The National University of Singapore (NUS) today conferred the Honorary Doctor of Laws on His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan and Sovereign Ruler of the State and Territories of Johor Darul Ta'zim, in recognition of his integral role in ensuring the peace, progress and prosperity of the State of Johor, and his invaluable contributions towards the strengthening of ties between Singapore and Malaysia.
A special conferment ceremony, presided over by Madam Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor, was held at the Istana. The Honorary Degree is the University's highest form of recognition for outstanding individuals who have rendered distinguished service and had a great impact locally and globally.
The ceremony at the Istana was attended by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, Permaisuri Johor; His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Mahkota Johor; Her Highness Che' Puan Besar Khaleeda Binti Bustamam, consort of the Tunku Mahkota Johor; and His Excellency Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor.
The ceremony was also attended by Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee and the following Singapore ministers: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong; Minister for Transport Mr S Iswaran; Minister for Education Mr Chan Chun Sing; Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee; and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.
NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said, "NUS is honoured and privileged to confer the Honorary Doctor of Laws on His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim. Under Sultan Ibrahim's leadership, the close friendship between Singapore and Johor, and Malaysia, has grown deeper and stronger. Sultan Ibrahim is a distinguished leader and respected monarch of many outstanding attributes − a seasoned soldier, a benevolent philanthropist, and above all, a caring ruler who has the welfare of his subjects at heart."
A compassionate and wise leader
A trained military officer, the 63-year-old Sultan Ibrahim had also furthered his studies in the areas of diplomacy and international relations. He attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, where he completed courses on Southeast Asian Strategic Studies and International Law of the Sea.
Additionally, Sultan Ibrahim acquired administrative experience during his attachments with various departments of the Johor State Government, including the State Secretary's Office and the Johor Department of Town and Country Planning.
Sultan Ibrahim's compassionate and wise leadership has given encouragement to his people, and brought peace, progress and prosperity to Johor. He frequently mingles with his subjects and tirelessly makes visits to all corners of Johor.
