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I was on my way to meet Dato Abdul Rahman Ibrahim of KRB Holdings at Malaysia Hall this morning when I got a call asking if it would be possible for me to meet Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing later in the afternoon. That, simply, is an opportunity that even a fool would not miss.

I have heard so much about the man, and I knew that he had opened a branch of the Limkokwing University in London. And I have also heard that he likes eveything black. But I have not met him personally before.

When we arrived at the cafe in Harrods, Limkokwing University’s vice-president, Dr Jayles Yeoh, was already waiting. Not long afterwards Tan Sri Lim arrived, with some shopping. (Of course, he was wearing all black!). I was quite surprised when he said “This is for you”, handing to me a bag with some Harrods goody. How many Tan Sri do you know who would take the trouble to buy gifts for people who come to see them?

We touched on various issues, but focused mainly on education in Malaysia, social cohesion, and influencing policy-makers. Tan Sri Lim was optimistic about the future. On politics, he said we must be patient. Impatience would only make your ideas be rejected, no matter how good they may be. When it came to education, he became very passionate. Our education system must challenge the best brains, and must not be based on learning by rote. If you don’t encourage students to think, they will become just another average Joe. And we don’t need more average Joes.

What can I say? It was a great meeting.