INTERNATIONAL TOLERANCE DAY 2016: Regarded as Malaysia’s United Nations as it has students from many cultures and faiths, Limkokwing University once again hosted the event
THE inaugural observance of International Tolerance Day in Malaysia, organised by the Department of National Unity and Integration, was first held at Limkokwing University in November 2014.
Limkokwing University founder and president Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing was recognised as Malaysia’s Goodwill Ambassador by the Prime Minister’s Department in the same year.
This year, as strategic partner of the department, the university has once again played host of the event themed Sehati (oneness) in a pledge to continuously support the nation’s push for peace and tolerance.
Limkokwing’s Sound and Music Design Academy wrote a song and produced a video to promote respect and understanding both within Malaysia and the international community for the event launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
Regarded by many as Malaysia’s United Nations, Limkokwing University is a myriad of different cultures, faiths and traditions, where all are shown equal respect and tolerance is all pervasive.
This multiculturalism aspect of the university is vital in combating prejudice among youths of different nationalities and cultures while promoting equality, inclusiveness and equitable learning environments on campus.
This brings out the best in students and gives them the confidence, experience and empowerment to successfully make the transition from university to the world of work.
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture student Ayesha Hakura Baig, from Japan, said being part of the multicultural university has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience as she has not encountered such a unique blend of great mentors and amazing cultures.
“It has not only provided me with an enjoyable atmosphere and quality education but has also made me the person I am today. The university has given me a new perspective on innovation, it has taught me that creativity has no boundaries, and that achievements have no limits if you set your mind to it.”
German Carolin Guenther said she has had the chance to learn, share and gain so much from Limkokwing’s brand of cross-cultural education.
“This is truly the world in one place, a place where you learn to make your dreams come true. This has been a life-changing experience for me as an exchange student from Germany.
“It has pushed my limits and taught me so much about myself,” said Guenther, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Professional Communication student.
Aisath Maisha from Maldives said the university has not only provided her with an enjoyable environment for creative and quality education but has also paved so many pathways for her to achieve a better life.
“The warmth and colours of the university campus, along with the amazing friends that I have had the pleasure of getting to know, make me almost forget that I am 3,000km away from home.
“The enormous multicultural student population is amazing. The astounding unity among us creates an example not just for Malaysia, but also for the world to see.
“Limkokwing University has become a lifestyle that all of us try to live up to and I am honoured to be a Student Ambassador of Maldives at the university,” said the Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies student.
Khalid Abu Radi, from Palestine, who is pursuing the Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Entrepreneurship programme, said students usually attend university to gain knowledge, but Limkokwing University offers a life experience.
“The university guides us to share awareness about humanity in the world among our generation. Through the experiences that I have gained, I am now on the path that leads me to my successful future career.”
Malaysian Iliyas Joshnail, a Professional Diploma in Performance Arts and Creativity programme student, said scholars from all over the globe come together as one, regardless of the occasion.
“Everyone in Limkokwing has become my extended family,” he added.
The celebration showcased unity among ordinary Malaysians. In addition to a range of multicultural food for sampling and cultural performances, an exhibition on universal values was held. A forum, titled Building Bridges towards Harmony through Tolerance and Moderation, served as a platform for young Malaysians from different cultures to exchange views on how to achieve greater national harmony in the country.
In his opening speech, Kurup said the world today has a diversity of people practising different religious beliefs and cultures, and almost 6,000 languages.
“The key to keep this dynamic and holistic interactions between the people living in our globe robust, alive, seamless, homogenous and yet productively progressive is tolerance.
“Tolerance is the foundation for mutual respect among people and communities, and is vital for building a harmonious society based on shared values.
“It is a virtue and a quality, but above all, tolerance is an act — the act of reaching out to others and seeing differences not as barriers but as invitations for dialogue and understanding.”
Kurup added that Malaysians have gone beyond mere tolerance to accept the practices of other communities as long as they do not violate their beliefs, freedom or rights.
“Many Malaysians have inter-religious tolerance and understanding between each other which enable them to manage differences and further strengthen trust, openness and unity among them.
“This is the beauty of Malaysians beyond the richness of festivities, food and culture.”