1. Arizona State University (ASU), internationally renowned for its academic faculty, conferred its highest honorary award on Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
2. Mr 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 Mr Lim by ASU’s President, Mr Michael M. Crow, at the University’s Spring commencement on 3 May 2012.
3. 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.
4. Congratulating Mr Lim for his award, Mr Michael M. 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. His accomplishments reflect the highest standards of intellectual curiosity, exemplary training, business acumen and strategic vision. His contributions are international and expansive in scope. We are honoured to present this award to Mr. Lim during our state’s centennial year and our university’s 125th year of commencements.”
5. Mr Lim said, “It is a tremendous privilege and honour to be invited by President of Arizona State University, Prof Michael Crow, to receive the doctoral degree honoris causa. Prof Crow has 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.”
6. Fellow honourees of ASU’s top award were Mr 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.
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AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (A*STAR)
For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Vivian Heng
Head, Media Relations
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: 6826 6441 (O); 9783 1965 (Hp)
Germaine Shalla
Assistant Head, Media Relations
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: 6826 6297 (O); 8511 7478 (Hp)
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About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and six consortia & centres, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their immediate vicinity.
A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, and with other local and international partners.
