UTAR confers Honorary Doctor of Social Science upon Prof Dr (HC) Hj Megawati Soekarnoputri

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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