NUS confers Honorary Doctor of Letters on Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS on 8 January 2025 in recognition of her significant contributions to Thailand and the international community, as well as her integral role in strengthening ties between Singapore and Thailand through her support of various Singapore initiatives in education.
Princess Sirindhorn was presented with the honorary degree during a conferment ceremony presided over by NUS Chancellor Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, held at the Istana.
The Honorary Degree is the University’s highest form of recognition for outstanding individuals who have rendered distinguished service and made a significant impact on Singapore and the world.
In his speech at the conferment ceremony, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye commended Princess Sirindhorn for embodying the spirit of scholarship through her wide-ranging academic pursuits, her contributions to advancing education around the world, as well as her unwavering dedication to development and humanitarian efforts with various Thai and international organisations.
“Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is an accomplished academic, a polyglot, an educator, a royal with a heart for the Thai people, and a cherished friend to Singapore,” said Prof Tan. “We are deeply inspired by her exceptional talents, unwavering dedication to serving underprivileged communities, and her commitment to creating meaningful impact.”
An academically accomplished royal
Presenting the citation for Princess Sirindhorn’s conferment, Professor Simon Chesterman, NUS Vice Provost (Educational Innovation) and Dean of NUS College, paid tribute to her distinguished career marked by multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Arts in Oriental Epigraphy, a Master of Arts in Pali and Sanskrit, and a Doctor of Education in Development Education. She has also been awarded Honorary Doctorates from esteemed institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and Peking University.
Princess Sirindhorn began her academic career teaching history at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in 1980, later serving as Director of the Department of History until her retirement in 2015. She has delivered lectures on topics such as Thai history, sustainable development, arts and humanities, education and sciences, and various developmental issues.
Prof Chesterman also highlighted Princess Sirindhorn’s “strong sense of intellectual curiosity”. Along with her extensive knowledge of botany and photography, Princess Sirindhorn has studied Pali, Sanskrit, Latin, and Khmer and speaks Thai, English, French, German, Latin and Mandarin. In addition, she has translated several Chinese literary works into Thai.
An unwavering dedication to service
Princess Sirindhorn is a patron of many philanthropic organisations and foundations that advance development, education, cultural preservation and humanitarian causes. They include the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation she established and the Chaipattana Foundation founded by her father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, where she oversees development projects in areas such as agriculture, water and natural resource management, social development and cultural conservation. She has also served as Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society since 1977.
“Her Royal Highness’ contributions have been recognised internationally. Her Royal Highness has received multiple awards and acknowledgements from countries around the world and international organisations, including the United Nations,” Prof Chesterman noted.
These include her appointments as Special Ambassador of the World Food Programme for School Feeding, in recognition of her expertise in nutrition and commitment to humanitarian work, and as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Empowerment of Minority Children through Education and through the Preservation of their Intangible Cultural Heritage, for her work in promoting the welfare of minority youth and children in remote areas.
An advocate for bilateral cooperation
In Singapore, Princess Sirindhorn has advocated for various initiatives related to science, technology and education.
“Her Royal Highness has also played an instrumental role in strengthening Singapore and Thailand’s strong and enduring friendship,” Prof Chesterman said, noting her support of the National Research Foundation’s Global Young Scientists Summit, which has broadened and deepened the bonds between young scientists of both countries. The Princess has frequently graced the summit’s opening ceremonies, including this year’s iteration, which was held a day earlier.
Her visit to NorthLight School in Singapore in 2013 led to an educational and cultural exchange programme between the school and the Chaipattana Foundation that continues today through reciprocal visits, alongside friendship and learning opportunities, for students of both countries.
In 2012, she was the inaugural recipient of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies’ Distinguished Honorary Fellow Award.
In her speech accepting the Honorary Doctor of Letters, Princess Sirindhorn said, “Receiving this honorary degree from NUS is a testament to the shared values, especially on education and development, between Thailand and Singapore. These values have contributed to strengthening the bonds in our two nations, especially when Thailand and Singapore celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.”
“This significant milestone is not only a reminder of deep ties of friendship, but also offers an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to envision new avenues for collaboration, especially in education, culture, research and innovation,” she added.
Read the press release here.
