Limkokwing post opens up new
cultural horizons for Lithuanian
2 September 2008
Here I come...Ruta trying out the tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh.
The passion to discover Asia and learn about its culture steeped in history proved irresistible for economics and finance graduate from Vilnius University, Ruta Salvyte. When she came across a vacancy on the Internet for an intern at Limkokwing University she jumped at the opportunity without any hesitation.
“I have travelled a great deal in Europe but I have always wanted to visit Asia which is rich in culture,” says the 24-year-old graduate. “So here I am.”
Ruta from Lithuania...six-hour bus ride to Angkor Wat.
Ruta came to Malaysia in March under a six-month internship with Limkokwing. Little did she know that the Cyberjaya campus has attracted nearly 8,000 students from 130 countries.
The stint was too short for her to explore Asia, so she extended her stay by securing the post of project coordinator at the university.
Now she is killing two birds with one stone – getting hands-on working experience and soaking up Asian culture.
Why did she pick Limkokwing? “I love to be involved in the education sector,” she explains. “It is like being part of life-long learning, part of growing up in a family.”
Relevant courses in Cambodia
To her delight, Ruta was dispatched to Cambodia in August for the orientation of the university’s first intake of students at its newly-established campus in Phnom Penh. The trip enabled her to gain an insight into the country’s history, tradition and lifestyle.
Ruta (centre) with students and staff at the lobby of the Phnom Penh campus.
“The Cambodian students are very energetic and keen on learning through activities rather than listening,” she says. “The courses offered are relevant to Cambodia; they will help to produce a new generation of Khmers who will contribute to its economic development.” The new landmark, a six-storey building in Phnom Penh, has grabbed the headlines. Limkokwing Cambodia is set to transform not only the country’s tertiary education landscape but also the people’s mindset.
In the words of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, “this is a highly regarded university, famous for its ability to empower young people with skills in digital technology and creative knowledge that are needed to excel in a fast-changing global environment.”
New campus in Bali
Ruta can hardly be said to be living in a fast lane. Her hobbies are down-to-earth – reading, jogging and dancing. A creative type, she likes to make fashion accessories for her personal use.
Bitten by the culture bug, Ruta took a six-hour bus ride to Angkor Wat, the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. The Cambodian fact-finding trip was incomplete with a visit to 12th century state temple and capital city built for King Suryavarman II.
Ruta mingling with Cambodian students and academics at the computer lab.
Ruta also took time off to visit one of the infamous Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum. “That was to learn about the sad part of the country’s history under the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979,” she says.
Now back at the Cyberjaya campus, Ruta is setting her sights on journeys to Thailand and China. She is likely to have a chance to be in Bali where a new Limkokwing campus will be set up soon.
“I hope to visit Africa in the near future,” she says. “Limkokwing has campuses in Botswana and Lesotho. The university believes in discovery and exploration. Well, you can count me in.”
