Recognize Outstanding recognised Students At The Diamond Awards

Kuala Lumpur: In a night packed with fun, flair and substance, hundreds of Botswana students from all around Malaysian universities gathered at the HGH Convention centre to recognise and award outstanding students amongst Botswana community.

The event titled “The LINK Diamond Awards” and sponsored by Echo Park clothing company, Nose Shoes Company and Malaysiantoday as media partners spotlighted student talents and extra-mural achievements in sports, the entertainment industry and charity work.

“Batswana students are generally active and loaded with multiple talents but most of them do not have a platform to exhibit their talents,” Benny Kgolo, one of the main organisers said, “so, we created an atmosphere where everyone can to compete to show what they can do.”

In a spectacular and fun ambient, students competed within various categories such as ‘Best Clothing Label of the Year,’ ‘Best Social Network,’ ‘Best Event Organiser of the Year,’ and many more. The judging was based on student popular vote.

“Indeed patience and hard work pays. Thanks to God, my parents and especially my fans,” Tsholofelo Bayford, winner of the Best Vocalist Award, said when receiving the award.

In an amazing display of gratitude Botswana students honoured and recognised Malaysian figures, who have played an important role in their lives during their stay in Malaysia. Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing was conferred with the Creative Excellence Award in honour of the transitional creative education he has pioneered amongst Batswana for over 10 years.

“With this award we honour a man whose work has gone beyond the call of duty. His works of charity amongst us makes him more of a father to us,” Matshidiso Letshwenyo, a Limkowing student and one of the award presenters said. Recently, Tan Sri donated at least P68, 000 (equivalent of RM30, 000) to Kitso, a Botswana student studying at UCSI who needed P250.000 for a kidney operation.

Another recipient of the LINK Prestigious Award Pastor Julie of Glad Tidings Church, was awarded Outstanding Community Service Award for her commitment and kindness towards Batswana students’ welfare in Malaysia.

The LINK Club, a main body behind the awards, is made up of five BaStswana students with a mission to brand students’ talents and abilities through organising events and promotional campaigns. The event was their first and the team wishes to introduce it to Botswana to groom and promote youth’s initiatives.

In Malaysia, there are over 2 300 Botswana students in at least 10 universities studying courses in a variety of disciplines.