Lim set up the Limkokwing Foundation for People with Disabilities to create a more inclusive future for all.
FOR the past five decades, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing has quietly dedicated his life to lifting up others, regardless of race, religion, or political ideology.
His unsung journey helping the less fortunate, the marginalised, the displaced, the persecuted, and the disabled has taken him across oceans and deserts, touching the lives of those in the inner city, deep in the estate plantations and rural backwaters, in refugee camps and conflict zones.
Today marks the latest chapter in Lim’s philanthropic journey as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and the Limkokwing Foundation for People with Disabilities embark on a new collaboration with the Unesco Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE).
In collaboration with the IITE, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology will venture into implementing new ICT solutions in education for people with disabilities.
“This collaboration will hopefully see more people with disabilities become active knowledge constructors and global citizens who participate fully in all aspects of society,” said Limkokwing University of Creative Technology senior vice-president for corporate development Datuk Gail Phung.
The parties will work together on research as well as piloting advanced technologies including interactive tools, online tools, and assistive technologies to enhance teaching, learning and social inclusion.
The university and IITE, working closely with the foundation, will also work on an exciting new project called the “ICT for University Accessibility Network” which is also aimed at social and educational inclusion of students with disabilities.
On a mission
The Limkokwing Foundation for People with Disabilities is on a mission to provide greater access to tertiary education and vocational training for individuals living with impairments, equipping them with the ability to harness their talent in pursuit of realising their true potential.
It was set up by Lim, the university’s founder and president, with the vision to create a more inclusive future for all, based on the belief that inclusivity powers innovation and every human being can contribute value to society if given the opportunity to participate.
“Inclusivity brings about unique perspectives and fresh ideas.
“When everyone is included in the conversation, it gives us a better chance of finding solutions for the global problems we face today.
“The more inclusive we are, the more innovative we will be,” said Lim.
The foundation is headquartered at the Cyberjaya campus of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, where the spirit of inclusivity in education has been in practice since the inception of the university in 1991.
Unlike any other institution, at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, students with disabilities learn together with other students in the same classrooms, lecture halls and laboratories.
They share meals together, perform on stage and take part in sports and recreational activities, inculcating the spirit of inclusivity in every Limkokwing student on every Limkokwing campus around the world.
This fully immersive experience, where there are no boundaries of politics, race, religion or impairments, helps Limkokwing students with disabilities graduate into confident and highly capable young leaders of tomorrow.
Able-bodied students also benefit from this inclusivity as they learn compassion and gain better understanding of the challenges faced by people living with impairments. This holistic university experience is unique to all Limkokwing students, preparing them for their career and life journey ahead.
The Limkokwing Academy for People with Disabilities takes the spirit of inclusivity at Limkokwing University one step further.
The academy caters specifically to people with disabilities who are not academically eligible to enrol for tertiary programmes at the university.
It offers vocational training to people with disabilities with emphasis on technology, design and creativity, conducted in a fully-inclusive international campus environment.
The academy’s short courses are specifically designed to harness the latent talent of people with disabilities, with a focus on helping them gain employment or become self-employed.
