Human Development

Limkokwing University’s Graduation Ceremony 2006 (July)

Addressed by Tan Sri Lim at the Limkokwing University, Cyberjaya
15 July 2006

Let me begin by extending my heartiest congratulations to all who are graduating today, and all who are moving on to the next level.

I must also extend my warmest congratulations to all the parents and guardians who have joined us here today to celebrate this happy occasion.

Graduating Class of 2006, it has been a privilege to have you with us. The boundless energy, the multi-cultural vibrancy, the sense of style and creativity that you are well known for, and the noise that you have brought to this campus has motivated us all, and all that will be missed with your departure.

Before you move on, let me use these few moments that we have today to share with you some thoughts I have about the future.

When the world′s first installed general- purpose computer was introduced in 1955, it was so huge it would have filled up the entire floor space of this hall, and it weighed more than 30 tons.

Today, we call it a notebook. It′s so light you can lift it with two fingers and so small you can slip it into your pocket.

Your tiny mobile phone is now also a radio, a play station, a calculator, a digital camera, a video recorder. It is, for all intents and purposes, a mobile office. And soon enough it will also be your heart monitor, your life saver.

What used to take the combined energy of 60 people and 6 solid months can now be completed by 6 people in 6 days.

In the not too distant future, people will be able to live healthily till they are 200 years old, and those crazy enough can go to the moon for their honeymoon.

The future has always been about making the impossible possible. The future has always been driven by the power of creativity, and people with the drive to go where no one has been and do things that no one has done.

The future will always be about making possible the impossible.

The future belongs to those who do not simply accept things that are handed down and never take the easy way out.

Those who choose not to do ordinary things are always the ones to achieve extraordinary success. These are people who keep turning into reality every time they seize upon an opportunity.

It is my hope that you will be among those who strive to break new ground, and drive to create new goals.

Going forward, it is about being able to set things in motion across the world; it is about connecting and activating global networks that enable you to make things happen throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas all at once.

You already have the network connections, acquired the knowledge, the skills and you have the talents to make that happen.

The future is now in your hands. Use it well and it will take you to places you have never thought possible.

As you move forward, you must look back and show gratitude to the many people who have along the way shown you kindness -- people who were there to give you encouragement whenever you were down, and lend support whenever you needed strength to move up - your instructors, your classmates and close friends. It might not have crossed your mind that they wanted success for you more than you have thought about it yourself.

Most of all, you must always remember the unwavering, unquestioning support, the never-ending patience and generosity of your parents and guardians. If not for them, we will not be here celebrating today.

Class of 2006, as graduates of this University, you are expected to stand out and above the rest. You have a reputation to live up to and I know that you will. I know that you will uphold at all times the good name of this University, and that you will contribute continually to society and the well-being of humanity.

On that note, I bid you farewell, and extend to you my very best wishes in all that you do.

May this journey that you have started with us take you to the world′s most exciting places, and may your future be one of many success stories.

And this is my promise to you, wherever you may be, I will be right here watching and applauding.