Positive change after UK stint
LAST Sunday saw the first batch of students from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s Global Generation transformation programme return home from London, the United Kingdom.
The 100 final semester students spent four months in the city where they were put through an intensive programme to become independent and strategic thinkers.
“I still remember the many questions in your mind before you left and the look on your faces when you found out you were going to London,” said Datuk Fajura Juffa, the university’s Corporate Affairs and Relations vice-president, who welcomed the students upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Selangor.
She later presented them with certifcates for successfully completing the programme.
All the students are children of Felda settlers, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s mission to groom the second and third generation settlers to acquire a global outlook and gain the skills that will take the organisation to the next level.
Before they left for London, the students met the Prime Minister and next month, they have been invited to meet his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
In London, the students were taken on research visits to world centres of history, commerce and culture and were given insights into industry practices from a panel of speakers who are experts in various fields.
“One might ask how people can change in the space of four months, but people can change in a split second, so what more in four months,” said Nor Hadilah Mohd Ishak, 24, speaking at the ceremony to welcome them.
“The biggest change of course is our improvement in the English language, since we had to speak the language all day, everyday.
“We made many mistakes with our broken English but the important thing is that we made progress and now speak better,” added Nor Hadilah.
“Another change I was happy to see is that many of my Muslim sisters, during their four months in London, decided to don the hijab,” she said to cheers from her fellow students.
Nasrul Ramli, 23, also speaking at the ceremony, noted how the group had collectively become more confident and outspoken after being in London.
“As one of the leading creative cities in the world, London opened my eyes to new designs and new concepts that I hope to implement in my work here,” added the International Business major.
Mohd Jaslin Puasa, 25, said that the best skill he learnt from his time in London was to be a critical thinker.
“I am studying digital imaging photography. I have already opened my own interior design company (Intee Design Studio) and I am looking to open my own photography studio (Akugraphy),” he said on his next plans, adding jokingly that he would also have to readjust to Malaysia’s weather again.
For Siti Nur Ieazty Jalaluddin, 26, getting to experience the recent snowstorm just before leaving was like an early birthday present. She celebrated her birthday on the day of her arrival.
“It was my first time seeing snow and it was magical, of course. I feel very lucky having been there at the right time to experience snow and it’s not something I will forget.” — By LUWITA HANA RANDHAWA