He always saw issues from a macropoint of view and his communicationsstrategy was always about addressingthe individual. With a new PrimeMinister, Dato’ Seri Abdullah HajiAhmad Badawi, taking office inOctober 2003, he was able to movein tandem with the new aspirationsfor socio -economic development.

Malaysia began to look inward toenergise its small and mediumenterprises, especially those located

in the rural heartland. He focusedon the weaknesses of the ruralindustries and provided the PrimeMinister with ideas on moving therural sector forward. He set up apackaging gallery called MalaysiaBranding & Packaging DesignCentre, where thousands of ideason new brand packaging werepresented to the Prime Minister fordistribution to rural industries thatneeded to upgrade their branding.

“TheMessageMan.Malaysian advertising mogulLim Kok Wing believes in discipline, not inspiration,in deadlines, not flexi-time... up at five, the head ofWings Advertising Agency and a bevy of othermarketing communications companies has donethree hours’ work before the staff come in. There aremeetings to attend almost every week-day night.And more work to do when he gets home. Lim goesto bed when he falls asleep. ”

Asia Magazine, 1985

But he felt that the real change for therural sector can only happen through itsyounger generation. He set up a campusfor rural students to gain new skills inbusiness management, in marketing,in mass communications, in packagingdesign, in interactive design and ahost of other skills they will need toperk up the rural industries and bridgethe digital divide that is holding backexpansion of the sector .

He called them the Creative andInnovative New Generation.Thestudents have responded well to thenew environment proving, onceagain that given the opportunityyoung talent will rise to the occasion.This time this new generation w illbe the change the rural sector hasbeen waiting for to move forwardand be a part of the national drive tobuild competitiveness.

“ Tan Sri Lim has always had a strong vision inplace. He has always connected design with wealthcreation. He believes in educating people tounderstand the potential of design in creating newrealities in our economies. He has always beenclear about what he wants to do here – producinga new generation of graduates well equipped forthe global environment.”

Swinburne University of Technology,Australia, 2004

He is an unusual entrepreneur, in thathe looks beyond the profit margin forsatisfaction. He is always interestedin novel ways of conducting businessand every project must have somekind of social benefit. In advertisinghe built recognition for local talent,in education he created respect forcreative professionals. He has alwaysbelieved that entrepreneurship comeswith social responsibility .

For over 30 years he has applied hisskills in helping the country achieve itsobjectives, often simplifying complexpolicies to bridge the information gap

between government and people. Hishas been the kind of entrepreneurshipthat a developing country, like Malaysia,has needed to transform itself into athriving, prosperous economy.

His outstanding entrepreneurialachievements received recognition in2005 when he was selected from othersuccessful Malaysian entrepreneursand bestowed the Ernst & YoungEntrepreneur of the Year Award.In June 2006 he was inducted intothe Hall of Fame at the WorldEntrepreneur of the Year event inMonte Carlo.

“ Tan Sri Lim struck me as a very strategic,observant and intelligent man when I first methim at a promotion campaign. That was morethan 14 years ago. Since then, he has beeninvolved in other campaigns. He has contributeda lot to education and media communication. He isa very successful role model for young Malaysians.”

Datuk Seri Ong Ka TingMinister of Housing and Local Government,Malaysia, 2003

The MaestroThe mid 80s and early 90s saw himbegin a new era as a strategiccommunicator , becoming one ofAsia’s best. Even now , he continuesto use the wealth of his experience,knowledge, creativity and skills to movepeople, change mindsets, influencethe hearts of not just Malaysians butothers around the world.

He built his campaigns on meaningfulmessages, strategically communicated,skillfully using the right media mix.Companies, governments andhumanitarian causes found it usefulto use his ser vices. In one man they

sourced a strategist, one who washighly creative and most able to putideas into action.

He worked closely with the MalaysianGovernment delving into causemarketing and relationship building.He had a tough task in communicatingto a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual society to build cohesivenessand trust. He had the ability toorchestrate and influence people,shape opinions. The Malaysia Incpublication was an outstandingpromotion of Malaysia’s policies tothe foreign world. It was a book thathad the participation of industry

“Crusaders are always in fighting mode – andtheir energy usually comes from emotions likeanger, conviction, passion or simply a sensethat a cause worth taking up has been ignoredfor too long. If so, Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kok Wingis a crusader many times over – and many of hisbattles are fought outside the business arena.”

Asia 21 magazine, 1998

captains and high-ranking bureaucratswho presented a scenario of public andprivate sector economic cooperation.

He helped to create the Rakan Mudamovement aimed at youth development.The concept and philosophy of themovement were adopted by a number ofcountries. He pulled together acampaign to educate people oninflation with a common target toachieve Zero Inflation. He set out thecommunication parameters whenKuala Lumpur won the bid to hostthe 16th Commonwealth Games.When the currency crisis hit the region

he put together a campaign to persuadepeople to show their support for thegames to ensure its success. In the endthe games was widely acknowledgedas the best organised last century.

He was specially selected by theformer Prime Minister to help SouthAfrica as the country prepared for itsfirst democratic election. His work tohelp Bosnia Herzegovina rebuildthe war -torn country was widelyacknowledged as a masterful executioninvolving a publication, exhibition andwebsite to raise funds.

“ It is with great pleasure and deep gratitude that I write tothank you and your team for the tremendous contributionyou have given to our election campaign. Your untiringefforts on our behalf have touched the hearts of us all andyou have shown true friendship and solidarity with thepeople of South Africa in our endeavour to transform SouthAfrica into a free, just and democratic count ry. The sizeand magnitude of your contribution will have a verymeaningful impact on the outcome of the election and, onbehalf of the people of South Africa, I thank you.”

Nelson R. MandelaFormer President, South Africa, 1994

“Tan Sri Dato’ Lim has secured an important placefor Malaysia within the global communication anddesign community. He has made a significant, positivecontribution to his country ’s culture and leadership, onewhich has been acknowledged by former PrimeMinister Tun Mahathir Mohamad. Tan Sri Dato’Lim has embraced his government’s vision for thefuture of Malaysia as a knowledge economy, driven notby commodity production but by value-added productsand services.”

Prof Ruth DunkinVice-Chancellor, RMIT University, 2002

When the government grew alarmedover the increasing number of youngMalaysians starting to smoke, itturned to him to increase theawareness of health hazards attachedto tobacco abuse.

He set out to do what the earliercampaigns had failed to achieve. Hecreated a vehicle for the governmentto build its anti-smoking messages.Tak Nak – a simple and catchy termin Malay that means Say No – was

picked up by the general publicbecoming part of their daily language.He knew the response to thecampaign would be encouraging aspeople wrote in to the papers,expressing their views, schools andsocial clubs called up asking forpromotional materials to conductanti-smoking lessons, editorials werewritten and even cartoonists got intothe act giving Tak Nak a touch ofhumour. Tak Nak is today a brandthat stands for no smoking.

“ We all know that Lim Kok W ing is a pioneerin creative education and that he has tirelesslyadvocated the need to be able to think outsidethe box. Long before Malaysians fullyunderstood the term, Tan Sri Lim knew thatbeing creative was an asset in a person. Heknew about it being able to empower .”

Dato’ Hishammuddin bin Tun HusseinMinister of Education (former Minister ofYouth and Sports) Malaysia, 2003

In another situation when thegovernment wanted to introduce athermal treatment plant for disposalof waste there was a hue and cry fromthe public on the safety aspects as wellas the costs involved in constructingthis plant.

He was asked to do some damagecontrol before it escalated into abigger situation. His strategy was totake the focus away from the thermaltreatment plant and instead bringpublic attention to the source of

the problem as phase one of damagecontrol. Phase 2 was to provide thesolution which was the government’swaste management recommendationsthat included sanitary landfills as wellas thermal treatment plants. Thewhole campaign was presented asMalaysia Segar – Vision for a cleanand green nation. A series of printads and a television message as well asan information booklet gave peoplethe full story of how bad the trashproblem was in Kuala Lumpur.

The DesignerDesign is vital in the country ’s pushfor economic progress. The governmentwas encouraging export to fuel economicgrowth and design played a major roleto give products a competitive edge inthe international arena.

He had always known this because hebegan his profession developing brandsand building corporate identities. Heendeavoured to communicate thecentral role played by design to a localmarket of aspiring manufacturers whosaw design primarily in artistic terms.

The country was progressing rapidly.But it had another rung to climb. It

had to be able to produce original,high-quality products in order to gaina reputation that will help the countryin developing its own brand of products.He was one of the few people in thecountry who could see the future thegovernment was trying to build. Andthis perhaps explains why he has beenable to conceptualise and visualise sosuccessfully for the projects that hehas been entrusted with.

He worked with the Ministry ofInternational Trade and Industry topromote Malaysian Brandingoverseas. He put the design factor inplace when Kuala Lumpur began to

“The name, Lim Kok Wing, conjures awe andreverence in the minds of many. A taskmaster , heexecutes all with basic ingredients – consistencyand an absolute commitment to excellenc e. Asought-after expert in the field of communicationsand design, winning more creative awards thanany single person in Asia, Tan Sri Lim hascontributed more towards building industry thananyone else.”

Malaysian Institute of Directors, 1992

“I had a mission running the CommonwealthGames and here was someone who was full ofideas, insight and assistance in so many areas.He spent a lot of his own time and money on thework he did for the Games and I know that he didit because he believed in what we were doing. Hedid it as a national contribution.”

(RTD) General Tan Sri Hashim AliExecutive Chairman Sukom 98 – OrganisingCommittee KL ‘98 XVI CommonwealthGames, 2000

change into a global city. He devisedthe Information Design for the firstelectric train, the international airportand the light rail transit system.

The corporatisation of many companiesalso saw him involved in creatingCorporate Identities that gave theentities a sophisticated look befittingtheir new status.

He took steps to establish the MalaysiaDesign Technology Centre, anorganisation completely devoted todesign unparalleled in its concept. It wascreated to be a regional hub for design.In fact it will be a fully integrated centre,the only one of its kind in the world.

From museums that showcaseoutstanding product designs toexhibition centres devoted to the

display of rubber , plastic, and timberproducts as well as studios, trainingcentres and ser vice clusters thatincubate idea generation, the centre willinteract with the global communityof designers.

Ultimately his aim is to evoke designconsciousness among Malaysians. Hewants to create a love for quality and gooddesign that will have a spin-off effecton products and ser vices developed inthis country.

This concern also led to the establishmentof a school to nurture a new generationof designers who will have the righttraining and who will have the skills ofnew media that will enable the countryto reach a higher level in its aspirationto be able to create and innovate.

The EducationistHis involvement in education notonly created a new chapter in his life butset trends in the sector. He entered theworld of education desiring to impartthe value of his experience to a younggeneration. Upon making his entryhe found a challenge waiting. As he haddone with the advertising business hemade it his mission to provide educationthat would bring recognition and raisethe value of the profession.

He brought the world into theclassroom through smart partnershipswith some of the world’s mostestablished and reputable universitiesand colleges.

He is driven by a concern for the nextgeneration and his emphasis oncreativity as a competitive edge is nowreceiving its due recognition after adecade of championing its value tobusiness and life. He changedmindsets helping people to grasp theelusive concept of creativity and thusenabling young people to convincetheir parents of building careers increative professions.

With the country transiting into a periodwhere knowledge decides the strengthof a nation’s economy , the 90s spentin inculcating the value of creativity isbenefiting Malaysia tremendously.

“Limkokwing is in the forefront of innovative education.Now, in its strategic collaboration with Malaysia DesignInnovation Centre at its new campus, Limkokwingenables its students to learn to work on real-life projectswith industry even while they study. This uniqueindustry-academia partnership will help strengthenthe government’s efforts to develop human ability andintellect, and produce knowledge workers who canrise to meet this century’s challenges.”

Dato’ Haji Shafie Haji Mohd SallehFormer Minister of Higher Education, 2004

Already there are graduates from hisschool who are contributing to thecountry’s transformation into a k-economy.These are graduates of the LimkokwingUniversity College Of CreativeTechnology, a market leader nowbuilding a strong global presence.The university provides pathways intocareers in design, communications andarchitecture through smart partnershipswith more than 170 Universities andColleges in Europe, USA, Canada,Australia and New Zealand. TheUniversity’s student population is amini United Nations with studentsfrom more than 130 countries.

The Limkokwing ExecutiveLeadership College is a more

business-oriented entity focusing one-business to prepare a newgeneration for the new mode of globaltransactions where the computer plays a central role.

Wings Of Creativity completes hisintention to cultivate creativity ineveryone. While his other institutesprovide avenues for higher learningWings of Creativity looks at the childto develop critical and creativethinking skills. Wings is a uniqueestablishment that provides acurriculum to develop the wholechild to enable this young generationto become more articulate, able tosolve problems and grow upconfident in its abilities.

“Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a legendary characterwho wields a painter ’s brush to produce gorgeouscolours at his campus. From the early start, thecartoonist turned entrepreneur had planned theuniversity carefully. Creativity is his foundationand strategy.”

Oriental Daily News, 2005

“The name, Lim KokWing,has long been a synonymfor excellence in design and innovation. I am,therefore, delighted that it will now be borne bythe Limkokwing University College of CreativeTechnology. This new institution will be a majoraddition to Malaysia’s tertiary education sector,strengthening yet further the country ’s position asa regional centre of educational excellence. ”

H.E. Mr Bruce CleghornBritish High Commissioner to Malaysia, 2004

He is a forward thinking-person andhe applies this mindset to everything.The campus for his University, forexample, houses a wide range ofbusinesses, all of which are created asbrands for his students to gain real-world experiences. He has created aWings Café, a lifestyle coffee café,Fitofly, a fitness centre, Makanlah, analfresco eatery , Centrefold, a fashionboutique, Making Headlines, ahairdesign salon, a Sound and MusicDesign Academy and a Film & TVAcademy to groom budding directorsand producers. These brands werecreated from scratch giving studentsvaluable experiences in understanding

how their skills have to merge toproduce the brand identity and itscommunications to market theproducts and the ser vices.

The campus has an extended learningcentre called The LimkokwingInternational Lifestyle DesignAcademy where students and otherscan pick up skills in hair design, musicdesign and other short courses toboost the programmes they arestudying on campus. He feels it isimportant for students to get learningthat will boost their confidence andthese additional skills will give themthe edge when they graduate.

“ Tan Sri Lim, through his dynamic leadership andentrepreneurship, has built Limkokwing to what it istoday – a university of creative ideas that has drawnstudents from all over the world. They come to theseshores and take back dynamic ideas to shape theirindustries and economies. NAPEI hopes that Tan SriLim will continue to inspire his team at Limkokwing toscale greater heights of achievement and acclaim tomake it an organisation to be emulated , not only in thiscountry but throughout the developing world.”Dr Hj. Mohamed ThalhaPresident, National Association of PrivateEducational Institutions 2004

His concept of Industry -Within-University extends the idea of practicaltraining that students undergo in mostuniversities. This concept bringsindustry directly into the campus wherereal projects are implemented. Hisstrategy is to get industry professionalsto work with students on these projects.He feels that young people have freshnew perspectives that can be marketed.

This philosophy has made a distinctdifference in a way that is revolutionary.

Even established universities arelearning the benefits of adoptingsimilar programmes. They agree thatthe responsibility of an educationistgoes beyond just providing thelearning that gets a student his or herdegree to begin a career . HisExecutive Leadership Collegetrains students the same way acompany trains its executives. Hisapproach is changing how educationistslook at learning.

More recently he has introduced theconcept of the Global Classroom wherestudents can transfer to as manycountries as they can to experiencethe culture of different campuses.Working in collaboration with his GlobalConsortium of Partner Universities hehas enabled cross-border transfers thatwill develop the global graduate. Hesees this as a great opportunity to buildcultural appreciation and understandingin the next generation which will benefit

the world in the years to come. But ofimmediate benefit to the student is aunique learning experience.

The Global Classroom concept grew outof his own initiatives to export degreeand diploma programmes developed inMalaysia that are delivered in citiesaround the world. Already more than 30cities deliver Limkokwing programmes.What has made these programmesattractive is the flexibility and theindustry relevance of the courses.

“In Limkokwing, we have found a strategic partner,an equal partner in developing new ideas. I believe that,with the collaboration, we will become trendsettersfor a lot of leaders in Europe and the US. Thepartnership will allow us to be in contact with thenext generation of Asia. Together, we hope to createa new-concept creativity school. ”

Dr Dirk Craen,President, European University, 2006

The PublisherHis publishing efforts were strategicto the campaigns he orchestrated.In any case he had a love for theprinted matter. He became anextraordinary publisher because hisinvolvement in every word and everypage began from conceptualisationand ended at printing.

Being highly creative he had afascination for typography. He saw more

than just the message he wanted topreser ve and to communicate. Hesaw the visual impact as well. Everybook that he has published is anoutstanding example of messagedelivered in sophisticated form.

Malaysia Incorporated showcased the unique public- and private-sectorcooperation that was the catalyst tothe remarkable growth of its economyin the late 80s till the mid 90s.

“His work on the ANC campaign in South Africa reveals thehigh standard. They were well beyond international standards.I personally liked the picture of Mandela surrounded by children.I thought that was marvellous. The people of South Africa havea lot of praise for him. He is also a very daring, very brave man.I found him to be very innovative and highly creative – a breathof fresh air. Like me he is a great believer in human resource. Isee him now as a mover of education for human resourcedevelopment and I think he has done very well in that respect.”

Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Ghazalie ShafieFormer Minister of Home Affairs, Malaysia CommonwealthObserver for South Africa’s First Elections, 2000

Bosnia Herzegovina Beyond WordsBeyond Tears complemented thegovernment ’s stance to the world tohelp re-build this war -torn nation.

Green Horizonwas a cover -to -covervisual presentation of rainforestrichness to counter misconceptionsabout Malaysia’s forest management.

Hidden Agenda, Currency Turmoiland New Voice Of Asia explained

Malaysia’s reasons for its unorthodoxreaction to protect its currency frombeing exploited in the world market.The publications gave the world Asianviewpoints on issues that were distortedby the western-dominated media.

He also annually produces a publication –Education In Malaysia – thatpromotes Malaysia throughout theworld as a regional education hub.

“On behalf of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia andHerzegovina and my own behalf I would like to expressour heartfelt gratitude for your support to Bosnia andHerzegovina and its people. Your noble endeavours inpromoting the Global Humanitarian Appeal for Bosniaand Herzegovina represent an important contribution tothe process of strengthening the peace and stability inBosnia and Herzegovina. The book, written with warmthand concern for the plight of fellow human beings, is astrong warning to the world that such tragedy must not berepeated ever again in any part of the world. ”Dr Haris SilajdzicCo-Chairman, Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1998

He is a publisher who does not view itas just a business. He understands theimpact of both font and visuals. Hegets deeply involved in the visualisationof a project and in its page-by-pageexecution. Inspiring Putrajaya,World’s First Intelligent Garden Citywas a book that he worked closely withboth photographer and designer toensure the stunning landscape of the

place was captured and clearly delivered.Limkokwing Creativity, A Showcaseof Creativity in Branding is among therarest books you can find on the creativeaspect of Malaysia. He spent more thanfive years putting this book togetherbecause it encapsulated most of his bestwork in creating corporate identity, increating meaningful campaigns and inrevolutionising education.

“ Dato Lim Kok Wing is a perfectionist. This isa strong element in his character that colours all hisactions. He surrounds himself with talented peopleand exacts the best out of them. He expects thesame from everything that he touches. He envisionsonly the best, not only for the industry he works inbut the country that he lives in.”

Asia 21 magazine, 1998

While there were many magazinesdevoted to lifestyle and business, hefelt what was lacking was one focusedon leadership. He produced the firstLeadership magazine in December2005, a collaborative effort betweenthe Malaysian Institute of Directorsand the Limkokwing ExecutiveLeadership College. The effort was

applauded by the business communitywho felt the magazine contributed tobuild corporate governance.

The magazine is focused on issuesrelated to corporate governance,brand development, the impact ofinnovation and others connected withMalaysia’s economic potential andprivate-sector competitiveness.

“Kok Wing has odd ways of doing things but thebottom line is he produces results in whatever hedoes. The country needs people like him. Take hiscollege of creative technology . I think his aim thereis not so much money -making, but by establishingall these links abroad, he is promoting the country.”

Tan Sri Mohamad Khir JohariFormer President, Malaysian Institute Of Directors, 1995

The PhilanthropistHis humble background made himthe ideal giver , and all through his lifehe has supported all charities and amultitude of causes – homeless, spastics,blind, heart disease, HIV, drug addictsand cancer victims.

His work with the Malaysian RedCrescent Society is well-known.He was its Vice-Chairman and theinternational Adviser to the WorldRed Cross Society.

He is not content with giving incash but donates his time and hisabilities as well. All through hisworking life he has found time to

organise international campaignsto gain support for the movement.He uses his creativity to draw thecrowd and reach their hearts. Hedevises campaigns, designs identitiesand sponsors videos to communicatehis message.

He produced The Trap an anti-drugfilmlet which was presented at a worldconference by Tun Dr Mahathir. Itwas voted one of the top ten publicservice films in a worldwide competitionin New York. The film carried a universalmessage and it was made available toother countries to help them countertheir own drug problems.

“The multi-talented Dato’ Lim – he is an artist,cartoonist, journalist and an internationallyacclaimed ad-man – has a soft spot for theunfortunate. He has probably raised as manymill ions for charity as he has made selling hisbrilliant advertising ideas. What is soadmirable about this man is that his ownhumble past has made him very sensitive to thesuffering of others.”

Malaysian Tatler, 1994

“ His efforts in charity have been the subjectof glowing eulogies in the media, of aphilanthropist replete with benevolence. Indeed,Lim has probably gathered more feathers thancould fit into one cap. That could explain themany hats he wears .”

The Edge, 1995

He also produced Take The FirstStep for the World Red Cross PeaceConference which was screenedworldwide to promote world peace.

Another effort called Ceasefire ‘89was used worldwide as part of aninternational campaign againstnuclear build-up.

He established the Society for theSeverely Mentally Handicapped to help those with multiple handicaps whowere rejected by the “normal” charities.He helped to form an association to helpsenior citizens. His Foundation for

Creative Excellence supports talentedindividuals especially those who arephysically challenged to pursuequalifications in creative programmes.

He has been helping people for morethan 35 years. Sometimes hiscontributions are made directly toindividuals who need help in operations,in their studies or overcome othermishaps. Sometimes he turnscounsellor when people bring theirpersonal problems and turn to him foradvice. This part of his life will stayforever , changing shape according toneeds and demands of community .

The CitizenHe moves with the country. He sharesits aspirations. He desires the sameresults. He assists where he can. Rightfrom day one he has seen thepotential of Malaysians and hasalways championed the Malaysianability to perform. His cartoons arevery telling as they always portrayracial harmony.

When the economy was booming hehelped to build bridges putting across

Malaysian perspectives throughpublications such as MalaysiaIncorporatedand the Green Horizon.He participated in the transformationas the country grew in sophistication.He assisted to put Malaysia in theright perspective, especially during thetimes when the country suffered fromthe bad publicity by the foreign media.

In all his communication campaignshe always considered the impact onthe country and its people. He felt a

“He is a person who is very mindful of theaffairs of the country. He is someone who thinksdeeply and is able to articulate his thinking andhis visions clearly. He acts in earnest to play hispart as a corporate citizen and he feels he has alot to contribute because he feels there is so muchlack of knowledge. ”

Tan Sri Wong Kum ChoonChairman, Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, 2000

oneness with the country that canonly be interpreted as patriotism.

During the crisis that began in 1997he was greatly concerned about the tollthe troubles would have on nationalstability and tolerance of the people.He produced campaigns such as theOne Heart One Nation campaignto r emind people of the unique way of

life we shared. His Malaysia Boleh(Malaysia Can in Malay) was toinculcate a spirit of “can do” and thatwe are as good as anyone in the world.

In the darkest hours of the currencycrisis when economies around us weretoppling and clashes were erupting heproduced a series of documentariesintended to calm the people.

“ Tan Sri Professor Lim Kok Wing is giving the leadin education to transformational leadership. He morethan qualifies for our original specification of a dangerousman - with vision he makes come true - both a new visionand a global vision. We have seen a prodigious output,in terms of the scope and versatility of his activities,born of enthusiasm and enterprise, both commercial andartistic. These owe much to a rare combination, that ofartist and entrepreneur.”

Datuk Dr Paddy Bowie, OBEHonarary Professor, Thames Valley University, 2007

“He believes completely in the country'scapabilities, in the potential of the nextgeneration. Everyday he strives to instil the willto succeed and develop the potential of thosearound him. His mission was borne out of hisown ability to meet chal lenges with a convictionand passion rarely seen elsewhere. ”

Lim Kok Wing Junior, 2006

The FatherHis concern for the country stemsfrom a personal responsibility as a father.He has two children – a son and adaughter . And from this perspectivehe is able to look ahead and share thesame concern that other parents have.He wants his children to inherit abetter future and he will do all he canto make it so. His work on charity,his youth development campaign, his

involvement in education areinfluenced by the importance heplaces on the future. He is widelytravelled. He has seen the havocdisunity can do to a country from hispersonal experience during the VoterEducation Exercise in South Africa.As a man born in the healing yearsof World War II the element runsstrongly through his veins. In theend he is a healer at heart.

The Time TravellerThrough the arts and crafts of bygoneeras he engages his mind and travelsback in time. He enjoys the art,especially Asian art. He relishes in theantique. He surrounds himself withits beauty . Unlike others who invest inthe art and artifacts of ancient times,he buys them out of sheer love. Everynook and every cranny, every corridorand passageway of his house andoffice will make a visitor stop for a fewmoments of study.

He plays a vital role in the country topromote and preser ve the arts andcrafts of the different ethnic groups.He adopted a heritage building – LokeMansion – to help preserve theunique architecture. He coined theword Artiquarium – a play on theword art and antique – for thebuilding and turned it into an artand antique gallery to give purpose tothe building and opportunity forpeople to visit the place. He invitedTun Dr Mahathir – an art and craft

“My dad is never going to realise how much ofan influence he has over the people around him,or the countless others he hasn’t even met yet.I’ve seen the look of respect, of admiration theylook at him with. Very few people speak whenhe’s around, hoping he’ll say more, allowingthemselves to be as absorbent as they can toeverything he teaches. The depth of his visionis overwhelming, the word is inspirational.”

Tiffanee Marie Lim, 2006

enthusias t himself – to officially launchthe gallery , which soon became apopular place of visit by most foreigndignitaries as well as tourists.

He is a trustee with the National ArtGalleryand was a board member of theMalaysian Handicraft DevelopmentCorporation for many years.

He has mooted the Art & DesignCentre Of Kuala Lumpur to provide

avenues for people to enjoy art in itsvarious forms and activities. Thecentre is being designed to be anucleus for anyone wanting to teachor to learn modern, traditional artsand crafts and at the same timethose wanting to pick up isolatedskills in computer technology willfind a less pressured, more affordableway to gain them.

“He is a man of seemingly boundless energy,with a love for the antiquarian, the rare and thebeautiful... the art and artifact gallery fulfils along-term ambition of his to set up such anoasis of rare objects. Dato’ Lim’s aim is toprovide the artistic community with a centre, aforum and exhibition space to foster the growthand development of art.”

The Star, 1991

He set up a Batik Research Centrewithin his University and the result ofthe research was showcased at the KualaLumpur International Batik Conferencein an exhibition called The Journeyof Batik. It was a presentation thathad never before been captured insuch detail. The journey was not onlydisplayed in pictures but presented invideo and book.

When the government looked seriouslyinto promoting the arts and preservingcultural heritage he came up with theidea of a celebration that would gatherthe top cultural artistes in the countryfor an annual showcase that wouldprovided meaningful experiences toboth Malaysians and foreign visitors.The Kuala Lumpur Festival is nowcelebrated every July.

“It would not be incorrect to say the world ofadvertising and creativity in Malaysia wouldbe inconceivable without the presence of Tan SriLim. Like the fabled Colossus, he has straddledtwo worlds – the world of advertising and theworld of education, and Malaysia is so muchricher for that.”

Passions magazine , 2006

The Peace-makerAll through his life he was nevercomfortable with conflicts. He alwayssought other more peacful solutions,sometimes going out of his way toavoid confrontation. This abhorrencefor violence is woven into the fabric ofhis life. It shows in the work he doesfor the country.

A peace award from MalaysiaAs an advocate for peace he initiatedan annual peace conference hosted byMalaysia. The highlight of theconference was to bestow a peace awardon a deserving person, someone whowould have been bypassed because he

or she was not favoured by thesuperpowers who had indirect controlof other similar awards given by otherorganisations around the world.

Giving voice to AsiaHe felt very strongly that a globalmedia controlled by the West did notunderstand the sensitivities or theintricacies that related to all thingsAsian. He began to publish anddistribute the magazine, New Voiceof Asia, his endeavour to provide anAsian perspective into the currentaffairs and rapidly changing socio-economic landscape of the region.

“ Tan Sri Lim is of the view that true peacemeans every one can live in peace. He saidthat the absence of war does not necessarilymean peace. Peace to him means the lives andrights of people are protected. He said thatvery of ten war results in the worsening of thequality of life followed by hunger , poverty andother problems. Because of these crises, he doesnot agree that war is the answer to peace. ”

Nanyang Siang Pau newspaper, 2003

He lent what support he could topeace efforts by others. For theMalaysians for Peace movement in2003 he helped build awareness of thedevastation of war through newspaperand television messages as well as aspecial exhibition created by studentstitled The Conflict of War in the20th Century. The television messagewas also created by students whichfocused on the Palestinian issue. It wascalled Plight of the Palestinians, ANation Denied A Homeland.

For the Perdana Global PeaceForum of 2005 he attempted torecreate a War Zone Experienceusing horrifying images of childrenand civilians who fell victim to bombsand other attacks. These were imagesalmost never seen as they were toounpleasant for publication. Hewanted people to see the images tounderstand that war was an uglyexperience and that peace bydiplomacy and negotiation providedthe only solution.

“ It is unusual to come across a creative talentwho also possesses a commercial mind. Tan SriLim not only demonstrates inventive ingenuitybut also is able to carry through his ideas andmake them sound business successes. I knowTan Sri Lim is passionate to design a world car.We at Lotus will give him our fullest support.”

Mr Kelvin AlgoodManaging Director of Lotus Engineering,Malaysia, 2001

The Brand StrategistHe has spent the best part of his lifebrand positioning the country of hisbirth. In promotions for tourism,education and foreign investment. Hetakes personal interest in all endeavoursand that makes the difference.

From College To UniversityIn Just 12 YearsEvidence of his ability to develop abrand can best be ascertained fromthe work he has created with his petpassion - the Limkokwing Institute ofCreative Technology . He establishedit in 1991and in just 12 years henurtured it to university status. TheLimkokwing University Of CreativeTechnology is a wonderful saga of

Malaysian capability in building alocal brand to international status.

Building Malaysian CompetitivenessA perfectionist, he is meticulous inchoice of words and matching of visualsin all the work produced, both printand electronic mediums, to promotethe country overseas. He is insistent thatcare must be taken to present the rightpicture of the country to foreigners.But he also knows that the quality hasto be built from the domestic front. Andthat is why he has pushed hard to set upthe Malaysia Design Innovation Centre,an idea mooted by T un Dr Mahathir.He is tasked to ensure MDI succeeds and

“The impressive showing of Limkokwing studentswho have achieved national and internationalrecognition for their accomplishments is testimonyof the entrepreneurial spirit and foresight of theuniversity ’s founder, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.Tan Sri Lim has the will to turn students intoprofessionals with specific skills to address thefuture needs of our country .”

Dato’ Mustapa MohamadMinister of Higher Education, 2001

he finds himself engulfed with anambitious agenda that goes into thedepths of brand development, brandpromotion, human skills empowerment,research and development as well asdesign incubation and content creationof a level never attempted in this countryor elsewhere.

MDI is about laying the foundation toensure Malaysia’s competitiveness in thefuture. It maps a convoluted route thatseeks to develop almost every aspect ofthe socio -economic sectors of the nation.

Incubating ContentA lesser person would have balkedat the responsibility, but he plods

on, first enlightening the corporatesector of the aspirations that willeventually assist them in elevatingtheir business a notch higher . Healso talks to the small- andmedium-sized industries of how thecentre will be equipped to raise thequality of their products and helpthem incubate new ideas.

He travels widely presenting theconcept of the centre to othernations. The presentations are verycontrasting because his audienceranges from established designcentres in advanced countries togovernments of young economies.

“The country recognises Tan Sri Lim’s strongsense of commitment and concern for youthdevelopment. His contribution to the RakanMuda programme, which invites youth toparticipate in self-development activities, is wel lappreciated by the Government. Here is a manso full of creative energy and innovative ideas.I know he really wants to see our youths taketo the sky, and he works hard at it.”

Dato’ Hishammuddin bin Tun HusseinMinister of Education, 2001

Building Global BrandingAs the world shifted to branding as abusiness strategy he relayed itsimportance to the small- and mediumsized entrepreneurs persuadingthem to invest in building theirbrands instead of indulging incontract manufacturing.

As a means of encouragement hecreated the National Award

for Creativity and Innovation torecognise those pioneering companiesthat had successfully created theirown brands. They received theirawards from the Prime Ministerin a special ceremony that hecreated. He hoped their successwould help others see merit inemulating the strategies thesecompanies had undertaken.

“Throughout Tan Sri Lim’s years of service, hehas worked selfl essly to harness public supportfor humanitarian causes, winning their heartsand minds, getting them to understand, acceptand appreciate him.”

Datuk Ruby LeeFormer Secretary General Malaysian Red Crescent 2002

Building National IdentityKnowing that the world wouldunderstand the country better if thechanges were made within thecountry he convinced the governmentto be consistent in the imagery itadopts right across its various socio -economic sectors. He began to buildthis awareness through the use of the

tiger stripes as the identity for thecountry. The use of the tiger stripeswas first adopted into the NationalService uniform for school leaversenlisted into military-type boot camps.The tiger stripes later emerged as thestyle for the national sports contingentwhen it took part in the SEA Gamesand Commonwealth Games in 2005.

“An industry legend,Tan Sri Lim is a communicationstrategist whose name is synonymous with thecreative industry. From advertising, design, branddevelopment, multimedia, publishing, media inter-national relations, government relations, strategiccorporate communication, his achievements andcontributions to the industry and the country makeup a list that will probably take time to enumerate. ”

Shahar NoorPresident, Malaysian Advertisers Association,2003

When Malaysia won the rights to hostthe World Congress on InformationTechnology for 2008 (WCIT) hepitched in to provide a positioning forthe branding of the event. He pegged itto the words, Enable, Empower, Enrich,to support the theme of Bridging theGlobal Digital Divide in creative andknowledge content. He also provideda design theme and quickly produceda video to promote Malaysia and thehosting of the event. This proved usefulwhen the organisers rushed to attendthe WCIT 2006 event in Texas, USA,for the handover ceremony .

In the same way when his help wassolicited in the hosting of the WorldHalal Forum 2006 he strategisedto position Malaysia as a global hubfor the fast-rising Halal business.Halal is an Islamic set of standardsfor quality preparation of food andother items. He created an openingvideo for the conference, firstpositioning Halal as an emergingforce in global business and settingthe agenda for the conference byrallying participants to arrive at aconsensus for a universal certificationof Halal to be adopted worldwide.

“Tan Sri Limkokwing was one of those who camehere, not to seek fame, or other benefits, but in avery humble way to work with us to make sure thatthe people who sacrificed so much for the freedomof this country would usher in a new governmentthat would be led by Nelson Mandela and the teamthat he was going to select. ”

Dr Popo MolefeFormer Premier of Northwest Province, South Africa, 2008

“I am, indeed, greatly encouraged by Lim KokWing’s involvement in Botswana. I have heard itsaid that ordinary leaders direct, great l eadersinstruct, but the greatest of leaders inspire. Ouryoung people here are so inspired, it is impressive.”

H.E. Mr Festus G. MogaePresident, Republic of Botswana, Launching ofLimkokwing University Botswana, 2007

Globalising MalaysianEducationIn 2006 he took a bold step in reversingthe process where most tertiaryinstitutions were bringing foreignstudents to enroll in Malaysia. Whileothers jostled in a small pool, he simplystepped out to face the world. And bydoing so, he changed the game andhe changed the rules. He decided totake his University across the world toforeign shores. And the first campushe set up was in Botswana in Africa.The Botswana Government was takenaback because no foreign university had

thought of working with them to buildtheir human capital. Malaysia’s firstoff-shore full fledged university openedin the capital city of Gaborone in May2007, with no less than the Presidentof Botswana, H.E. the Hon. FestusMogae, officiating its establishment.

This was unprecedented, as it clearlyindicated the high regards that thisdiamond-exporting country had forMalaysia, and for this University. Injust over a year, since he set up theUniversity, he expanded to establishtwo more campuses in Botswana.

“All Basotho are greatly indebted to ProfessorEmeritus Tan Sri Dató Dr. Lim Kok Wing, Presidentand Founder of Limkokwing University - the GlobalUniversity, for this world-class institution. We are veryhappy that this university is now among us to provide21st century learning environment that will develop thiscorps of smart, creative and techno-savvy graduates.”

H.E. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, MPPrime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho,Launching of Limkokwing University Lesotho, 2008

Following the success of the Botswanacampus other African nations, such asLesotho and Swaziland, have invited himto set up campuses in their countries.In August 2008 Limkokwing openedits first campus in Lesotho, in the capitalcity of Maseru. His impact upon youngAfricans has to be seen to be believed.In one visit to Botswana they reachedout to touch him, screaming inexcite ment as if he was a movie orrock star. It revealed the thirst young

Africans have for a chance to unlocktheir creative potential.Already there are role models amongthem who have risen to the challengethrown by him to turn their creativityinto tangible products. This has resultedin five books written by young Batswana.A fashion design student has gone on towin a prestigious industry award andthere are many members of theUniversity’s alumni who have set up theirown businesses producing content usingnew media technology.

The setting up of a campus in London,in the heart of Piccadilly was a move thatsurprised many. In October 2007 thecampus was officially opened by theMalaysian Prime Minister, YAB Dato’Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi whodiverted his trip from New York just to bein London, specifically for the occasion.

In the United Kingdom the setting upof Limkokwing University has stirredthe British to rethink their educationpolicies. They are waking up to thedynamics of globalisation becauseLimkokwing University is the first

from the Commonwealth to set up acampus in the country. The onlyother foreign university is American.

The Times Higher EducationSupplement in UK singled out hismove as a wake-up call to Britishuniversities that they should hire morefrom abroad to maintain their worldwidereputation for excellence. Officialstaking part in the British Council’sGoing Global conference in 2007,noted that the Limkokwing Londoncampus was a “sign of the times” ofthe harsh realities of globalisation.

“ Malaysia and the world should indeed by veryproud of Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, President of theLimkokwing University for his enlightenment, visionand wisdom; for this great entrepreneur , who hasmade things happen and continues to make thingshappen in the interest of a better humanity.”

Sir James R. Macham, KBEFounding PresidentRepublic o f Seychelles, 2008

His arrival at London’s doorstep isintegral to his strategy of Merging theBest of East and West to provide abalanced learning experience for hisstudents. He feels very strongly aboutcreating a new generation of youthswho are able to appreciate the uniquecultures of both sides of the world. Hehas often said how knowing only oneside of the worl d is akin to seeing onlyhalf a picture. To truly understand theglobal situation he touts the Westernexperience to Asian students while

encouraging those in the West tospend some time in the East.

He has dovetailed the East-Westexperience into his Global Classroomprogramme that enables his students totravel across the world where he hascampuses in seven countries in threecontinents to conduct their research aspart of their assignments or projects.He has created affordable pathwaysenabling entire classrooms of studentsto gain this valuable experience.

“ I congratulate Limkokwing for breaking down barriersand pushing back the frontiers of international education.If international educators are to produce leaders for the21st c entury, institutions of higher education mustfollow the lead of Tan Sri Limkokwing and equipstudents both on and off the campus with the toolsthey need to be effective world citizens.”

Maurice DimmockChief Executive, Accreditation Service for InternationalColleges (ASIC), United Kingdom, 2008

“Limkokwing is globally identified for the uniquephilosophy of merging the best of East and West.This is something that young Cambodians will needas the country interacts with the global economy.”

H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena PadeiTeco Hun SenPrime Minister, Kingdom of Cambodia, 2008

As his knowledge of the world grew hebegan to understand its needs better.While he work ed to develop Africanskills and knowledge he knew manycountries in Asia needed to grow , too.He then turned his attention to Indo-China where he set up a campus inPhnom Penh, Cambodia before forginga strategic partnership with two ofChina’s elite institutions – TsinghuaUniversity and Peking University – aspart of his plan to be the bridge for

the flow of knowledge between theEast and the West.

He continues to expand with plans to setup more campuses in Africa and he hasstarted to move into the United Statesto base his operations in New York.In Asia he will open another campus inBali, Indonesia.

He steers his global operations throughhis main campus in Malaysia where hecontinues to receive students from allcorners of the world. Worldwide he has

“ Dr Lim Kok Wing himself had the vision tosee the need where none existed. The passion todo things never been done before, and thetenacity to push things forward to translateideas into reality.”

Ahmed KathradaChairman, Nelson Mandela FoundationJohannesburg, South Africa, 2008

over 25,000 students from 144 countriespursuing their higher education. Hisenormous energy now even permeatesthrough the website which has becomeone of the most popular universitywebsites in the world. It receives betweentwo to three million hits a month.People from 188 countries constantlyvisit the campus website and to date ithas had more than 60 million hits.

His unique approach to educationhas attracted organisations aroundthe world such as the World Bankwhich has expressed interest in theUniversity’s emphasis on industryrelevancy of student learning whileUNESCO singled out his Universityas an exemplary institution forresearch and knowledge managementat a forum on higher education.

“Knowledge powers human innovation. If every countryin the world exchanges cultural understanding thenew knowledge that unfolds will be explosive. Thisco-operation between Tsinghua University andLimkokwing University is the beginning of academicexchanges that will play a very significant role inthe promotion of our future development. I believethat more students will achieve excellence throughthis university.”

Professor Lu XinhuaVice President, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 2008

The Global TrailblazerHis journey continues, taking him tonew horizons as he impresses uponthe global academic community hisconcerns about education. He hasaddressed these concerns through hisUniversity that engages young peopleusing innovative approaches. He feelsthe traditional ways are out of sync withthe pressures and demands of today’slifestyle. He feels there are many gapsbetween the young and the systemsused by governments all over the world.He professes that we cannot live life todaywith the methods that worked in thelast century and life must be viewed in thepresent time with an eye on the future.

He has been applauded and accordedmany awards from all over the worldfor his visionary leadership. Theseinclude the Visionary Leadership inInnovative Education Award fromNew York. The Moscow Academy ofthe State and Municipal Management,Russia conferred upon him Professorship,a first for a Malaysian. He was bestowedthe title – Asia’s Most Creative Thinkerand Personality – by the Deputy LordMayor of the City of Westminster inLondon. He was honoured with theMentor Entrepreneur Of The YearAward by SMI and SME WorldwideNetwork at its third Business of theYear 2007 Awards.

Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kok Wing is presentlyPresident/ Chairman/ Adviser/ Fellow/Member/ Trustee of:

•Limkokwing University Of CreativeTechnology

•Limkokwing Executive Leadership College•Limkokwing Global Alliance•Limkokwing Foundation For

Creative Excellence•Limkokwing Institute For Tomorrow•Limkokwing Sound & Music

Design Academy•Limkokwing Lifestyle Design Academy•Limkokwing Film & Television Academy•The Asia Creativity Institute•K-Economy Enabling Institute•Centre For Content Creation•Public Opinion & Perception Research •International House

• Malaysia Design Innovation Centre•Council For Effective Communications• Malaysian Institute Of Directors• Malaysian Education Promotion Council•Council for Effective Communications• Malaysia Branding & Packaging

Design Institute• Malaysian World Peace Foundation• Malaysian Content Creation Council• Malaysian American Society• National Creativity & Innovation Institute•National Innovation Council•National Higher Education Council• Malaysian Arts & Culture Council• Malaysia Design Creativity Centre•Think Malaysia, UK•Designers & Animators Guild Malaysia

& UK•Imperial Academy of London, UK

“ Across the world, inspirational universityleaders are in very short supply . From my veryfirst visit to Limkokwing in KL it was clear thatat its helm is an amazing brain, namely that ofProfessor Tan Sri Limkokwing. He has inspiredchange in his University, his own country and inmany other countries.”

Professor Dr Michael ThorneVice-Chancellor, Anglia Ruskin University, UK,2007

Limkokwing University of Creative TechnologyUnited Kingdom • Botswana • Lesotho • China • Cambodia • Indonesia • Malaysia

www .limkokwing.edu.my