MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Faculty and students at the Mandeville-based Northern Caribbean University (NCU) say they are inspired by billionaire Michael Lee-Chin following his recent wealth creation presentation here.

NCU President Dr Lincoln Edwards told the Jamaica Observer that the university, which has 3,500 registered students, has been a beneficiary of Lee-Chin’s investments and advice.

We are a values-based institution and that is what he finds attractive — in addition to the bright students and excellent faculty. We really appreciate the interest that he has in the university and the generosity that he has expressed to the university, and we thank him for that,” said Edwards.

Lee-Chin, the chairman of NCB Financial Group Limited, through his presentation including his 18 principles of wealth creation, sought to empower the students and faculty members to embrace healthy financial habits through education.

Sharian Blagrove, a final-year journalism student at Northern Caribbean University

He was joined by NCB Foundation chair Thalia Lyn during his visit and NCU as part of efforts to enhance the visibility of senior NCB leadership among current and prospective customers, and raise awareness of the wealth management options offered by NCB Financial Group.

“It was an excellent presentation. This is a man who stands extremely valuable but he chose to come to the Northern Caribbean University so he could share with the students the secrets of wealth creation. And you heard from the questioning that the students were interested and they were excited about the opportunity to hear from the lips of someone who is a phenomenal success, a billionaire,” Edwards said.

Sharian Blagrove, a final-year journalism student, said Lee-Chin’s presentation was very insightful.

“He gave us some tips [for wealth creation], and one that stands out to me is that future wealth is equal to PV, so that is equal to everything you will have once you make that investment. As university students we are not the wealthiest, we are struggling to make ends meet — especially if we don’t have that support that would be beneficial in our time of studying. His presentation really opened my mind to investing,” she said.

Mario Lewis, a first-year theology student at Northern Caribbean University

Mario Lewis, a first-year theology student, shared similar sentiments.

“I found the presentation to be very insightful and beneficial to me as a student, given the fact that he gave us practical tips that should lead us towards wealth building. You hear about three-piece at KFC? He gave us an 18-piece advice, and in it we learnt about preparing, planning for the future; identifying that role model that you want to emulate; and learn the strategies and putting them into effect. And so [as it relates to] wealth building, I can agree with Mr Lee-Chin that it is a very important factor of life,” said Lewis.

Dr Edwards said the recent event was NCB’s third visit to NCU this year.

“It means that they appreciate the students that we have here, and the values-based education that we offer at NCU is attractive to them, and they want to make sure that our students are successful going forward,” he said.

He pointed to Hyacinth Chen School of Nursing as an investment by Lee-Chin at NCU.

“The Hyacinth Chen School of Nursing was built in honour of Mr Lee-Chin’s mother, Mrs Hyacinth Chen, and he provided the funding for that building under the leadership of Dr Herbert Thompson at the time,” he said.

He said Lee-Chin’s siblings have also invested in NCU’s development.

“He [Lee-Chin] keeps coming back to ensure that the legacy that he left in honour of his mother is preserved, and the relationship grew out of that, so even his brother Wayne Chen has his children participating in Feast of Lights,” said Edwards.

“His brother Bobby Chen came with Thalia Lyn to visit the simulation lab. His sister, Lisa, has an interest in the sowing classes that we are trying to develop here, so we are building a relationship with the family. And what is attractive to them is the values that were instilled in him by his mother are similar to the values he sees at the Northern Caribbean University,” added Edwards.