PENANG, November 2014 - The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was conferred an honorary Doctor of Law degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) 50th convocation held here recently.

The award was presented by USM’s Chancellor, the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.

In his royal address after receiving the award, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei said he regarded the award as an honour for him and the people of Brunei which could serve as a catalyst towards efforts to enhance existing relations between Brunei and Malaysia.

His Majesty added that the award was very meaningful not only to him but also to the people of Brunei, and he will cherish it for the rest of his life.

His Majesty also hoped to see the education cooperation between the two neighbouring countries continue to be enhanced especially in the area of student exchange.

“Brunei always welcomes Malaysians to further their studies at insitutions of higher learning in Brunei.

“Brunei, like Malaysia, also emphasises the importance of education for our people. We hope to have educated citizens and highly knowledgeable and skilled workers in our workforce by the year 2035,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty was born on 15th July 1946 in Brunei Town (now Bandar Seri Begawan), and had his early education in Brunei Darussalam before moving to Kuala Lumpur to further his studies.

His Majesty was trained as an Officer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom in 1966-67.

His Majesty was installed as The Crown Prince in 1961 at the age of 15, and was officially proclaimed as the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on 5th October 1967.

His Majesty is an accomplished polo, squash and badminton player and also a qualified pilot of aeroplanes and helicopters.

His Majesty Sultan of Brunei was earlier introduced by USM Vice-Chancellor, Profesor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman in the ceremony.  

In his citation speech, Omar said that the honorary degree conferment to the Sultan of Brunei marked a historical moment for USM, especially as USM celebrated its Golden Jubilee convocation.

“The award is also meaningful as I am confident that it will help to hasten the efforts of establishing an ASEAN community that will work towards a common goal, in sharing of resources and mobilising the existing strength,” said Omar.  

“USM is indeed honoured to bestow the honorary degree to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei who epitomises a leader who is highly respected among the academic community who deeply cares about the future of its citizen’s education,” he added.

Also present were the Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid; Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Pulau Pinang Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr) Hj. Abdul Rahman Abbas and wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff; Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh; and Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man.

The Golden Jubilee convocation ceremony was held over nine sessions from 5th – 9th November where 5,474 graduates received their scrolls in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. - Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md.Isa