KUALA LUMPUR – Many Malaysians will remember him for his role in promoting creative education – but Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing’s contributions to the nation go way beyond that.
As condolences pour in for the founder of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), who died aged 75 today, several eminent leaders paid their tributes for the man they described as an outstanding visionary and innovator.
Contributions to the country on various fronts
Speaking to The Vibes, National Council of Professors chairman Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said Lim, despite some criticisms he received, is a true example of how a local man from a humble beginning can become a household name.
Shamsul noted that Lim had not only excelled in his field of advertising and creative science, but also transformed and shared his knowledge via the foundation of his education institution.
“Beyond that, it will surprise many to know that he has also contributed vastly to the country on various fronts. But despite all this, I still remember him most for his unassuming personality,” he said today.
“He did not carry himself around as if he was the most important person, and I like that about him. He was a very humble man. But when he opened up his mouth and spoke, you just knew he had deep knowledge.”
Shamsul recalled an interview he had with Lim just prior to the 2018 general election when the pair spoke about the latter’s role in South Africa’s 1994 presidency of Nelson Mandela, which he said highlighted Lim’s true qualities.
It is a story hardly spoken about in Malaysia, but Lim was entrusted by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to lead and strategise Mandela’s victorious campaign towards the highest seat in South Africa.
“Mandela, who looked up to Malaysia for our anti-apartheid stand, had sought Mahathir for help for his presidency. And of all people, Mahathir sent Lim to head the campaign,” Shamsul said.
“Everyone talks about Mandela’s victory which is one of the most important political events of the 20th century, but there is actually a man who kickstarted the whole process and made that possible. We have to recognise this.
As I can clearly remember his words, he would say: ‘I can walk straight into Mandela’s office without an appointment.’ That says so much about him (Lim).
Tenacious in delivering Vision 2020 and MSC, among others
Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, former CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), lauded Lim as a man with clarity of vision and a passion and tenacity to see through his initiatives.
He said that in his time working together with Lim, the educator and philanthropist never lost sight of his goals, including when doing his part to deliver the Vision 2020 concept in the early 1990s.
“Those days, Mahathir used to invite many enlightened minds to help with the vision. He needed people who were able to think out of the box, and Lim was certainly one of those people,” Badlisham told The Vibes.
During their time at the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), Badlisham said Lim was one of the first few individuals to assist him in revitalising the programme, which was initially set up in 1996 to accelerate Vision 2020.
This, and his commitment to develop new talents in the multimedia industry with the foundation of LUCT, among many others, proved his commitment and drive in pushing Malaysia further forward globally.
“A man as driven as Lim will obviously solicit a lot of criticism, but beyond that let’s not forget the great contribution he has done for the country.
“Obviously, his work in the education field, in particular new media, has put Malaysia on the map. We know a lot of international students came to Malaysia because of what Lim Kok Wing, the man and the institution, promoted and represented.”
Behind silly appearance was a man with great talent
Senior academician Prof Emeritus Datuk Teo Kok Seong said Lim’s passing is a real big loss to Malaysia’s education sector, in particular the creative industry.
Describing Lim as a person who is synonymous with the creative field, Teo said the educator is also very respected globally for his extraordinary abilities and talent, and that this is best highlighted by the successful venture of LUCT in the United Kingdom.
“Yes, he has LUCT branches in many other developing countries. But for an Asian man to set up a creative education institution in the UK, it means he has made his global mark in the field. That speaks a lot about him.
“And under his ‘silly and unkempt’ appearance was a man with a lot of talent and power. He was a very successful entrepreneur, and himself, a creative person.
“I know when someone dies, it’s a human thing to feel a lot of sympathy. But in his case, it’s more than just a life. He helped add a lot of positive image to Malaysia,” he said.
Committed to academic excellence
Meanwhile, former deputy education minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan, who was a friend to Lim, described the latter as one of the most prolific educators the nation has seen.
Like the others, Kamalanathan said Lim was responsible for placing a Malaysian institution on the global creativity map and bringing praise and respect to the country through his commitment to academic excellence.
“Although the bright flame has gone out, the sunshine of his life-long service to education lives on as his international legacy continues to impact many more generations to come,” he said in a Facebook post.
The wake for the late Lim will be held on Thursday, from 2pm to 8pm, and Friday, from 10.30am to 2pm, at Hall 5, Nirvana 2 Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Bukit Seputeh. – The Vibes, June 1, 2021
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