All ready to take on the world
PALESTINIAN student Sara Al Asfar never gave up hope on pursuing higher education.
She left Palestine and arrived on Malaysian soil to study for a Bachelor of Design in Professional Design (visual communication) at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
Besides getting a certificate, the determined lass got some valuable lessons from her time at the university.
“It is so diverse here. Students come from different parts of the world with different cultural backgrounds and we learn to accept and respect each other.
“Everyone here also learns how to work as a team and communicate,” she said.
Sara also made some sweet memories with friends and lecturers, which she would treasure.
“Malaysia will always be my second home. In Palestine, I will cook the Malaysian food which I learned here, especially nasi lemak,” she said.
The recipient of the University Colours Award for Ambassadorship will be heading back to Palestine to work as a fashion designer.
Sara was one of the 1,000 students from 60 countries who received their degrees at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre last month.
The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s December 2018 convocation ceremony, themed “Design Your Future” also saw more than 52 special awards given out to graduates for their outstanding performances and active participation during their time at the institution.
Raja Mohamad Amin Raja Azhar was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence. The Master’s in Digital Film and Television graduate, who also has the same undergraduate degree from Limkokwing, said studying at the university “opened doors” for him.
He had a chance to be team leader for an expedition to Japan’s Mount Fuji to produce a documentary titled “Reaching for the Clouds” as part of his Master’s degree thesis.
The adventurous lad led the expedition on his own, as the documentary director and producer.
“I studied for my Digital Film and Television degree and Master’s from Limkokwing where I met interesting people and learnt so much from them,” he said, adding that he would miss his time as a student here.
Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman was conferred with an honorary doctorate in leadership.
The university, in its statement, said the doctorate was in recognition of Mohd Azis’ capability in people management and his skills in media technology.
Mohd Azis, however, was unable to attend the ceremony due to a work commitment and received the recognition at a separate event with the university’s senior vice president (industry empowerment) Datuk Raja Aznil Raja Hisham held earlier at the university’s Cyberjaya campus.
In a recorded acceptance speech, which was played during the ceremony, Mohd Azis said he was honoured to receive a doctorate from the university’s founder and president Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.
The deputy minister congratulated Lim on being the eighth recipient of the Commonwealth Champion Award, which recognises continuous efforts in promoting youth development through education.
Lim who attended the event, bade the graduates a “fond farewell” and encouraged them to never stop pursuing their dreams.
“I wish you the very best. May this journey you have started with us take you to the most exciting places and may the footprints you create turn into groundbreaking milestones that will help shape the future of the world.
“Stay connected. Stay focused on being the best,” he said in his speech.
Sultanah of Pahang Sultanah Kalsom, who is the chancellor, graced the event.
In her speech, she congratulated the graduates and wished them success.
She urged them to keep moving forward.
“To those who have a plan, I encourage you to be steadfast in your endeavours. To be kind to yourself and to adapt to the lessons life will give you.
“Those who do not yet have a plan, I urge you to consider that the world is yours for the making. “Nothing is set in stone. With creativty, ingenuity and discipline, you can truly achieve your dreams!” she said.