The doctorate was presented by Limkokwing’s chancellor and Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Kalsom.

The sultan in his speech, thanked the university for the recognition and congratulated the students who graduated with degree and diploma programmes.

“I am very proud to note that here in Malaysia we have an institution where young people from across the world have found the right place to build the skills they need to create a meaningful life for themselves.

“I want to thank the university for providing me this opportunity to share my thoughts with people who have come from both far and near to be here in this one place, in this one hall.”

The ceremony was also attended by the prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Limkokwing’s founder president, Tan Sri Dr Lim Kok Wing.

Lim said the doctorate was in honour of the sultan’s impressive knowledge in statecraft and his benevolence and compassion in looking after his people.

He said they took pride in recognising the charismatic leadership of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, who had been a national icon for societal and youth development for many years.

“His Royal Highness is known to many as a ruler with a heart of gold because of the immense love he bears for his subjects and the enormous contribution he has made to the welfare of his people.

“Who has not heard of his readiness to mingle with his people, spurring them on to do better and ever ready to listen to their concerns.

“It is a relationship much like a father has with his children.”

More than 1,000 students graduated at the convocation ceremony held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre.