UTAR conferred the Honorary Doctor
of Social Science upon the esteemed Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri
on 2 October 2023. Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri, former President
of Indonesia, was honoured at a formal conferment ceremony held at UTAR
Sungai Long Campus. The ceremony was held in the tradition of UTAR
convocation with all its formalities and ceremonial convocation robes. UTAR
Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh conferred the award of
the Honorary Doctor of Social Science.
The ceremony was attended by Prof
Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri’s daughter, Yang Mulia Puan Maharani;
family members, dignitaries, academics and friends from Indonesia. Deputy
Chairman of the MPR-RI Dr Ahmad Basarah was also present, including His
Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Indera Hermono and Prof Purnomo Yusgiantoro,
Founder and Advisory Board of Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center.
UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong
Sik, Toh Puan Ena Ling, UTAR Board of Trustees members, UTAR Council
Members, academics and staff, graced the formal ceremony. Invited guests
were Mr Lim Chai Hock, Chief Operating Officer of PT Bayan Resources; and
Chin Hin Group Berhad Independent Non-Executive Director Datuk Cheng Lai
Hock and his wife Datin Cheng were also present.
Tan Sri Ting
(left) conferring the Honorary Doctor of Social Science upon Prof Dr (HC) Hj
Megawati Soekarnoputri (right), witnessed by Tun Ling (seated, middle)
Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati
Soekarnoputri’s contributions, particularly in the area of education;
closing the gap between urban and rural areas, and improving the lives of
lower-income groups in Indonesia, have made substantial contributions to
advancing knowledge, promoting democracy and social justice, and fostering
positive social change.
Her immense contributions to the
Republic of Indonesia and to humanity are achievements aspired by social
scientists. As Head of the Steering Committee of the National Research and
Innovation Agency (BRIN), she plays a pivotal role in setting the direction
and priorities of BRIN, a key agency responsible for advancing research and
innovation in Indonesia. Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri's
contributions to education in Indonesia are significant, particularly
through her leadership in enacting the new Law on the National Education
System in 2003. This legislation has played a crucial role in improving the
quality of education and providing greater access to education for
marginalised groups.
The conferment of the Honorary
Doctor of Social Science recognises Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri’s
exceptional achievements, visionary leadership, and tireless dedication to
advancing social and political discourse in Indonesia.
Prof Dr (HC) Hj
Megawati Soekarnoputri during her acceptance speech
Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati
Soekarnoputri expressed, “I am certainly very grateful for this honour. The
responsibility of this honorary degree carries not only academic
responsibility but also responsibility for a better future of our Earth and
humanity.”
She added, “May the cooperation of
the two friendly nations, with their cultural and customary similarities be
further strengthened and enhanced. May the true friendship of two
neighbouring countries be more productive, more solid and mutually
beneficial for the national interest of both countries. I am highly
convinced that the mutual cooperation of our two beloved nations will have a
far-reaching positive impact for a better and sustainable world.”
Prof Dato’ Ewe
Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “The Honorary
Doctorate of UTAR is the highest honour conferred by UTAR in support of
exceptional contributions to the society, and remarkable success in the
respective field of work, which have also significantly advanced the mission
and values of the university. Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri’s
acceptance of this honorary doctorate degree is especially meaningful to the
university; as this is the first Honorary Doctorate in Social Science to be
awarded by UTAR.”
“This will also be a significant
moment that etches the friendships and mutual recognition between Malaysia
and Indonesia. Over the years, UTAR has collaborated with 15 Indonesian
universities in the areas of staff and student exchanges, joint research and
commercialisation, conferences, training and knowledge exchange. Such
collaborations enable us to work together in support of education and human
capital development for both countries,” added Prof Dato’ Ewe.
UTAR takes great pride in
conferring this honorary doctorate and welcomes Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati
Soekarnoputri to the UTAR academic community.
Seated from left:
UTAR Council Member Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Chor Chee Heung, Founder and Advisory
Board of Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center and PT Bayan Resources Chairman Prof Ir
Purnomo Yusgiantoro, UTAR Council Member Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan
Onn, UTAR Council Member Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Chuah
Hean Teik, UTAR Council Member Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, UTAR BoT and
Council Member Datuk Lee Leck Cheng, Tan Sri Ting, Tun Ling, Prof Dr (HC) Hj
Megawati Soekarnoputri, Ministry of Higher Education Director General Prof
Dr Azlinda binti Azman, Prof Dato’ Ewe, UTAR BoT member Dato’ Seri
Kalimullah bin Masheerul Hassan, Head of Agency for Pancasila Ideology
Education Prof Drs K.H. Yudian Wahyudi, UTAR Council Members Datuk Lim Si
Cheng and Mr Hew Fen Yee with the academics
Seated from
seventh: Tan Sri Ting, Tun Ling, Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri,
Prof Dr Azlinda and Prof Dato’ Ewe with the academics and students
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