UST honors former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who is in Manila for a visit in connection with the University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial and welcoming of the Neo-centennial celebration, was conferred an Honorary Professorship by UST yesterday.

The title is bestowed upon distinguished foreign individuals who have achieved exceptional international distinction in their respective fields of expertise. Dr. Mahathir is the third recipient of the title. Previous recipients included a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and a Chancellor from the Vatican.

Dr. Mahathir also delivered a neo-centennial keynote lecture at a special convocation held at UST Medicine Auditorium with the theme “Good Governance, Poverty Alleviation, and the Role/Importance of Foreign Direct Investment.” He later handed over the autographed copies of his book “A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad” to UST.

Dr. Mahathir and Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali who arrived in Manila on June 10 were received on arrival by Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines and officials of the Malaysian Embassy in Manila. A high tea with the Malaysian community was organized by the Embassy at the official residence on the same day.

The program of Dr. Mahathir in Manila also included a dinner organized by the Asia Society at the Peninsula Hotel, where he delivered a keynote remark on “Nation Building and Economic Development.”