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“Developing human capital is not merely accumulating knowledge and skills, it is integrated and wholesome advancement of the human person combing mental and physical prowess with moral integrity and spiritual strength.”

YAB Tun Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, 14 March 2011

Four decades of committed service

Human capacity development has always been close to his heart, in fact, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is well known for championing youth development in the country during his tenure as Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009. 

During this period, the country witnessed a number of eventful changes in the realm of youth empowerment most notably Islam Hadhari the principles of which Tun Abdullah wanted embedded in youth activities so as to develop the complete person.

The former Prime Minister was also instrumental in introducing the Higher Education strategic Plan and National Higher Education Action Plan, both these programmes were aimed at transforming public universities into world-class tertiary institutions. 

Due recognition for the elder statesman

It was for this precise reason that Limkokwing University chose to recognise Tun Abdullah for his unique leadership in the sector by honouring him with an Honorary Doctorate in Human Capacity Development for his legacy that he has built over 45 years of public service to the nation.

Close to a thousand students graduated from various disciplines, including more than 700 from 58 countries. The graduates form a new generation of future-ready young people empowered with holistic knolwedge, industry skills and positive mindsets to become global leaders in the mainstream of national development.

The conferment ceremony was held simultaneously with the University’s Class of 2011 graduation recently, where more than 700 of the 1,000 students graduating were from 58 countries worldwide. 

Tun Abdullah who gave away scrolls to some of the graduating students remarked in his acceptance speech that Limkokwing has done much to strengthen the education system with its unique brand of innovative education, and in the process, has globalised Malaysian education overseas successfully.

“And truly I can practically see the whole world right here because I was informed that the graduates are from 58 countries, a record no other University in Malaysia has. So this is something that must be applauded and I don’t think there is any other institution of higher learning in Malaysia that has done so much to build bridges for Malaysian education across many nations.”

Sense of caring and sharing

Tun Abdullah Badawi took the opportunity to depart from his prepared speech to sprinkle the new graduates with his dose of well meaning advice urging the young people to develop a strong “personality” as part of their learning adventure.

He told them that education moulds a character into disciplined members of the society contributing to its greatness and to their own positive image.

“What is important is that you must build your personality by inculcating in yourselves good values, because if you are just clever but you have no character at all. Therefore you must inculcate values of honesty, integrity and discipline to move ahead in life.”

The sanding ovation he got from the graduates and everyone in the Hall of Fame clearly proved that Tun Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi is a man of the people, a sincere leader who only wish is for the younger generation of all “colours” to become today’s movers and shakers in this and other countries that they come from.