Arizona State University Confers Highest Accolade On A*STAR Chairman

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Abdullah SINGAPORE, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Arizona State University (ASU), internationally renowned for its academic faculty, conferred its highest honorary award on Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Lim received the Doctor of Laws honoris causa for his contributions to Singapore’s science and technology development and his commitment to the missions of teaching, scholarship and innovation. The honorary doctorate was conferred on Lim by ASU's President, Michael M. Crow, at the University's Spring commencement on May 3, 2012. Nominees for ASU's highest honour were selected for their broad impact in the field of study or action, technology or entrepreneurship for society's betterment; and distinguished service to the quality of human civilisation. Congratulating Lim for his award, Crow said, "In recognition of his global leadership and achievements related to complex global challenges in the areas of international security, education, economic development and advanced technology, Arizona State University is pleased to award Lim Chuan Poh the university's highest honour—the doctoral degree honoris causa. Expressing the award as a tremendous privilege and honour, Lim said Prof Crow had been guiding the transformation of ASU into one of the leading public research universities that combine the highest levels of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic and maximum societal impact. "This is a model that he coined as the "New American University". Singapore shares this common vision with ASU in pursuing excellence in education, research and innovation in our universities in order to transform the society we live in and bring benefits to the people," he added. Fellow honourees of ASU's top award were Tom Brokaw, the influential television broadcaster; Dr Eric Kandel, Nobel Laureate and world renowned neuroscientist on memory; and Dr Temple Grandin, the famed animal scientist and a passionate advocate for early intervention for children with autism. -- BERNAMA