuter travel and is mainly aimed at students who live on university campuses or near college," said Wai Lam, who is currently pursuing an industrial design degree at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. The bicycle folds up into a briefcase-cum-holdall, designed to carry books and documents. Once folded, it is easy to carry around on other modes of transportation such as the LRT. Wai Lam received the Bronze Medal for his Window Cleaner design that promises to take the tedium out of cleaning windows. His design was the result of frustrated attempts to clean both sides of the window in his apartment. "I tried using one available in the market today but it does not do
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the job and because it works like a windscreen wiper, the floor also gets wet in the process," he said. The enterprising Inspector Gadget fan who is a final year Diploma in Industrial Design student, put on his thinking cap and came up with a concept that works on the premise of two window cleaners working together at the same time. "A wet floor is no longer a problem and all you do is dip the window cleaner in water, press a button which sprays the cleaner onto the window and wipe with the functional sponge and rubber strip at the same time,"he added.

April 30, 2000

Get ready for Limkokwing line of clothes

The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) will soon have its own line of clothing thanks to a strategic alliance established recently with Metrojaya Berhad. The mutually beneficial venture covers brand development and promotion, interior design, multimedia advancement, fashion and retail design. Through combined efforts, LICT aims to play an effective role in making Kuala Lumpur a design centre for fashion and accessories. "Who says we (Kuala Lumpur) can't be the Milan of Asia?" challenged Metrojaya's chief executive officer Khet Kok Yin, during a signing ceremony commemorating the partnership last week. He added: "Metrojaya hopes to capitalise on the institute's wealth of creative resources to work on similar projects for the group's highly successful brands such as East India Company, Living Quarters and the Reject Shop". Additionally, a separate brand name will be created for the line of creations by LICT students, with designated retail space within Metrojaya's stores to market the product. "We will have a launching of this (new brand) during a fashion show we have planned for the end of the year," LICT's president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said. A store within the campus, specifically for the sale of the LICT line of clothing, will also be opened. "We hope this initiative will produce young designers who will be known internationally," Lim said. The partnership also allows students to do their internship at Metrojaya's stores nationwide during their holidays. LICT students will have the opportunity to be active participants in the entire process at the clothing retail company, from designing the clothes and displays to marketing and promoting them. "It will provide many opportunities for them to contribute new design concepts for packaging, interior decoration, fashion, shop fronts, advertising and branding," Lim said.

June 8, 2000

Multimedia students receive MARA scholarships

Bertran Anthonius, Keeta Brennan and Nurul Azwa Abu Bakar have much in common. They are young, keen to learn and interested in design and multimedia. All are Mara scholarship holders who are studying at Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. Bertran was able to switch from civil engineering to electronic design and multimedia thanks to a RM62,000 study award from Mara. "I believe I have made the right decision," said Bertran, 19, from Kuching. "I have always wanted to do something involving design and the use of computers. A pleasant surprise at LICT is the availability of PowerMac computers."

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Keeta, 19, of Johor Baru secured a RM62,000 scho-larship from Mara to pursue the three-year diploma programme. Her ambition is to specialize in film editing and production. "In the first semester, I did a great deal of drawing to improve my ability. Now, I spend a lot of time on the computer, concentrating on design and editing," said Keeta. Nurul hopes to continue with a degree programme

abroad when she completes her diploma. "I have always been keen on design and photography," said the former student of Hillcrest Secondary School in Kuala Lumpur. "I developed the interest when I was a member of the school photography club. "Ive chosen the graphic design and multimedia course because it allows students to hone many creative skills. Graduates have a good number of career options."

June 18, 2000

New look designed for Malaysia book of records

The Malaysia Book of Records will sport a new look next month. The publisher, R&D Communications Sdn Bhd, will launch the 324-page book with its bold prints and colourful visuals. "The Malaysia Book of Records will be sold at major news agents and book stores at RM78," says spokeswoman Irene Liong. "It will be pleasant reading for consumers from all walks of life." Unlike the previous edition, the new issue features the colourful Malaysian flag flapping racily on the cover indicating that Malaysia is taking on new and exciting challenges boldly as the winds of change sweep the country. The background of the book's title depicts the electronics and hi-tech advances made by Malaysia. The vibrant hues of red, blue, gold and green depict the people's high spirit and upbeat outlook. At the bottom of the cover is a blurb highlighting four key events that have put Malaysia on the world map. One was the conquest of Mount Everest by a Malaysian mountainclimbing team led by M. Magendran and N. Mohanadas on May 23, 1997. The second important milestone was the completion of the 452 metre-high Petronas Twin Towers in 1997. The impressive piece of architecture replaced the Sears Towers in Chicago as the world's tallest building. Another historic attainment was the completion of the 1997 Beijing-Paris Motor Challenge - a 1,600km race across 11 countries by the Regent of Selangor, Tengku Idris Shah. Equally momentous was R. Letchemanah's feat on Sept 30, 1990. The Herculean Malaysian pulled a 32.5-tonne Boeing 737 aircraft over a distance of 16.85m, with his hair! The book was designed by students of the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. The students took six weeks to complete the assignment.

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August 13, 2000

Mixed bag of skills from a single course

An increasing number of students are taking advantage of the tertiary option to study only one year in the UK pursuing degree programmes in business administration and information technology run by Middlesex University, London. Cost savings, advanced learning through a degree programme of a student's choice, overseas exposure and onthe-job training are among the advantages these students enjoy abroad. Students at the Millennium Institute of Technology (Millennium) are devoting two and a half years to accounting & finance, business administration, business studies & marketing, business information system & information technology, and information technology & multimedia before moving to Middlesex University for their degree courses. Alternatively, they can continue their degree programmes at Millennium as degree course students take the university's examination papers at the same time. Classes at Millennium are small with not more than 15 students. Unlike other business courses, the Millennium programme grooms students in acquiring a combination of skills like business management, communications and multimedia. Being the associate college of Limkokwing Institute, Millennium allows its students to pick up 10 credits without charge. This means that students can pursue other subjects related to their tertiary programme. Millennium students transferred to Middlesex University get a firsthand feel of the bustling financial and business hub. In the British higher education arena, Middlesex University is an established and reputable centre for excellence. In 1996, it received the coveted Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. It is located close to the London City centre. Affiliated to the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, Millennium boasts an international gathering of creative minds, all keen to take on new challenges in the cyber era. Some of its students hail from Botswana, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and South Korea. It is therefore not surprising that many students are taking up the diploma and continuing into degree courses in business administration, marketing, human resources management, information technology, multimedia & software technology, electronic commerce and international business. As competition intensifies, graduates no longer specialize in one specific field. Instead, they develop a mixed bag of professional skills to deal with the increasingly challenging marketplace. For instance, business administration students at Millennium study not only business law and accounting, but also marketing and business information system. Similarly, information technology students pick up an assortment of much-needed skills - from programming and system analysis to interactive multimedia and Web technologies. For more information, please call 03-704 5220 or email: enquiry@lict.edu.my.

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October 10, 2000

Young minds show creativity at contest

Students from Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) stole the show at the Malaysian Society of Interior Designers (MSID) annual dinner recently. Interior design student, Lee Tao Ken beat seven other finalists to win the first prize in the Millennium 3-D category of the Lima 5 competition. Lee's eye-catching design, 'Cyber-age chair', is a chair designed to suit the cyber era. He made use of three pieces of gentang wood to make a backrest and mounted them with a stainless steel seat on one side with a ground support on the other. Classmate Wayne Teh Chee Chong took the third place with 'Cybird', a wing-shaped two-seater chair designed after the ladybird bug. Teh's creation features soft cushions which allow users to lean back to back when the 'wings' are opened. The institute proved unbeatable when its nine-member international group won second prize for a dance based on the movements of a digital hybrid, choreographed by fellow student Audrey Lai Sook Yee. Lecturer Fajura Juffa attributed the success to hard work and team spirit. "They had only five days to rehearse, but they practiced very hard," she said. The contest was jointly organized by MSID and the Malaysian Institute of Art.

October 22, 2000

Top spots by students

Students from the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) captured first and third places in the Millennium 3D category of a competition organized by the Malaysian Society of Interior Designers and the Malaysian Institute of Art. Interior design student Lee Tao Ken won for his design of a cyber-age chair while Wayne Teh Chee Chong took the third place for his Cybird chair, a wing-shaped two-seater. In a project to foster international exchange, 34 architecture and interior design students from Curtin University of Technology teamed up with students from LICT to construct models of 12 Malaysian highrise buildings which were later converted into lanterns. Among the towers were Central Plaza, Menara Telekom and Hyatt Grand Duta. The Australian visitors spent a week at LICT under an annual exchange programme. The assignment for the students, done over a five-day workshop, was to depict the aesthetic qualities of a new building through its frame and skin.

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October 17, 2000

Condo design gets top award

Two students from the Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology received top design awards in a competition organized by Ken Damansara Condominiums. The prize presentation ceremony was held at JW Marriot Hotel recently. Wong Hui Leng from Bangsar won the first prize of RM5,000 while Tan Wei Wei from Kepong took the third prize of RM3,000. Wong, a final-year student pursuing interior architecture, said: "My lecturers had encouraged me to take part in the contest as a challenge. The award therefore came as a delightful surprise." In her interpretation of a modern apartment at a new condominium, Wong designed a spacious living room, a master bedroom with appealing built-in furniture, an entertainment room that could be converted into a child's bedroom, and a contemporary kitchen with all the modern conveniences. "The basic theme is easy, comfortable living," she said. "In the bedrooms, for instance, the stress is on a cost environment and ample space for rest. The design is simple and contemporary," she added. Tan designed a 1,239 ft apartment to suit the needs of young married couple by adopting a bold, minimalist approach. The corridor connecting the front hall to the master bedroom and the study are concealed by floor-toceiling cabinets that divide the living room and the dining area. To enter the bedrooms, occupants use a swing door that complements the cabinets. In the living room, a cabinet door can be converted into a coffee table. The competition was aimed at promoting interior design among students and up-and-coming professionals. The winners were selected by a panel of judges which included an architect, three interior design experts and a quantity surveyor. According to the developer Ken Holdings, some of the contestants will be invited to offer their interior design expertise to its apartment buyers. It has built 253 units in Petaling Jaya.

November 3,2000

Kolam victory by design students

A kolam design competition, held in conjunction with KLCC's Deepavali Fest, saw Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) to be the best among the best once again, when they bagged the first prize of RM2,000. The design depicted a dancing girl forming a pattern, like a blooming of a flower. Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara (UITM) emerged as runners-up, bagging RM1,000, while the third prize of

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Award winning kolam... Limkokwing students gathered together to celebrate their finished kolam design.

RM700 went to the Center for Advanced Design (Cenfad), with a design themed One Nation, One Glory. The other institutions who showcased their creative talents and skills were Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA), The One Academy, Saito and Kuala Lumpur College of Art (KLCA). They were judged based on creativity, originality, colour mixture and concept. The impressive panel of judges comprised the High Commissioner of India Veena Sikri, KLCC general manager Andrew Neary, Gallery Petronas director Zainol Abidin

Ahmad Shariff, Sutra Dance Theatre artistic director Ramli Ibrahim, and fashion designer Bernard Chandran. Rafidah Jalil, the KLCC marketing manager, said: "When we first decided to hold this competition, our objective was to help promote cultures that cut across the racial boundary within Malaysia's multicultural society. "However, we also wanted the competition to do more, not a competition for competition's sake. Hence, we had the idea of inviting students from various institutions to participate."

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November 22, 2000

10 solid years of excellence

The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology is gearing up for a big party to celebrate its history - its 10th anniversary. The celebration plans are in the final stages, as students and academic staff prepare for a series of events to reminisce the college's groundbreaking initiatives over the past 10 years. The Limkokwing Institute began a mission in 1991, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and technology enabling as vital capabilities needed by the next generation. It continues to blaze a trail in the creative field, setting standards, introducing new courses, and winning highly competitive awards. Strengthening and further justifying this reputation, it gives priority to the employment of technology and computer skills, making it a fully k-enabled educational centre. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, founder and president of the institute, says that he coined the words "creative technology" to describe the college because it aptly encapsulated the many facets of creative education. The early years, he admits, were an uphill struggle to convince people, especially Malaysian parents, that "creative education" was the future of all education. "Most parents felt creative education meant traditional creative careers such as art, design, and music - which in Malaysia, were not seen as viable and professional careers," says Lim. "We had to educate people that creativity was, and will increasingly continue to become, a key measure by which people will excel in whatever career they go into. "We had to make people see that creativity was not about a job, but about a thinking process and problem solving abilities." Today, the college is recognized for pioneering the "viability" of education in creative careers, as well as for many new careers resulting from the information technology and information superhighway explosion. Programmes offered are a combination of syllabi from the best courses available in the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The availability of the programmes in this part of the world, at a fraction of the cost, attracts students from all over the region and the world. This further established the college's position as the premier tertiary creative education centre in the region. "It reinforces my belief, and is making people - especially Malaysian parents - sit up and listen to why it's a skill that's necessary, no matter what career their children go into," says Lim. "Creative thinking is an empowering skill that lasts a lifetime. It is a gift we give to our children so that they can become the best wherever they go." At the speech he delivered to the college's graduating class of '99 recently, Lim urged the graduates to "push faster and further in whatever you do". Technology, he said, may quicken the pace of change; but he reminded them that "it is always people who set the pace and shape the change". In conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebrations, the college is holding a series of events that include a creativity camp at its Petaling Jaya campus from Dec 11-16. The camp aims to help create greater awareness of why crea-tivity is an essential skill in the k-economy. The creativity camp is meant to help students discover their inherent creativity, and develop their creative skills through highly interactive and innovative activities on the campus. Against a fun-filled background, participants will also be taught to recognize their creative abilities and use them to solve problems. They will also be exposed to multimedia skills that will come in handy as they take on new challenges in the new millennium.

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July 12, 2001

Malaysia ready to stage World Education Market

If Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has his way, Malaysia will, in the near future, host the World Education Market (WEM), a prestigious platform for an international gathering of 1,700 educators and businessmen to exchange ideas and forge business links. With the education industry contributing US$815 mil in total expenditures in the US and US$2 trillion globally, learning is big business and educational technology is developing at an accelerated pace. Thoroughly impressed with what he saw at WEM, Lim has put things in motion by holding meetings and discussions with the conference-cum-exhibition organisers Reed Midem Organisation (RMO) to express serious intent in bringing the annual event to this region. event were held in KL. So I told them about the few billion people in the region. I think they see the Asian market as the next developing market but its the timing that they are concerned about. Commenting on WEM, he says Malaysian institutions would have a lot to gain from the event as it is an excellent avenue for networking and information gathering. Its very good for contacts as some of the well-known names are here. It also showcases the new technology in education. Were talking about front line technology; a lot of the exhibitors are from the US, Silicon Valley and New York, so they are competitive in their own country and the content they have to sell is extremely good. He adds that with education technology so advanced now, the teacher can no longer go to the classroom and merely teach. If the teachers are not sharp and up-todate on the use of new technology, it is going to be very difficult for the country to move forward. When I see what is happening in the developed countries, I feel extremely concerned because we could get left behind so easily. In the highly competitive education industry in Malaysia, he says, one has to be really good to survive. "Where in the country do you find another industry that is so competitive? This is very good for the country but I dont think the

Preferred destination
If they are looking at Asia, we should be hosting it in Kuala Lumpur. Im asking them to look at one for Asia as it is clearly the fastest growing region in the world, says Lim, the head of the Limkokwing International Education Group. He is also the initiator and advisory council member of the Malaysian Education Promotion Council (MEPC), a private sector initiative that promotes the education industry and markets the country as the preferred destination for higher education. The organisers are concerned about whether we can attract enough participants in terms of exhibitors if the

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My heartiest congratulations to Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary. That the Institute has grown in tandem with the aspirations of the country in providing local talent and capacbility is an achievement. In this age of IT and global economy the education of our citizens is an important prerequisite to achieving the K-economy status. The responsibility to keep industry at pace with the rest of the world rests on the younger generation to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired to enable a smooth transformation. I applaud colleges such as the Limkokwing Institute for their dedication in developing human capital with the right skills and the creative mindset to enable effective technology transfer that the industry needs to stay competitive. The Limkokwing Institute has always emphasised excellence and its wish to develop the world's first fully integrated design and multimedia centre of creativity is highly commendable. Such an endeavour is consistent with national aspirations to originate, innovate and strive for excellence. I wish them every success in this endeavour. Once again, congratulations to the Limkokwing Institute upon achieving a decade of creative leadership.

Dr Mathathir bin Mohamad

Prime Minister of Malaysia - 2001

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January 28, 2002

Quality takes priority over financial gain in business

The accumulation of wealth is not a person's sole goal in life or business, professed advertising legend turned educationist Tan Sri Dato' Lim Kok Wing. He believed that there are other priorities more important than financial gain that warrant attention. For instance, quality and reputation should be among the chief concerns to a company, said the 55-year-old president of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. For nearly 10 years, he had made large capital commitments to the development of tertiary education, injecting quality into degree and diploma programmes, manpower and new technology. To transform his college into a modern campus in Taman Mayang, Tan Sri Lim has invested heavily in what was once a shopping complex. Besides renovating and adorning the premises, he has added sophisticated facilities to LICT, which he founded in 1992. Creativity comes to mind whenever he wants to make changes. This element is evident even when he wants to enhance the interior and the facade of the campus. The building, Mayang Plaza, was formerly all bare and unsightly. It is now a well-known, eye-catching landmark with a splash of colour. The sharp contrast is a striking portrayal of creativity at work. The former cartoonist, who became a leading design and advertising figure when he was only 27 years old, ventured into education. At that time, I decided to branch out into tertiary education and made a significant investment without knowing what the final returns would be, he said. I was eager to impart my knowledge and experience to the young. To the noted nation-builder and philanthropist, it was not merely a business investment. Rather, it was his contribution to the future of the younger generation and also to the country in human resource development. To me, life is not all about making money. Everybody wants to make a decent living. But how much income is enough? There are other more important values that cannot be equated with money. Tan Sri Lim saw a vast pool of talented youngsters in the country. What was lacking then was the creative approach to learning. He felt that, though LICT, he could groom a new generation of graduates with a different mindset.

Innovative products
It was his firm belief that graduates who could think critically and create a wide range of innovative products would be an asset to the country. Thus, the first few courses offered by LICT were design, multimedia and communication. I am pleased to note that the yearly batch of Limkokwing graduates has performed well, he added. Even their parents are proud of them and some of these graduates are high achievers. On the campus, students do not design something merely for the sake of design. They have to research, think creatively and produce perhaps 10 different designs before submitting their assignments. Of late, Tan Sri Lim has focused greater attention on image building and brand development. His college is currently promoting its corporate colour - black. Its staff are encouraged to wear black outfits. As expected, the

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March 9, 2003

New status paves way to launch new degree

Twelve years after establishing his institute, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing gained another feather in his cap in early 2003. That was when Limkokwing was granted the university college status. It earned what it had relentlessly worked for and was recognised for its fast-paced expansion, quality programmes and international standing. Global domination may not be in the books but the newly-upgraded Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology is set to take on the world, reports Hariati Azizan. Almost 12 years after it first created a buzz in the local private education scene, Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology is again making waves. In its characteristic trailblazing way, the leading provider of creative education in the country has notched another achievement: university college status from the Education Ministry. With the upgrading, Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology (LUCT) reinforces its position at the forefront of creative education and technology. This, he adds, is only the beginning for LUCT on the road to regional education excellence. With the new status, LUCT not only has the authority to award its own degrees but also design and introduce new degrees that will appeal to students, particularly from developing countries. But we know we have succeeded only if students come to LUCT as their institute of first choice, not because they cannot get into anywhere else or cannot afford to go elsewhere, says Lim. Aiming for greater heights has always been LUCT's academic tradition, and the granting of the new status could not have come at a better time as it is planning to move into its new hi-tech campus in Cyberjaya by the middle of the year.

Infrastructure upgrade
The move will also strengthen the university college's ties with its education and training partner, Malaysia Design Technology Centre, and create opportunities for students to learn and interact with professionals. The state-of-the-art facilities will include an incubation centre, which can promote, activate and incubate creative ideas among professional and student designers. A whole new dimension of learning will open up to budding designers who will also have access to design professionals from around the world. This will help develop the research and development aspect of the country while creative students get the chance to explore their ideas, says Lim.

Introducing new degrees

We have certainly come a long way. When we first started in 1991, we had 200 students, now we have 3,000 students, including international students from 45 countries. There is also a much higher awareness of creative education in Malaysia, which has led to other creative schools being set up, proving how creative education has expanded, says president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.

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While LUCT could have obtained its present status last year, Lim says the delay was a good thing. The ministry was satisfied that we had the capacity and capability to become a university college but we had to put into place a few things before we could proceed. To be a university, we had to upgrade our infrastructure and academic staff. This process has been ongoing but now that we are a university college, this is even more urgent, says Lim. New programmes in the pipeline include multimedia and creative industries, and information and communications technology, such as games programming, games design development, virtual reality and performing arts.

that the industry is design-driven then it is huge and pervasive. Says Lim: Malaysians are creative people but we have no innovative culture in industry. We need to change mindsets and create enough design thinkers and managers who think of marketing. Which is what LUCT is doing. Creating an education brand that is internationally known is also high on its agenda. In the LUCT degrees, we are developing our own brand, which in a way is how we are reclaiming the LICT brand. But we will need to constantly develop it as, like everything, it will have a shelf-life and will go stale after a certain date, so we have to rejuvenate or, after two generations, nobody will want it any longer, says Lim. That is why R&D is vital, he adds. Sooner or later, we will find ourselves under pressure to compete with emerging economies like China and South Korea, and if we don't improve in designing, branding and marketing, we will find that Malaysians prefer foreign products. This preference for foreign products is already happening in education to a certain extent. Hence, at LUCT, creativity is rated highly to keep the university college's brand relevant. LUCT, adds Lim, is also helping to brand the country. The international students who come here will have an affinity to the country which will help in business and tourism.

Professional courses
Many parents think that the arts and creative technology are not serious fields. They push their kids into professional courses like medicine and law but many do them only to please their parents. But when they graduate they pursue what they really want. At LUCT, hybrid art and technology courses are taught to help students think better and work easier. We have to get the public to understand that they must learn new skills and adopt new ideas, so their children should not be sent to business schools. Parents have to know that business will soon be fully driven by creativity, he says.

Design-driven industry
What is Lim's concept of creativity? He replies: I use the term loosely. To me creativity that sparks off design, which is the thinking behind whatever we do - everyone can design. It's not about making things look pretty but really to be efficient. How you do your work everyday, the way you look everything is designed. We are committed to a certain design and thinking. People who can think creatively can work faster and more efficiently. And if you accept

Stimulating campus
Creating an international campus environment is a top priority for LUCT. Says Lim: I'd like to believe that we have been focusing on building an international college. The campus here is very multicultural, and all the students are learning from each other. You learn from watching and talking, not

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from reading and writing. This is education at its best - where only 30% of what you learn come from the classroom and 70% come from outside. The exciting and stimulating campus environment allows students to learn from each other while at the same time trains them to be more tolerant and accommodating. Students also get to network with others from around the world. This gives the students an

edge." At present, the college has about 1,000 foreign students from 45 countries. It is hoped that the number will double in the near future. Lim nevertheless stresses the importance of national identity and branding. We are Malaysians first and foremost and we have to be proud of who we are. More importantly, we have to own our brands to create a presence in the international market.

March 20, 2003

First private institute to get university college status

Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) has become the first private higher learning institute to be upgraded into a university college. As of last February, it is now known as Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology. The director of the Enforcement Division in the Private Education Department, Dr Ariff Kassim, said that the Ministry of Education gave the approval after considering various aspects. Among the important considerations were the college's achievements, academic performance, quality programmes, operational record over the years and its capacity to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment. LICT had received an invitation for the upgrading from the ministry last year. Currently, we have two such private institutes, including the Kolej Universiti Teknologi dan Pengurusan Malaysia, as the first two private higher learning institutes to earn the university college status, he said yesterday. The president of Limkokwing College University of Creative Technology, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, said he is grateful to the government for the elevation of its status. The university college will continue to contribute positively to the country and strive to turn Malaysia into an excellent centre of education.

Quality programmes
According to him, the new status after LICT's establishment 12 years ago will enable the campus to offer various levels of education with more quality programmes and hi-tech facilities for the creative and digital technology fields. We will build a campus that is on par with the best in the world, he said, adding that the university college will be relocated to its new, sophisticated campus in Cyberjaya. The university college is also planning to introduce new degree programmes. He said it is working closely with its partner universities in Australia, New Zealand and

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the UK to finalise programmes in areas like multimedia, creative industries and information and communication technology.

Currently, the campus has 1,000 foreign students from 45 countries and the number is expected to increase to 2,000 in the near future.

April 26, 2003

Winners spring stylish surprises in kebaya contest

One had an interesting and innovative fashion twist - a modern cheongsam when viewed from the front and a kebaya from the back. The other was a lime green knit kebaya paired with a frou frou. The winner? Frou frou. One would expect the former to win Kebaya - The Interpretations fashion competition but Daniel Chong won with his knitted kebaya and short big skirt reminiscent of Rizalman Ibrahim's for Ning Baizura (once upon a time). Rizalman's white version had fur trimmings. Chong's, entitled "Renaissance of Puah T'ng Tay", came with that detail, too. Perhaps the 22-year-old student from Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology scored high marks for craftsmanship and tailoring since the judges got a better view from the front row. Chong, from Negeri Sembilan, beat 11 other finalists to win the RM5,000 prize. "I took a chance in the contest and designed something out of the ordinary," he said. Extraordinary was Noritta Ali's design called Rose Charmante. The 29-year-old student of La Salle International Design School's pink and white chic creation seemed more grabbing. When the model wearing her creation came on stage, guests murmured and wondered about a cheongsam being displayed in a kebaya contest. Then, as she reached the runway's end, the model made a graceful turn to show off a kebaya with a plunging neckline (or shall we say, backline?)! A stylish surprise and maybe more befitting for a contest that called for Kebaya - The Interpretations. Even Noritta's pink sarong was interesting. Slim-fitted with puffed and ruched accents, and trail. Third place went to Stev Wong who designed an elegant lace kebaya he calls "My Little Black Kebaya". Noritta and Wong won RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively. Apart from the contestants' masterpieces, guests feasted on kebaya creations by leading designers Bill Keith, Carven Ong, Bernard Chandran, Eric Choong, Melinda Looi, Rizalman Ibrahim, Izan Ismail and Khoon Hooi. The event was organised by the Malaysian Official Designers' Association and Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia. Datuk Seri Endon Mahmood, the wife of Acting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was guest-of-honour.

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June 22, 2003

Conversation with Lim, educationist extraordinaire

Credited with kick-starting Malaysia's creative education industry with his Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology - now granted university college status - Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing lives up to his creative name tag, as Francis Dass finds out. If everyone could ride the linear progression of logic and take things to their logical conclusion, as Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, 56, always does, we'd be living in a country unparalleled by others in terms of quality of ideas driving various businesses in Malaysia. Alas, not many people have been cast like this former advertising marvel, often described by those in the advertising industry as a man possessing one of the sharpest and astute minds in the creative business, as well as in other areas of life. cation growth and our desire to be the (education) centre for the region and even the world - and not just in terms of income from direct investments. The students' parents will visit and they will be here for many days. They may also come every year. These are high-quality tourists as those who send their children here come from middle or high-income groups just like Malaysians who send their children abroad.

International mix
What do they do? They buy property, they invest in local companies and they put money in local banks to support their children here. Their children make friends and these groups of friends may build business later or they could do business together as friends, Lim elaborates. In this kind of environment, with its international mix of people, the students' learning capacity is heightened, he adds. Can you imagine what will happen in 30, 40 or 50 years? he asks rhetorically. As far as being a passionate educationist goes, Lim can be said to drive the Malaysian creative industry of tomorrow. After all, graduates from his Limkokwing University College are primed to take over the advertising and communications industries as the next generation of creative high-flyers. It therefore comes as no surprise that he believes in speaking his mind without fear or favour on issues such as the status of the English language in Malaysian education.

Direct investment
Earlier in his career, he started out as one of the pioneers of the Malaysian advertising industry, which he quickly conquered (by his 20s he was heading an international advertising firm and soon after, his own advertising firm). Lim then shifted his focus to pioneering creative education in the country, and took his more than a decadeold baby, Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, to university status earlier this year. And so now we have Lim the educationist - the founder of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology. There are huge implications - in terms of private edu-

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one definition. The second meaning is that it is a very young university that will eventually grow up to be a full-fledged university. Of Limkokwing University College, the founder is confident that it will do more research work as it develops and grows. And grow it definitely will, with a move to its new premises in Cyberjaya some time later this year. The university college currently has a population of 4,000 students, of whom 1,000 are from overseas. It is located in Taman Mayang, Petaling Jaya.

ness world and culling precious real-world experience, which is an integral part of the maverick's design for creative education. In this, he surely has succeeded and is set to continue on the winning path because, at it stands now - for quite a few years now, before his institute became a university - graduates from Limkokwing Institute have always been held in high regard by employees in the country.

Regional hub
At Cyberjaya, LUCT will play an integrated part in the Malaysia Design Technology Centre, an initiative designed to make the place a regional creative hub to allow business and professionals from the creative sector to mingle and symbiotically nurture each other. In this, Lim is determined that LUCT students will gain priceless exposure and leg-up advantage over others because they will be interacting with the real busiStudents gain industry insights through real-world projects.

October 5, 2003

Excellence in private education

Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology (LUCT) has been presented an Award for Excellence in Private Education by the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei). LUCT president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing received the award at Malam Napei recently from Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn. In his speech, Fong urged private education institutions to pay particular attention to quality, saying: In this light, I welcome the Napei Award for Excellence in Private Education because it reinforces the element of quality in private education. He added that creativity and innovation are key to enhancing competition. The programmes a college offers must be relevant to the manpower needs of the country. Education plays an important role in sustaining the global competitiveness of a country. Napei president Dr Mohd Thalha Alithamby, who read the citation, said LUCT had helped the education sector rethink its priorities.

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ties but it does not use them to make innovative, worldclass products. From there, we need to train the younger generation by offering them the latest multimedia technology to ensure that they create or design not only locally manufactured goods, but also quality products that will be accepted by world markets. We should also think about the proper ways to market locally-made products so that they can be sold and branded on a global scale. For example, small countries in Europe and Japan are successful in producing furniture, mobile phones, textiles, packaged food and other popular items. Malaysia can also make inroads into overseas markets with its own merchandise. Through MDTC, he said, students with potential can use creativity to give a new look to a wide range of Malaysian products. They can work on design, packaging, promotion and marketing to target the global marketplace.

He said that Limkokwing has worked towards this direction since 1997 through cooperation with industry and branding efforts. The purpose of the establishment of MDTC is to raise the level of competition through the use of the latest technology and creativity. Our 4,000 students are groomed to lend support to industry and raise the productivity level of our country, he said. About the abilities of Bumiputera students on Limkokwing campus, Lim said they are highly creative and have shown promising potential. Nearly 70% of its graduates are involved in sectors like film and television, design, publishing and public relations. Apart from learning to apply their creativity in practical and beneficial ways, these students are taking part in large-scale, off-campus events, undertaking industry assignments, interacting with international students and winning awards in competitions.

February 22, 2004

University college develops hi-tech hub

In February 2004, another epoch-making event was etched on the minds of Limkokwing students, staff and management. It was the shift of the campus to the heart of the Multimedia Super Corridor in Cyberjaya. Eight months later - on 11 October - Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officially opened of the hi-tech, international campus. The colourful occasion coincided with the launch of Malaysia Design & Innovation Centre (formerly known as Malaysia Design Technology Centre) and the Limkokwing Library. At the historic event, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing played host to a large gathering of guests, but it was his students who were in the spotlight. The opening of its new campus in Cyberjaya marks the beginning of a new phase for Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology (LUCT) which will combine both technological advances with international exchange. The university college is a part of the Malaysia Design Technology Centre (MDTC), a RM100 mil project which has been set up to enhance the region's competitiveness on a global platform.

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March 17, 2004

New campus boosts Limkokwing's international standing

An environment designed to produce top-notch graduates who can think creatively and contribute towards innovation. A campus of choice that young people would want to be part of because of the quality it is known for. These and more are what Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology represents. Where else to excel in design if not here? said Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, the man behind the brand name. Limkokwing students are always winning because of their training. Academic studies is only a small part of it. The atmosphere here, the styling is such it inspires students to grow, he said, adding that once the new centre is fully operational, Limkokwing will be the most unique in the world and people will come here (to Malaysia) not because it is cheaper but we offer the best. Of the international atmosphere on campus (some 50 countries are represented in the student population of 4,000), he said: Students get to become confident and learn to deal with various cultures. Young Malaysians would get to know many friends from around the world. It's a good thing for later, when they start working, they can network with their friends in other countries. He said the university college, which is part of Malaysia Design Technology Centre, made an ideal platform for students to develop themselves because of its concept and facilities. Students get to work with industry while they study, he said, adding that the university college was the first of its kind because it integrated industry within its system. When the Design and Innovation Centre adjacent to the university college is completed, students can work side by side with industry. Our uniqueness lies in the fact that we integrate university education with industry, with professional practices, with business development, with enterprising development, with incubation of new business. It's the only place where students get to work while studying. Companies will get to work with them at the design centre. Indeed, being in the heart of Cyberjaya will enhance the university college's capability of producing a new generation of k-workers equipped with the right international qualifications plus creative skills. The new address promises a dynamic environment never before seen in the country, one that will see a more cohesive interaction between government, industry and academia. It is to be a professional environment - one that will see a mixed culture of learning and working because of the many activities - that will be constantly generated. Students will learn effectively in a creative-driven environment where there is a fairly large spectrum of knowledge and a large spectrum of solutions. They will learn creativity, problem-solving and new ideas, said Lim.

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May 19, 2004

Campus designed to bring out the best in students

True to its pioneering spirit, Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology continues to break new ground. Having moved to Cyberjaya - the country's heart of innovation, no less - the university college is in the midst of fine-tuning its operations with the creative hub, Malaysia Design Technology Centre (MDTC), even as it continues playing training ground to some 4,000 students from some 52 countries. The new address has enhanced Limkokwing's strengths. The hi-tech facilities at MDTC - a government and private sector initiative of which the university college is research and education partner to - complement its efforts to bring creative education to even higher levels. In fact, MDTC and Limkokwing come together to make a most unique set-up that allows the latter to lay claim to being the first to integrate industry within its system. the centre's role to promote, activate and incubate creative ideas among professional and student designers. Showcasing the best of Malaysian brands, MDTC focuses on upgrading the skills of Malaysians. Industry professionals such as researchers and multimedia experts make use of the centre to develop a platform for R&D in South-east Asia. MDTC established contact with the global design fraternity and the business community to work out collaborations. All these of courses spell more opportunities for Limkokwing students.

New programmes
Little wonder Lim calls the university college an environment where students can expect to grow to become leaders. We train students to break the norm, he said. Not only do they become good workers; they lead the way as soon as they enter the workforce. Lim said Limkokwing focuses on producing all-round, versatile and industry-ready workers who are able to use their creative ability to innovate. Malaysian students, he said, are creative. They are multicultural and have lots of ideas; they just need the opportunity to develop. For instance, the Malays are good in performing arts but what's lacking is training. Limkokwing will be able to help them. We intend to introduce new programmes that combine, say, multimedia with music, so you could be a film producer or a music director. At the end of the day, you are versatile.

Creative ideas
Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, president of both MDTC and the university college, said: Our uniqueness lies in the fact that we integrate university education to industry, to professional practices, to business development, to enterprising development and incubation of new business. It's a learning environment second to none. Students learn actively and efficiently in a creative-driven environment where there is a fairly large spectrum of knowledge and a large spectrum of solutions. They learn creativity, problem-solving and new ideas. As a component of MDTC, Limkokwing benefits from

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September 30, 2004

Top brands featured in Best of Malaysia Showcase

Top Malaysian brands are highlighted at the Best of Malaysia Showcase 2004 currently held at Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology. The sixmonth long exhibition at the Branding Gallery welcomed visitors for the first time the day Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officially opened the university college. The Prime Minister toured the exhibition during his visit, expressing how impressed he was with the various features of the centre. The exhibition is organised by Malaysia Design Innovation Centre, the professional arm of Limkokwing, with the objective of promoting Malaysian brands and services. Twenty-nine brands are on display at the exhibition, including some recipients of the National Creativity & Innovation Award 2005, also an event organised by MDI. Sixteen recipients accepted the award from Dato' Seri Abdullah at the official opening. Some winners of the National Creativity & Innovation Award 2004 are also represented at the showcase. They were among 37 brands awarded at the inaugural event officiated by Minister of International Trade & Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz in February. Hing Tai, White Horse Ceramic, Pensonic, MK Land, Eita Elevator, MEC, Khind, Modenas, I Utama, Seed, Vincci, Padini Authentics, Telekom, Celcom, and TM Net. Visitors can also drop by the Proton Showroom on the ground floor of the Wings Plaza. These brands are recognised by MDI as having helped build a good image for the country because of their pioneering spirit and innovative ways. The showcase allows visitors to see the country's best in creativity and innovation and encourages SMEs to follow in the footsteps of the winning brands. The combination of Limkokwing and MDI makes up Cyberjaya's newest landmark and is set to change the design landscape and enhance the region's competitiveness in the global market. It is the vision of Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing (president of Limkokwing and MDI) to fuse academic excellence with industry innovation - through the concept of industry within university, so students could work with major companies on campus while they study.

More competitive
MDI is where some major Malaysian brands are represented, and these companies, along with other incubation units set up by the university, are where students learn to create and manage pro-ducts and services. The Best of Malaysia Showcase is but another effort by the centre to encourage Malaysian companies to focus on branding and to be creative and innovative. The Best of Malaysia Showcase is yet another brainchild

Industry within university

The brands participating in the showcase are Bonia, Royal Selangor, JF Beauty, Lewre, Ozone Glass, Bristol, KLIA, Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association, Vitagen, Langkawii Crystaal, GDM, Mamee, AmBank,

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of Tan Sri Lim who believes concerted efforts driven by creativity and innovative thinking must continue if Malaysia is to make its presence felt in the competitive global environment. He says, We must change the way we think. We must be global and be prepared to be competitive. It helps that we are a young economy and it's easy to shape the country to become an innovative one.

Calling creativity an agent of change, Tan Sri Lim says, Malaysians are naturally gifted with creative abilities and inclinations. What is needed is for us to put in place the right teaching and learning culture that will bring out the best in our young. He says a successful brand testifies to the company's dedication and commitment to quality and excellence.

October 12, 2004

New campus aims to promote innovation in the country

The official opening of the Limkokwing campus by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Oct 11, marked the beginning of a new era for the university college. Along with its professional arm, the Malaysia Design Innovation Centre, Limkokwing is today better positioned to help propel the country in terms of creativity and innovation. Dato' Seri Abdullah expressed his confidence in Limkokwing, saying, I'd like to congratulate Limkokwing on the successful establishment of its new campus. I am sure your university will be a centre of excellence, not only among the best in Malaysia but also in the region, and hopefully the best in the world. I am confident that both the university college and the Innovation Centre will play a leading role in developing skilled human resource in the creative fields for the benefit of Malaysia and the wider world. It is my sincere hope that Limkokwing, along with the Innovation Centre, will work closely with the government to realise our common objectives of developing a dynamic and talented pool of graduates to strengthen our human capital, and of promoting Malaysia as a premier destination for quality education in the world. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, president of Limkokwing and MDI, described the campus as a place where creativity is obvious and celebrated, where creativity is vigorously applied, demonstrated, learned and practised every second, every minute, every hour of the day. What you see and what you hear have been designed to stimulate and motivate. Tan Sri Lim also explained how the campus has created real enterprise. Our students will learn as they observe, and as they practise to learn. We engage students in pursuits that will create new concepts and new perspectives that industry is looking for - to innovate its products, redesign its packaging, rebuild its image, or to introduce new concepts that will improve efficiency in agro-based industries. On MDI, Tan Sri Lim said the centre serves as an essential bridge that links design to manufacturing, academia to business, innovators to industry leaders and R&D to industry. Through the Innovation Centre, a number of domestic and international bridges have now been built.

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These include the Malaysia-Italy Design Council, the ASEAN Multimedia Institute, the National Creativity & Innovation Institute, the Malaysian Content Creation Council and the Designers & Animators Guild. Tan Sri Lim said Limkokwing students benefit from a multicultural, multinational campus that is inspiring

and mind expanding. Through interaction, students become more culturally sensitive, more caring, more tolerant and more aware of global issues. Tan Sri Lim ended his address by reassuring the Prime Minister that we will be relentless in our effort to build a campus you can be proud of.

October 17, 2004

Uniquely designed campus shows style and substance

Thunderous applause and the loud beating of kompang greeted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as he stepped onto the uniquely designed campus of the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya on Monday. Visible from a distance, its colourful and eye-catching facade sets it apart from other institutions as a giant digitally-composed skin bearing the features that reflect various creative industries covers the length and breadth of the campus buildings. The voluminous Wings Plaza located at the centre of the campus was the pulse of the exciting goings-on, including the free flow of brewed coffee for guests from its very own Wings Coffee. VIPs, dignitaries, guests and students filled the plaza to watch a silat demonstration and listen to the choir which comprised some of Limkokwing's Malaysian and foreign students dressed in their respective colourful national costumes. The songs and pantun (poem) were composed by the students. The Prime Minister, after shaking hands with the crowds of enthusiastic undergraduates, was taken on a tour of the Limkokwing Library and the Best of Malaysia exhibition. Said Abdullah off-the-cuff when delivering his speech later: One of the things that make me happy is the sight of so many children of different colours, heights and shapes screaming, clapping and cheering. What a happy lot they are. To me, it is an indication that they are happy here, he said. I was also taken on a tour of this wonderland and saw products of creative talents and energy by your young people and staff. Abdullah said the university college president, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, had brought him to his office where he had tried coffee - but one with a difference. You would never guess what it was. Durian coffee! The durian provided the sweetness and cream. But it was also a little bitter so perhaps he added some tongkat ali but I can only tell you what happens later on, he said, drawing laughter from the audience. Abdullah said Lim has been a friend for years. He made reference to Lim's speech earlier where the latter described how he first met the Prime Minister 30 years ago when they worked together with the Malaysian Vocational Guidance Association, which provided training to empower young people to gain a better start in life.

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It's true that he had known me for 30 years as we were involved in the association. We wanted to help them but we were small people and there was not much we could do. But our interest has remained to this day. Kok Wing, I am happy that you have found creative talent but the most important is that you have founded Limkokwing University College, he said. Abdullah said he was sure the university college would be a centre of excellence, not only among the best in Malaysia, but also in the region, and hopefully in the world. During the opening ceremony which featured creative multimedia presentations, he also awarded 16 companies with the National Creativity and Innovation Award 2005. Organised by Malaysia Design Innovation Centre (MDI), the award is to encourage manufacturers and service providers to be creative and innovative to compete globally.

He said Limkokwing is a place for creative exploration, conceptual research and productive development where new designs and ideas are generated and new concepts incubated. We have created real enterprise. The process of product and brand development of these incubations is left in the hands of our students. They will become entrepreneurs without even realizing it themselves, he said. True to the Limkokwing philosophy of exposing its students to real work environments are business units within the campus such as Wings Coffee (caf), Centrefold (fashion label), One World Club (recreation club), Fitofly (gym), Making Headlines (hair design studio) and Hair Design Academy.

Real enterprise
Students at Limkokwing engage in pursuits that will create new concepts and perspectives that industry is looking for, to innovate its products, redesign its packaging, rebuild its image or to introduce new concepts that will improve efficiency in agro-based industries, he added. Lim said the innovation centre was established as the professional arm of the university college and serves as the essential bridge that links design to manufacturing, academia to business, innovators to industry and research and development to industry. Students get to incubate ideas into commercially viable content that companies are likely to invest in. The innovative centres where this takes place cover the areas of performance art, design, branding, communications, exhibition, enterprise and business innovation. There are 4,000 students at the Limkokwing campus, with 40% of them from 60 countries around the world. Students arrive as Arabs, Asians, Africans or Europeans but they graduate and leave as global citizens with a wide network of friends, he said.

Seal of excellence
Companies given the award also receive a seal of excellence which is an endorsement of quality and innovation. In welcoming the Prime Minister and many guests, including ministers, deputy ministers, heads of private institutions, ambassadors and high commissioners, and heads of companies to the opening of the university college, Lim said in his speech that it was a historic moment for his institution. The journey to this campus started 14 years ago when I started to put plans on paper to develop a blueprint for an unconventional college that never existed before in this country. Two years later in 1992, our pioneer batch of 200 students came on board. That gave life to the plans and momentum to the drive that has brought us here today, he said, adding that Limkokwing was granted university college status early last year. Lim also thanked former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his unwavering support.

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December 19, 2004

Duo capture batik grand prize

An artist and a movie costume designer bagged the grand prize of the Piala Seri Endon 2004 batik design competition here yesterday. Mohd Nizammudin Ambia and Mansor Harun of Kumpulan Nizam LUCT 'N' Sutex beat 11 others at the finals to clinch the RM30,000 grand prize in the competition's fashion category with their batik-infused interpretations of the Nyonya Kebaya and Baju Melayu. Each group of finalists had one or more members. The contestants created three outfits each for judging. Mansor, who designed the costumes for Malaysian director U-Wei Shaari's latest film, Buai Laju-Laju, said: "I wanted to make the kebaya look more grand so I added three layers of silk organza but I maintained the fall of the classic kebaya." "The other kebaya was inspired by the Indonesian wiron (sarong) while the Baju Melayu was inspired by baju kurung Johor," said Mansor, whose partner Mohd Nizammudin is a lecturer and resident artist at the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology. The second and third prize winners in the same category, Shu Pei Loong and Suhairi Marlina Shamsudin, won RM10,000 and RM5,000 respectively. Ridzwan Bohari and Mohd Rizal Jasman of Kumpulan Last Minute came out tops in the new Soft Furnishing category, which also came with a RM30,000 prize. The second and third prize winners were Kumpulan Life, comprising Tan Been Ting, Teo Jen Hui and Toh Hui Sim; and the Noor Atikah and Amir Luqman team. Guests at the event included Guest-of-Honour Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, the Prime Minister's wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ng Yen Yen and Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan. The guests were treated to a fashion show featuring the designs of last year's competition fashion category winners Masrina Abdullah, Mohd Nazari Maarus and Mohd Azizi Hassan and top Malaysian fashion designers Bernard Chandran, Iszal Ismail, Donna Chew, design houses Barakaff Designs Sdn Bhd and Jendela Batik. Contestants from the Fashion category were whittled down from 36 to 12 last Sunday while all 13 Soft Furnishing entries were passed through to yesterday's finals. The competition was a part of the Malaysia Batik Week 2004, which was initiated last year by Datin Paduka Seri Endon in an effort to revive the Malaysian batik industry and promote it abroad. Piala Seri Endon 2004 was organised by the Batik Guild, Yayasan Budi Penyayang and sponsored by The Star, Royal Selangor and Berjaya Times Square.

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Captivating costumes created by Mohd. Nizammuddin from Limkokwing and his teammate, Mansor Harun, at the Piala Seri Endon 2004 Batik Design Competition in Kuala Lumpur.

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March 1, 2005

Thumbs up for Limkokwing

The Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology (Limkokwing) has received another ''thumbs up'' from an important member of government. At its graduation ceremony held for the first time at its Cyberjaya campus, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Fu Ah Kiow commended Limkokwing for its contributions to the education industry, pointing out that the many first of the university college are the very firsts for the country as well''the most recent being the introduction of what is termed industry within university. ''It has always been a university college driven by creativity and high technology and its new campus in the heart of multimedia super corridor has only served to enhance these strengths. We need more institutions of higher learning of this mould to help us advance our national innovation agenda'' he said. The ceremony saw close to 400 students receiving their scrolls, with 102 honors given at Limkokwing. Among the outstanding graduates this year is Nor Hazlin Norsalam, 23, a Communications, Multimedia & broadcasting student, who received the Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Awang Had Sallah Award. Eleanor Simone Dankar, 23, a mass communication graduate and winner of the President Scholars' award and industry award foe excellent in public relations said ''my lecturer did not just teach theory, but also made sure we were exposed to industry '' The university, and Malaysia Design Innovation center (MDI) which is the university college's professional arm, work hand in hand to expose students to industry by incorporating business units on campus.

March 12, 2005

Nestle keen to work with Limkokwing

Nestle Malaysia plans to collaborate with Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology in research and development of packaging. According to Nestle's packaging technology manager Lim Seng Huat, the biggest food company in the world is intensifying its activities in packaging design globally, and seeks to establish contacts and long-term relationship with design networks. Both sides recently met to discuss collaboration on a number of areas especially design, industrial design, packaging design and innovation methodology. Nestle's vice-president of packaging Helmut Traitler and Gordon Lane, head of global package innovation, visited the Limkokwing campus, met with the university college's president, Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing, and his senior executive team.

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Traitler said Malaysia is an important market for Nestle and it is keen to establish links with Limkokwing as the latter is known in such fields as consumer marketing and branding.

choice - and we estimate that up to 70 per cent of the choices are made at point of sale," he said in a statement. Lim said there are many opportunities for the two organisations to collaborate, the university college's position as a leader in the promotion of creativity and innovation making it an ideal choice for industry players seeking to work with educational institutions to develop research and development. Through Malaysia Design Innovation Centre, the university college's professional arm, collaborations with industry will be established that allow students to connect with innovative thinkers and designers. These ties also boost industry as the students represent a future resource pool.

Many opportunities
Packaging, according to Traitler, has always been important to Nestle and it will be even more important in the future "because we recognise that while differentiation through product quality is our main driver, the presentation on the shelf and the design of the package will have an increasingly important contribution to the consumer's choice". "The packaging is the final decision-maker because it is the last communicator to the consumers before their

April 3, 2005

Animated winners
What makes students winners?
According to Limkokwing University College of Creativity Technology (Limkokwing) multimedia school's advanced diploma programme leader Micheal Choong, it is their ability to wear many hats. Choong was speaking at the animation student Animation Awards ceremony which saw four Limkokwing students - Quaik Choon Seng, Gan Sze Ching, Lim Kin Kwan and Dennis Wong-grabbing top honours. The students' success was announced by Teesside University's International officer Heidi Cummins when she visited the, Limkokwing campus recently. Teesside is the organizer of the awards which from part of the Animex International Festival of Animation that serves a platform for industry and academia to share knowledge and skills as well as promote the art of animation. Cummins also presented the awards to the students. Obviously, to win, you must be able to work independently. However, you also have to be able to work in a team because later on, when you join the workforce, you need to work in teams, said Choong. I believe that training students to wear many hats works to their advantage as it makes them versatile and adaptable, he added. Quaik bagged the first prize in the animation stills category with his entry A sleep in the wild while Gan and Lim emerged runners up for Abandoned house and Dragon Slayer respectively.

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Wong winning entry in the games award category entitled Apocalypic- was actually his second Animex victory as he had won in the same category for his project land of promise last year. The students' victory reflect that the university is on the right track, Choong said. It is testimony to the quality of the training the students undergo, he added. A jubilant Quaik, who had spent six months on his prize-winning project, said: My work was inspired by a documentary on yaks. My project focused on a little yak going through a journey of self-discovery, he explained. the message is simple- the best thing a parent can give their child is to allow him or her to discover life on his or her own, he said. Quaik thanked his parents and Choong for their support and encouragement.

Gan, whose project focused on filial piety, also attributed his victory to the support of friends and lecturers. They made sure I stayed focused, he said. My project Abandoned house was essentially about building relationships. It related the story of a grandfather who practiced strict discipline with a boy, all in the name of love, he added. Lim's Dragon slayer recounted the tale of a warrior's quest to save a princess from a dragon. Also the winner of the Limkokwing President's Gold Award and Young Achievers' award 2004, Lim cited the cosmopolitan environment at Limkokwing as a contributory factor to his success. I made friends with different countries. The environment here is very stimulating. There's always a healthy exchange of ideas and that boosts creativity, he said.

April 17, 2005

Aid for Bumi students

Yet another VIP visitor to Limkokwing University College of Creativity Technology (Limkokwing) has voiced faith in the university college's ability to help put the country on the international map. UMNO Youth Education Bureau chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismai believes that Limkokwing would be able to help promote creativity and innovation among Malaysians. We celebrate and appreciate excellence, said Ahmad. We also promote creativity and innovation, and this is something we can do together. We need to bring ideas down to the ground. You (Limkokwing) can help us translate this into action, he added. Ahmad also highlighted the need to preserve a Malaysian identity. What you have here is good, said the omno Youth Leader. But whatever challenges you face, whichever way you expand especially with overseas universities, you must be original and have a Malaysian identity. You must not lost that and you must pass that down to your students. He visited the campus to meet with 40 Bumiputra students sponsored by Umno Youth, Ahmad also called on the university college president Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing. The two discussed the progress of Bumiputra students

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on campus who make up some 25% of the student population of 4,000 from 60 countries. Lim said the university collage hoped to attract more Bumiputra students in future so as to creat a generation of young people ready to take on the word. Our intention is not produce more Bumiputra knowledge workers and content creators. We need such skilled manpower before we can even think about advancing in the competitive global environment, said Lim. The Malays are good in creative industries but lack training. Limkokwing can help them, he added. The University College had contributed RM1.4mil to the UMNO Youth Fund to assist Bumiputra students. Azma Aida Azman and Nur Baidura Muhammad were among the beneficiaries of the programme. The financial support from UMNO is of great help. And yes, I am blending in well on campus. I've developed a sense of belonging in I enjoy being here, said

multimedia student Azma. I am grateful to have been chosen to benefit from the fund, she added. Mass communications student Nur Baidura said: Getting financial assistance has made things easier for me. I like Limkokwing because of the international atmosphere. It's interesting to meet young people from all over the world and to exchange view with them. Here we learn new things everyday. Lim said the university college ahas plan to host more students from Muslim countries. Muslim students from overseas feel safe in Malaysia. We have become a world education center and we should thank the government for that, he said. Education tourism generates income because when students and their parents come, they spend a lot of money, he added.

April 30, 2005

MDC, Limkokwing varsity unit to turn Cyberjaya into creative hub

The Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) and Malaysia Design Innovation Center (MDI), the professional arm of Limkokving University College of Creative Technology, will collaborate to turn Cyberjaya, into a creative hub in an effort to strengthen the country's competitiveness. The two establishments will focus on developing two key areas, namely content capacity and content creation, Limkokwing president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing said. It's a necessary step in the light of intense competition from our neighboring countries, He said in statement released in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Cyberjaya has what it takes to be a leading creative hub. The infrastructure and facilities are all there, we only need to focus on content creation and capacity building, he added. MDC chairman Tan Sri Halim Ali had led a delegation of senior executive to meet Lim recently to discuss the

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collaboration. The latter briefed the team on the development taking place at the university college, specifically the establishment of Malaysia Design Innovation Center, the professional arm of Limkokwing that has introduced the concept of industry within the university. Halim said the Limkokwing campus has created a lot of excitement in Cyberjaya since its arrival. MDI, along with the university college, was officially opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last October. The MDC delegation was taken on a tour of the center that includes various incubators and design gallery featuring students' projects in various areas of design. Halim acknowledged that the MDI is truly a productive hub for content development in areas such as multimedia, information and design. Lim said Limkokwing itself is a huge reservoir of crea-

tive talent and if we work together, the two sides will complement each other well. We are already in the business of content creation, and are, in fact, recognized as a front runner in content creation. We have done work for the various ministries and we are involved in national events such as Bio Malaysia 2005 and Asean Summit 2005. Many other activities have been lined up at MDI, including the National Branding and Packaging Innovation Expedition & Conference to be held in October. Lim said there are many opportunities for the two organizations to collaborate as the university college's position as a leader in the promotion of creativity and innovation makes it an ideal choice for government and industry players seeking to work with educational institutions to develop research and development.

April 15, 2005

Varsity with a difference

Wings plaza was designed as an al fresco caf open not only to students but to anyone interested in the campus - Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing Whole new student culture is being cultivated at Wings Plaza at the Malaysia Design & Innovation Center of the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya. Here, as if being a student is not cool enough, the gets hands-on experience from business units which simulate work environment. Student is encouraged to work at the in-house clothing store Centerfold, where the Limkokwing label is carried. Lead designer and former student Daniel Chong is credited with the sassy, smart casual clothes. Coffee culture invades Wings Plaza, too, in the form of Wings Coffee, a home-brewed brand with the signature Durian Smoothie and Ice Blended Mocha drinks. A better understanding of food and beverage operations is offered through Makanlah,Equipped with stalls serving Malay, Chinese, Indian and western food. Limkokwing and MDI president Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing mooted the industry within university concept because he believes education should be enjoyable. We view Centerfold, Wings Coffee, Makanlah and

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Headlines as incubation units to prepare our students for the word outside. Wings Plaza was designed as an al fresco caf, open not only to student but to anyone interested in experience what the campus has to offer, he said. It is also a place for students to learn the importance of networking and meeting people of other disciplines. There are more than 4,000 students on the campus, setting it apart from the other buildings in Cyberjaya as a unique but hard-to-miss landmark. However, Wings Plaza is sleek, chic and bright with lots of light flooding the area. As a popular student hangout, it offers a vibrant, multy-cultural and multinational setting. Limkokwing lifestyle gym, Fitofly, is where the young get to channel their energy positively.

Run by students, it offers studio-based classes like aerobics, kickboxing, dance and martial arts. For those with a sense of style, Making Headlines is the place for darling hairstyles Or a basic wash and cut. Studio manager Jerry Ong who is a professional hairstylist sees to it that his customers set the trend. The salon and adjoining Hair Design Academy is a collaborative effort between Limkokwing and wella International. Student may sign up for a diploma programme in hair design at the academy. Another popular tenant at Wings Plaza is one world club, a recreational club for students, which offers pool tables and a cyber caf. The walls here are decorated with recycle junk for character.

Wings Coffee, Limkokwing Universitys homegrown caf.

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May 26, 2005

Some love it,others learn to live with it

The Plaza at the Limkokwing University College of Creativity and Technology in Cyberjaya is a favourite haunt of students for several reasons. A salient one is a chance to meet foreign students who make up 45% of the student enrolment at the campus. To boost interaction, the foreign students are encouraged to form or join clubs and associations where activities are organised to promote their country and culture. For his ability to lead, final-year Business student Wang Ji wears two hats, as president of china students Sorority Club and as student ambassador, one of only 30 appointed by the university. The 23-year-old who comes from a small town near Beijing, China said a common problem faced by students who had arrived from china were language and culture barriers. Most, he added, tended to stick together during their entire duration on campus. There are about 300 students from China on campus and they are coaxed to join the club to socialise, said Wang Ji. We also organise events like Chinese open house, Moon cake Festival and Chinese Movie Week to import the Chinese culture to other students. He added. Living in a Muslim country is proving an enjoyable experience for Tala Ali, 21 from Iraq. The Interior design student has been living in Malaysia for 13 years and appreciates that women enjoy liberty more compared with her homeland. Back in Iraq, our movements are restricted and many lows were imposed on women, she said. Biased the freedom in malaysia, I also like the food and have picked up enough Bahasa Malaysia to get by, said tala who lives with her family in Jalan Kelang Lama. Foreign exchange student Rick Morerck, 25, from Denmark nodded in agreement. Moerck, who said the food in Malaysia was good and cheap, added that he went on a tour of Malaysian food at the makanlah food court on campus when he arrived early in the year. He view teh tarik stalls as hot and humid versions of Parisian cafs. Dressed in a striped T-shirt and drawstring khakis Moerck stood apart from therest of the students at the Plaza who were clad in black, a corporate colour that is encouraged. French teenager Guillaume Rodriguez was clad in a similar casual style. In contrast, Italian Business student Alberto Copler, 20, cut a suave figure with his long-sleeved black shirt and brown slacks even thought he feels that the weather in Malaysia is hot and humid. The only Italian on campus hails from Milan and chose to study in Malaysia because his sister worked in the country. He confessed to liking Malaysia when he came for holydays in the country. Still missing the warmth of home and the genial atmosphere of Botswana was mass communication and broadcasting student Lebogang Diswai, 20. She feels people in Malaysia are not as outspoken as those back home. However, Limkokwing has about 200 students from Botswana, and most of them belong to the Botswana Letsema society, she said. We meet and mingle often, so we don't miss home so much, said Lebogang who is studying at the campus on a scholarship. Malaysian food is spicy, so I eat more salads and sandwiches. While the heat in Malaysia is bearable, the humidity is

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May 1, 2005

Riding the biotech wave to target world market

Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology and the University of East London (UEL) are collaborating to actively develop joint educational and business initiatives in biotech and the health sciences. Limkokwing president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and UEL vice-chancellor Prof Michael Thorne recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cementing the deal. The areas of cooperation include establishing arrangements for students who have completed the Limkokwing-UEL programmes to transfer to UEL to pursue degree studies, and setting up more staff development initiatives through collaborations and visits. Lim believes that Malaysia has a bright future in biotech, given its thriving agriculture industry. The country also has the advantage of a sophisticated ICT platform to operate from. "Biotech programmes are natural expansion for our university college," said Lim. "I see the biosciences and health sciences as extensions of our creativity platform. Both the fields are creative sciences, if you like, and that is our strength here. We are able to create and commercialise what we create, better than many other universities. also spoke optimistically about the link-up, saying the two institutions shared the same vision. "Limkokwing and UEL share the same vision and we inspire each other," he said. "Like Limkokwing, UEL does not emphasise research. We are very practical about what we do," he added, lauding Limkowing's "industry within university" approach, which fuses academic excellence with industry innovation. UEL's bioscience programmes include biochemistry, forensic science, biomedical science and applied biology while its health science courses, which aim to provide students with a broad understanding of health issues within a wide social context, cover complementary medicine, marketing, competition and health planning. Prof Thorne readily acknowledge the importance of creativity saying that creativity, was essential in business and entrepreneurship. "UEL is dedicated to promoting and developing the creative industries. That is why this cooperation is going to benefit us - it will enable us to work together," he said. Limkokwing's 4,000 students from 60 countries stand to benefit from the resources open to them at UEL now that the Limkokwing-UEL link is in place.

Health issues
"The partnership with UEL opens a door for us to the European world and market," he added. Prof Thorne

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May 15, 2005

Impressing with fair and fancy Limkokwing Street Couture

As a full-fledged label, Limkokwing took the opportunity to showcase some 30 pieces from its very own inhouse clothing store, centerfold. The all-black collection boasts heavy accessories, dramatic hair and make up and a host of funky and trendy designs, which despite being predominantly black, had bright splashes of colour thrown in. Created by award-winning ex Limkokwing student Daniel Chong, who is now lead designer at Centerfold, the keywords to the collection, are attitude, style and substance. Chong says that most of the pieces are centred on glamorising the black t-shirt. There were of course, other tops in the show such as the halter neck, tube, spaghetti-strap, but Daniel brought it a step further with his inside out concept and accessories which look like body piercing. The make-up is geisha-like and accessories like the head gear, shoes and jewellery. Evoke an Asian urban feel, he elaborates, adding that the showcase was wholly designed and created by the students and staff of Limkokwing. As in previous Collage Fashion shows, Limkokwing made use of its students as the models in the collection, Limkokwing also stood out as it was the only one to boast an extensive men's wear collection in black and white. show. Their theme highlighted earthy tones enhanced by various techniques, including tie and dye, patchwork, embroidery and hand stitching with each designer flaunting a three-piece collection-casual, avant-grade and evening wear. Yap Swee Yee's mermaid cut, forest themed wedding gown in deep red caused quite a stir as the 22-year-old made use of over 100 traditional Chinese fans to make the bulk of the skirt while the top was done in red leather. Using a cutter, Swee Yee painstakingly etched out every pattern on the leather, admitting that she practiced on PCV first and that it look one whole month just to finish the top. The finished product was well worth the hard work as the model gracefully worked the runway while holding a red fan demurely in front of her. The Institute's head of textile and fashion Design Lai Hoo Chu believes that the college Fashion Shows work wonders in building students' confidence and providing valuable experience in organising a fashion show. The exposure they get in such a professional setting is something impossible to achieve in the classroom, she adds.

Daytripper
Inspired by the sprit of travel and globalisation, Raffles Design Institute's daytripper echoes diverse culture and mythical influences. From Africa to Elizabethan culture to the imaginary world of mermaids and butterflies, it was well worth

Memories Countdown
With six designer and only 19 pieces, MIA nonetheless held their ground and went on to stage an impressive

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the wait as Raffles Design closed the two-day event with professional look and feel that left many disbelieving that the creations were the works of students. Professional catwalk model Jacqui Sibert says It's a joy to work with student designers as they take more time to ensure that the perfect is archived. There are lots more accessories and they really pay attention to the nitty-gritty details of the outfit, says Sibert who modeled for Priscilla Ting's the passion of Frida Kahlo. The neat lines and polished finish to Josephine Chang's Jambo African tribes. The intricate beadwork, brightly coloured strips and geometric forms of African clothing

are worked into the garments reflecting their close relationship with nature. Josephine also used diamond patchwork, netter fringes and beaded skirts combined with predominantly brow palette, accented with red orange hues, capture the tribal like of the African steppe. Mozart's genius and madness is captured and brought back to life in Alexandraea Yeo's Mozart: The Madness Within creations. My collection reflects both sides of Mozart- the formal genius and the rebellious enfant terrible,reveals Alexamdrea, whose collection was an example of how students took on old themes to represent different meaning.

May 29, 2005

Add green elements, designer urged

The business units at the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology campus have been given the thumbs-up. Parliamentary secretary to Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Datuk Sazmi Miah visited the campus recently and said the business units set up under the university college's industrywithin-university concept had successfully exposed students to industry. What you have here is good. You have allowed outsiders (industry) to come in and tell students what they want. That is creative thinking, said Sazmi. Sazmi acknowledge the importance of having students from different cultures study under one roof as that enable them to share idea. Design may be universal but when the learning environment has people from divers cultural backgrounds, the scope for creative thinking is enhanced. It's always good to learn from others, he added. An architect by qualification, Sazmi also said that he was impressed by the unique campus design element, especially the creative use of space and natural sources. The black colour of the building shows neutrality, said Sazmi. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a creative thinker who knows what he wants to achieve and sets out to achieve it. He added that the university college should encourage students to inject elements of environmental consciousness in design, in particular, elements of the 3Rs reduce, reuse and recycle. The students can definitely be more environmentfriendly in their approach when doing projects. They should incorporate these elements into their designs, he said.

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August 27, 2005

Big brands team up to offer diploma

The letter Lbrings to mind two big brands in the innovative industry LOreal Limkokwing university college of creative technology. When teamed up they produce another important Llifestyle designers. The two organizations sealed a partnership on Tuesday at the university colleges campus in cyberjaya to bring about new developments in lifestyle designing. For a start they are offering for the first of-its-kind professional diploma on total beauty. The university college is moderating while LOreal supports with its two brands LOreal and shu uemura. Famous model Amber Chia and Miss Malaysia 2004 Gloria Ting were appointed the international lifestyle Design Ambassadors, adding touches of glitz and glamour to the partnership. Lifestyle is about being beautiful, natural and most importantly, yourself. I am a follower of that, therefore I am so happy and honoured to be appointed the ambassador of this joint effort between LOreal and Limkokwing said Chia, who earlier appeared on stage in an avant garde yet elegant brown gown and elaborate hairdo, with half of her face covered with shinny sequins. I think this is a different experience for me, too. Im like a teacher, sharing my opinions and experiences with the students here, she added. Ting, on the other hand said she had learned so much from her seniors and was glad to be able to share such knowledge with the students. Its a good idea to have this interesting course. I dont think theres anything like this in the country yet and it certainly will pave the way for its development in this industry. Said Ting, clad casually in red cap and white t-shirt. It is learned that the course focuses not only on hairstyle but also relevant fields such as business and multimedia. Students should be capable enough to set up their own business upon entering the workforce. A sleek, spacious saloon has been set up at the ground floor of the campus to provide a conducive, industry-like learning environment. In celebration of the partnership, the university has also introduced the breakaway day(BAD)that falls on the 23rd of every month when students are encouraged to dress well in support to the call to place equal attention on style and substance. President of the university college Tan Sri Limkokwing said a career in the designing industry is immense, contrary to the common misconception held by many parents. Professionals in the industry often have the opportunities to work overseas and gain international recognition. He said of the 4000 students at the university college, more than half are design students. We want to impress upon LOreal that we do want to turn this place into lifestyle design hub, and hope we can kick start a new culture here. Design is more than just look good, but also building business career and being international, he said. LOreal Malaysia managing director Jean- Francois Courve said the company shared the same values with the university college namely creativity, innovation and diversity. He pointed out that it was the first time the company worked with a university college on total beauty and put together a programme structured like a university syllabus.

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September 11, 2005

L'Oreal and Limkokwing Institute of Creative University Joint training cosmetology industry talent
The world's leading beauty brand L'Oreal and local Limkokwing Institute of Creative University jointly build a new generation of international fashion designers. Limkokwing University College of Creative Chairman Tan Sri Lim said that the two units will complement each other to produce more fashion, beauty and hairdressing professionals. This is the first time in school at the University of principle to hold such courses. The courses are arranged so that students can master the skills, thereby enhancing their market value. Lim said: "In the past, the hairdressing industry only hairdresser, it is time to change, and our students is not only a professional hairdresser, who also has a multimedia technology and knowledge, be able to set up their own beauty salon And competitiveness than most people strong."

Students during the Official Collaboration ceremony between Limkokwing University with L Oreal. Also present is Amber Chia.
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September 12, 2005

Time for SMEs to initiate changes

Small and medium sized enterprise (SMEs) needs to adopt and innovate , not imitate , says founder and president of the limkokwing university college of creative technology, Tan Sri Dato Limkokwing. Through innovation, SMEs operators can make Malaysian products better abd more appealing to consumers. Such products can also be properly branded, thus commanding a higher value he says. On the other hand, when they merely copy they will remain lagging behind their competitors and the vicious circle will persist. A good example is Japan which continues to upgrade consumer products and promote leading brands successfully says Tan Sri Lim. For instance, their washing machines are in demand because Japanese manufacturers keep introducing new useful functions. Moreover, they design their machines to look attractive. buyers therefore associate these brand name products with quality. To most consumers, the very mention of the US convoys thoughts of advanced information technology. They therefore opt for US-made computers and ICT systems. Likewise, germany represents precision and reliability in the manufacture of electrical products vehicles. Similarly, people relate Italy to sophisticated lifestyle merchandise while France comes to mind whenever they look for expensive perfumes, notes Tan Sri Lim. Switzerland has made a name for itself as the producer of quality watches like swatch. It has nothing to do with size, he stresses. Finland, for instance, is small but it is also affluent. It is the manufacturer of the worlds best-selling mobile phone nokia. It is a brand every one is familier with and many of us wants to own a nokia. Malaysian SMEs are weak in brand development. They have to work and think hard to make their brands popular. Also, he continues they have to enhance their corporate image and make a good impression on their customers. Instead of relying on OEM, contracts local SMEs should concentrate on original design and own brand development. When they are able to design their own products and promote their distinctive brands, they will be in a strong position to dictate both production and price. In view of the countrys economic growth, Malaysian SMEs can ill-afford to remain complacent. They have to capitalize on opportunities and make advances. Our SMEs cannot compete with other developing countries on price. says Tan Sri Lim. In terms of production costs, Malaysia loses out to China, the hourly wage is RM1. in Vietnam, the rate is even lower 50 cents. However, Malaysian workers are paid RM 4 per hour. We can take advantage of their low production cost by setting up manufacturing bases there. Thus, we can stay competitive. Meanwhile, a major concern is the reluctance of Malaysian SMEs to create their own brands .They have to make this move as soon as possible because time is not on their side. In the next three to five years, nearly 50 percent of Malaysian small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) will lose out to their competitors and even shut down if they

Brand development
The worlds most high-tech countries are the most creative and innovative. They are also the richest .

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dont give priority to quality packaging and creative design. This warning comes from the president of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology, Tan Sri Dato Limkokwing, who expresses concern over the performance and survival of local SMEs. Our SMEs must be more competitive at a time when the pace of globalization is accelerating, says Tan Sri Lim. Reforms implementated by the world trade organisation and other Asian countries will affect their future. One way to make greater strides in sharpening the competitive edge is For SMEs to build up their brand names. This effort will also raise the value of products.

In his opinion, research and development is equally important. Through R&D, local SMEs can improve the quality of their products and services . Unfortunately, most SMEs think that R&D is wasteful he says. its good , long-term investment that will yield returns and SMEs cannot do without they have the money for R&D, but they spend it on other items. Malaysias branding and packaging development is relatively slow, he notes. The worlds packaging market in 2004 was worth RM1.5 billion. If Malaysia can secure 10 percent of the market, the revenue will be very good. Malaysia companies also overlook the importance of copyright . only three percent of the copy rights registered comes from firms whiles the rest is from foreign companies. Our SMEs are the countys power of growth says Tan Sri Lim. They can play a big role in turning Malaysia into a major packaging centre.

Research vital
Many will not survive unless they focus on brand development , he cautioned. Normally, it takes five years to develop and promote a brand.

September 25, 2005

Inspired by the useful coconut tree

The winning martini glass design in this years Bombay sapphire designers Glass competition is student He Weis tribute to the coconut tree. The 22-year-old product design student of Limkokwing university college of creative technology said he was inspired by the ubiquitous and multi-purpose coconut tree because to him, it symbolized Malaysia. He Wei who hails from Guangzhou, china , said he wished he could have portrayed the country more accurately in his design but I have only stayed in Malaysia for three years. Nevertheless, he said he was satisfied with the amount of research and effort he put into his creation, which he calls Asia Trace . The glass symbolizes the Asian heritage through the coconut frond-influenced pattern at its mid-section, he explained, after the prize-giving ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Sep 15. He Wei, who beat 37 other entries, received RM2,500 and a chance to pit his talents against winners from other countries at the regional competition to be held from Nov 1 to 6 in Tokyo. I am elated to be able to go to Japan because I like the Japanese designs and creative works. I would like to learn from them he said. If he succeeds in the regional competition, He Wei will compete in the International Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition in Milan, Italy, next year.

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The second prize went to Yeap Ai Ping, also from Limkokwing, while Tay Kian Kuan from the Malaysian institute of Art (MIA) took the third prize. The consolation prizes went to MIA student Soh Kim Soon and Chong Siau Mi from Limkokwing.

The competition, which required contestants to combine the elements of glass and pewter, was organized by Bombay Sapphire in collaboration with Royal Selangor to provide a platform for college students to express their creativity.

October 8, 2005

Staying true to the brand

Innovation and update if you want a brand to stay successful. Its about being creative and tuned in to the times, with an awareness of quality and design, says Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing to Anthea De Lima.
If you look up the word brand in a dictionary, most entries would tell you that the word is a description of a makers name or a trademark and while you may be familiar with many brand names, they are generally associated with products. Some that come quickly to mind are Coke, Levis and Nike, among others perhaps because of successful branding exercises throughout the products existence. These days, branding does not have to apply strictly to products. We know of successfully branded countries, for instance. In such cases, when the name of the country pops into our head, we think about what it is famous for. Take the case of the relatively small Scandinavian country that is Finland. Many of us carry a Nokia phone and we all know where these hi-tech mobile phones originate from. In a recent interview Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, President of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology and a well-known creative visionary in his own right, said that offered an assurance of quality and mark of trust. At the end of the day, if you have a product, a car, for instance, and it doesnt run well, it doesnt run well no matter what brand it carries, he said, adding that branding is not confined to products. Malaysia has become a popular destination for students from abroad because we have created a name for our excellent educational opportunities. Limkokwing University College of Technology, for instance, has established a global brand as a creative, vibrant place. And as result of this, we have students from 65 countries who make up 40 per cent of our student population, he said. Lim said that Malaysia has the potential to be branded for other reasons too. To some extent, a countrys branding is pushed along by the products that it sells. Take South Korea, which is famous for global brands such as Samsung and Hyundai, and Japan for its electronic goods and car companies such as Toyota and Honda. He said that Malaysia could brand car manufacture are viewed favourably, we have created a successful brand for the country too. Lets not rely on five pretty girls in national costumes to advertise the diversity of a country. To go forward as a nation we need to be more creative, Lim said.

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He emphasised the importance of successful branding if Malaysia is to survive in an increasingly global economic climate. The media may concentrate on the big payers and industries in the country but it is the smaller enterprises that drive up economies. Our small and medium industries (SMIs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are in a situation where if they do not choose to innovate, they will be in trouble in as little as five years time, he said. Lim added that for a long time, the nations SMIs were driven along by the governments encouragement of the manufacturing sector. The countrys free trade zones did well but other countries have overtaken us because they work faster and their workforce is cheaper. What we have to do now is to innovate and come up with original designs that will push our brand recognition, he said. Lim added that for SMIs and SMEs to continue to keep in tune with the times, managers must be able to adopt fresh and innovative ideas. The problem we face with our SMIs and SMEs is that they have not explored fresh ideas for branding and innovation. Instead of looking at ways to sustain their growth, they are content for as long as the tap has not run dry, he said. He cited the example of Japan as country that is rich in innovation. When you look at the Japan, you will see a country that is not rich when it comes to inventions. Instead they have taken the cars, mobile phones, stereo sets and watches and made them better. Their success lies in their ability to innovate and design successfully, he said. Lim said that the majority of SMIs and SMEs did not pay attention to branding and design when it came to marketing their product. Their profits are poured into diversifying instead of

building up a brand name, perhaps because of the cost associated with branding and design. They pay little attention to what may happen in the future. Lim acknowledged that part of the nations problem with instilling a culture of creativity and design is a result of our educational system. Our educational system does not teach us how to think. Instead, it teaches conformity. We have to bear in mind that effective branding and creativity can only take place if we have the workforce for it, he said. He added: while we may push SMIs and SMEs in the country, we must recognize the need for change right up to the educational system that we currently have in place. We must promote creative thinking that leads to innovation, he said. He emphasised the fact that developed Western countries encouraged creative thinking from a young age. Their schools encourage design related work while in Malaysia, we only have art as a creative subject, he said. Lim said that the countrys educational system typecasts children from young age. This will only change when our system begins to encourage creative thinking. This will eventually lead to knowledge acquisition. It is a chain reaction that should be encouraged, he said. There are acknowledgements of the importance of branding, of course, he said. The recent launching of the Terengganu brand and franchise is a big step in the right direction. He said that the university college has been appointed as the research and development center for branding and packaging of Technology products, capacity building for the states SMEs and SMIs, brand profiling of the state, and promotion of Terengganus products nationwide and worldwide. The Terengganu state government expressed an interest in branding the state in order to increase the

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