Creativity blooms at Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology

THE EYE-CATCHING and colourful appearance of Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology should be enough to convince anyone that this is an educational institution with a difference. Walking into the sprawling Cyberjaya campus, one is hard-pressed to decide where to look first. The ultra-modern architecture, the beautiful art sculptures, the chic open-air café; it is almost like being in a first-rate shopping complex rather than a campus.

“We are not just another school; Limkokwing is quite an amazing place,” says its president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.

“We want students to be happy when they come here; their surroundings should inspire their creativity. That’s why we make the campus beautiful and comfortable,” he adds.

Contributing to the comfort and ambience are little touches and facilities such as a cosy student lounge, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a boutique featuring Limkokwing’s own clothing range and a creativity library.

With such an emphasis on creating a happy atmosphere, it is little wonder that many students choose to stay on at the university college, even after they have completed their studies.

Lim says that there is plenty of industry on the campus itself, with current and former students running the entire marketing department.

Limkokwing marketing services manager Shenjeet Kaur Gill is one such student. She started off as part of the student ambassador programme which allowed her to play active roles in roadshows and public relation campaigns while still studying.

With a student body comprising over 50 nationalities, Limkokwing offers students a rich melting pot of diverse cultural experiences and numerous opportunities for international networking.

She loved her experiences so much that upon graduation, she decided to continue her career in the university college.

“I have lots of good memories of this place, and I’m already familiar with the culture here. Plus, I really love the atmosphere,” says Shenjeet, who handles university and industrial placements for students.

Similarly, marketing services manager Saji Nair says she decided to work at Limkokwing because she truly believes in the institution.

“I had so much fun during my days as a student here, especially in the Ambassadors programme. So when it was time to work, I chose Limkokwing because I wanted to sell a product that I had faith in,” she says.

As the pioneer of the industry-within-university concept which is embodied by the presence of the Malaysian Design and Innovation Centre (MDI), Limkokwing offers opportunities for students to work with industry while still studying. This exposes them to renowned brands and clients and increases their employability.

The experience of working with names such as Nokia, Samsung, Nestle and Bonia as well as with the various ministries also helps students gain the professionalism and experience necessary to succeed in the working world.

Mass communications student Rosheen Fatima Abdul Mutalip from Penang says she enjoys her course and retains what she learns much better due to the industry-based syllabus.

“The programme here has a definite emphasis on practical training, which helps me to grasp concepts better. I’ve also learnt how to integrate into a professional environment as Limkokwing places a lot of importance on meeting deadlines,” she says.

Whether they end up contributing to Limkokwing’s own development or moving on to other fields, it is obvious that the students are moulded to be unique and outstanding. Lim emphasises that students are encouraged to develop their own personalities and be happy with themselves.

He defines a Limkokwing student as someone who is technology-savvy, smart and very well presented.

“By well presented, I don’t mean just someone with good looks. He or she should also have poise, charm and confidence. Our students are taught to project themselves in the best light.

“We want to make sure our students leave with both style and substance,” he continues. “Not stylish in an artificial way but in the real sense. When a potential employer sees a confident and ‘sparkling’ candidate who stands out from the rest, it is a no-brainer whom he will hire!”

Limkokwing’s emphasis on inculcating elements of creativity into all its programmes ensures that it produces graduates who are both versatile and progressive.

Lim also says creativity is not something that is confined to design and art students.

“Creativity is purely a thought process, and we try to expose students to this mode of thinking. There is not a thing in the world that is not driven by creativity. Even if students are not pursuing design courses, there are so many stimuli around campus that they are influenced to use their imagination,” says Lim.

LIM: ‘All our students are trained to be great team players, good colleagues and supportive family members.’

He adds that creative thinking can be applied to everything.

“A business student, for example, can be creative about a presentation. This will set him or her apart and give that extra edge.”

At Limkokwing, students are also exposed to a great deal of diversity as the student body comprises over 50 nationalities. The varied culture and background of the students help students to expand their horizons.

“The students are encouraged to mingle and share ideas, which really allows local and international students to learn from each other,” he says.

Business information systems student Theo Darryl Masenya of Botswana agrees.

“We work with different types of people and learn to function well as team players. The business-oriented industrial training also gives us a taste of the working world and make us independent workers. No need to babysit us,” he says.

Besides providing a strong foundation and grounding in academics, Limkokwing also tries to provide students with the right environment for personality development and the acquisition of soft skills.

“All our students are trained to be great team players, good colleagues and supportive family members,” says Lim.

Limkokwing is a contributor to the Star Education Fund.