Najib conferred honorary doctorate by Ohio University

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak credited Ohio University for its contributions to Malaysia’s development after the American varsity conferred him with an honorary degree.

The Prime Minister said the university in its partnership with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) had developed various programmes, notably in business, accounting and communication, which had boosted the national talent pool since 1968.

“Although Malaysia has many natural resources, the path to modernity was not straightforward. We needed dynamic entrepreneurs, strong institutions and business-friendly civil servants.

“Ohio University played a very real part in our national development. At a time when much attention is focused on the rise of Asia, its contributions to our history will not be forgotten,” he added.

Najib said that more than 2,400 Malay­sians had graduated from Ohio Uni­versity, making the alumni the biggest group outside the state of Ohio.

“Engineers trained in Ohio built the bridges and buildings on which Malaysia’s modernisation depended on. Accountants and business graduates helped to create a strong and internationally competitive private sector, while teachers and professionals ensured that the skills learnt in Ohio were embedded within Malaysia’s institutions,” he said in his speech after he was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the university at the UiTM main campus here yesterday.

He joins a list of outstanding Malay­sians who have received similar degrees from the university, including the late 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja’afar Ibn al-marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the late prime minister Tun Hussein Onn and former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam.

Ohio University trustee David Brightbill said Najib’s accomplishments as a national and international leader provided Malaysia with a position for success and international recognition.