02 Jun 2021

Malaysian educationalist, artist and entrepreneur, Dr Lim Kok Wing, founder of Limkokwing universities has died at the age of 75.

Director of communications and public relations, Ms Mercy Thebe confirmed the death during a media briefing in Gaborone. 

She said he passed away on Monday in Malaysia after a short illness. 

She said he was described by many world leaders as having an uncanny ability to stay ahead because he was able to discern the future.  As an entrepreneur, he came up with the idea to set up a university in Botswana at a time when private tertiary enterprises were not considered by foreign investors.

Ms Thebe further attested that Dr Lim Kok Wing looked into the future and saw the potential that his university could turn Botswana into a rare gem in Arica

She described him as a risk taker who did not put monetary returns at the forefront of his investment. “He took a risk that no other person could take in 2001 when he decided to bring the university to Botswana after government had been spending millions in sending students abroad.

“His bold move paid off as the university has produced over 30 000 globalised, highly skilled and most industry sought after graduates since it opened in Botswana in 2007,” she explained.

Dr Lim Kok Wing did not just set up in Botswana, but ensured that the Botswana campus served as a launching pad for other countries as witnessed by the opening of Lesotho campus in 2008 followed by Swaziland in 2011 she said.

Ms Thebe further explained that Dr Lim was also chair of the advisory board of the United Nations Global Compact, Malaysia.

 “He was truly one of the world’s most highly decorated citizens for excellence in innovation, communications adverting, and education and as an international peacemaker” she said. ends