12 Jun 2021

Speakers at the memorial service held in remembrance of Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Sri Panduka Dr Lim Kok Wing have been hailed him for defying the odds and taking a chance to develop the young minds of Botswana.

Synonymous with innovativeness, the founder of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, who passed on at his home country Malaysia on June 1, is credited for positively impacting the country’s tertiary education sector thereby changing the landscape of the creative industry.

A memorial service to celebrate his life was held in Gaborone, Thursday, which was attended by Former President Dr Festus Mogae, Gaborone Bonnington North Member of Parliament, Ms Annah Mokgethi, government officials as well as University of Limkokwing Botswana staff.

Speaking during the memorial service, Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Machana Shamukuni said since Limkokwing University was established in Botswana in 2007, it helped transform tertiary education in the country.

He said through Limkokwing University, government was able to deliver industry-relevant education programmes including scholarships to develop the lives of Batswana.

Mr Shamukuni said the vision of Professor Limkokwing affectionately referred to as Tan Sri, whose early beginnings were in Public Relations, branding and marketing, had ushered Botswana into the global economy.

He said this was done by offering globally competitive learning programmes responsive to the needs of the economy, society, technology and other aspects of the human race.

“His contribution in mainstreaming of journalistic, creative arts, multimedia, and design disciplines at tertiary level is highly commendable,” he said.

Mr Shamukuni said government would continue to commit to supporting the Limkokwing University to bring diversity and wished the university strength in carrying forth the torch and support the vision of Professor Limkokwing, which was shared by many.

Another speaker Ms Letlhogonolo Paulo a lecturer, representing the Limkokwing staff said Professor Limkokwing had always held the belief that young professionals were energetic and up to date with the trends of the evolving industries that the Limkokwing University stood for.

“It was not an easy road. There were many doubters of course, but under his direction and inspiration we persevered and built the legacy that we see today in our country” she said.

Representing the University Student Ambassadors, Ms Mosa Ramopedi, said Professor Limkokwing left a legacy of wealth in the world through creativity.

She hailed Professor Limkokwing as a man that transcended borders, races and social-economical wars all in pursuit of one goal; creative and innovative learning.

She said Professor Limkokwing left behind a legacy that impacted lives as evidenced by the growth and establishments of brands and organisations.

For his part, the Botswana media fraternity representative, Mr Tefo Phatshwane said when Professor Limkokwing established Limkokwing University Botswana in 2007, he brought a paradigm shift to tertiary education.

He said as a media practitioner, all media houses in Botswana benefitted from graduates of the university through graduates who are very different in terms of talent and creativity.

A visionary and philanthropist, Professor Limkokwing has awarded 100 scholarships to Batswana during the COVID-19 era, 20 of which were for the creative sector. Ends