Human Development

NAPEI Award for Education Excellence in Private Education

Addressed by Tan Sri Lim
24 September 2003

It is not often that one is singled out by one′s peers for recognition of having achieved excellence beyond their own, especially when one′s peers are also one′s competition.

That makes this occasion special.

And it makes this award an honour my staff and I will be very proud of.

NAPEI I must thank for this very warm gesture. NAPEI′s president, Dr Mohamed Thalha I must thank for the generosity of his kind words and thoughtfulness.

If we have done well, it′s because we have been given the opportunity.

And for that, we are grateful to many.

To the Government who has shown us much faith and given us much support.

To the Malaysian public, who has shown us enormous goodwill and loyalty.

To the parents who have placed their trust in us; who have sent their most precious to us.

To the students themselves who have come to us not only from all over the country, but from all over the world.

To the President of NAPEI, Dr Mohamed Thalha, who has always a kind word, always a kind gesture.

Most of all, to our astonishing Prime Minister, who has not only made all of what we have done possible, but also inspired us all with what he has done.

Because of him, Malaysia is today home to more than thirty thousand foreign students who have chosen to pursue their higher education here from close to a hundred countries.

Because of the Prime Minister, not only are thousands of Malaysian students able to obtain their academic degrees now without having to travel a long way from home, and we, the industry, have come a long way in our quest to make Malaysia a centre of excellence for education.

And we, as an institution of higher learning, especially as one with a high level of specialisation, have covered a long distance in our own quest to be the best in the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you have made this a very special day for me, and the college that bears my name. I thank you for this privilege and honour. And may I take this opportunity to wish you another successful year in 2004.