Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) has awarded an honorary Doctor of Social Science degree to former Indonesian president Prof Dr Megawati Soekarnoputri. It is the first honorary doctorate in social science to be given by UTAR. The degree was presented by UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh on October 2.
Megawati was honored for her outstanding achievements, visionary leadership, and relentless commitment to advancing social and political discourse in Indonesia and beyond. UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat acknowledged Megawati’s contribution in promoting regional peace, enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, and supporting initiatives like the Asean Declaration on Joint Action against terrorism.
In his remarks during the conferment ceremony held at UTAR Sungai Long campus, Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat also praised Megawati for defying societal norms and actively engaging in civil service, setting a true example for women.
Megawati expressed her gratitude for the honorary doctorate and highlighted the global recognition of UTAR’s intellectual tradition, which she attributed to the pioneering efforts of Tunku Abdul Rahman, one of Malaysia’s founding fathers. She also emphasized that the award carries not only academic responsibility but also the responsibility for a better future for the earth and humanity.
Megawati, the daughter of Indonesia’s first president Sukarno, served as the fifth president of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004. She currently serves as the chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the chair of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) steering committee.
Among those present at the ceremony were Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Hermono and Indonesia’s House Speaker Puan Maharani, who is also Megawati’s daughter. The ceremony was also attended by Higher Education director-general Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and his wife Toh Puan Ena Ling, UTAR council members Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Hew Fen Yee, and Datuk Lee Leck Cheng, who is also a board of trustees member, as well as another board of trustees member Datuk Seri Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
