Singapore President receives honorary doctorate

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

The President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, today returned to the University of Adelaide to be awarded an honorary doctorate.

Dr Tan graduated with a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Adelaide in 1968. Today he received the University's highest honour - Doctor of the University (honoris causa) - in recognition of his contribution towards Singapore's development into a global hub of scientific research and education, and his exceptional contribution to public life.

Dr Tan became Singapore's 7th President in September 2011.

"Dr Tan is a long friend of the University of Adelaide's and one of its most distinguished graduates," says Professor Pascale Quester, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Adelaide.

"He is highly respected for his outstanding achievements both as a leader in the Singapore government, in the business sector and in academic life.

"We are honoured to have him at the University today and delighted to be able to award him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to Singaporean research and education, and to public office."

Dr Tan has had an illustrious career in the public and private sectors. In the Singapore Government he has served in a variety of portfolios including Education, Finance, Trade and Industry and Defence, and 10 years as Deputy Prime Minister.

He has been Chairman of the National Research Foundation and Deputy Chairman of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council, as well as holding leadership positions with the Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd and Government of Singapore Investment Corporation.

Dr Tan was awarded the University of Adelaide's Distinguished Alumni Award 2005.

He is the second graduate of the University to become President of the Republic of Singapore - the other being the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong (President 1993-99).

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