The National University of Singapore (NUS) today conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand, in recognition of her remarkable contributions within Thailand and internationally, which have positively impacted the lives of many and brought significant benefits to Thailand and the global community. Princess Sirindhorn was the driving force behind several initiatives to bring the people of Singapore and Thailand, in particular our youths, together.
The Honorary Degree is the University's highest form of recognition for outstanding individuals who have rendered distinguished service and made significant impact, both locally and globally. A conferment ceremony, presided over by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor, was held at the Istana this afternoon.
NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said, "NUS is honoured to confer the Honorary Doctor of Letters on Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. She is an accomplished academic, a polyglot, an educator, a royal with a heart for the Thai people, and a cherished friend to Singapore. Her Royal Highness has lent her generous support to initiatives that seek to uplift, empower, and inspire young people through education, as well as many other meaningful causes including agricultural development, cultural conservation, disaster relief, and the right to food. We are deeply inspired by her exceptional talents, unwavering dedication to serving underprivileged communities, and her commitment to creating meaningful impact."
A distinguished academic and dedicated lifelong learner
Princess Sirindhorn has a strong aptitude for learning, holding several degrees - Bachelor of Arts in History, Master of Arts in Oriental Epigraphy, Master of Arts in Pali and Sanskrit, and a Doctorate in Education. She has a natural talent for languages, having studied languages such as Pali, Sanskrit, and Khmer, and is fluent in multiple languages, including Thai, English, French, German, Latin, and Mandarin. She has also translated several Chinese literary works into Thai.
Princess Sirindhorn started her academic career teaching history at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) in 1980. A passionate educator, she has taught courses in Thai studies, Thai history and Southeast Asian history, East Asian history, and contemporary world history. When CRMA established the Department of History in 1987, she became the Director of the Department, a role she held until her retirement in 2015. She has also delivered lectures on a diverse range of other topics, including on defence and military, sustainable development, arts and humanities, education and sciences, and various developmental issues.
A firm believer that knowledge acquisition fuels curiosity and sharpens minds, Princess Sirindhorn continues to exhibit intellectual curiosity in her pursuit of lifelong learning. She continues to deepen her knowledge in a broad range of subjects such as computing, cartography, meteorology, survey and photogrammetry, remote sensing and geographic information system and nutrition.
Princess Sirindhorn has received numerous Honorary Doctorates from prestigious educational institutions worldwide, including Johns Hopkins University and Peking University.
Notable contributions to Thailand and the international community
Princess Sirindhorn is highly respected for her role in advancing education, cultural preservation, and humanitarian efforts, both in Thailand and internationally. She is the patron of several foundations aimed at uplifting Thai society, including the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation and the Chaipattana Foundation. She is also the Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society.
Princess Sirindhorn has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions from countries around the world and esteemed UN organisations. In 2004, she was a Special Ambassador of the United Nations World Food Programme for School Feeding. In 2005, she was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Empowerment of Minority Children through Education and through the Preservation of their Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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