It was a ceremony of celebration when Limkokwing University of Creative Technology conferred an Honorary Doctorate, the University’s highest award to a distinguished member of the Royal Family of Malaysia.

The eldest daughter of His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Pahang, Her Royal Highness Tengku Puteri Seri Lela Wangsa Pahang Tengku Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Leadership in Social Development by Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr Limkokwing on 28 March 2013 at Limkokwing University’s Hall of Fame.

Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam is being recognized for her enormous contribution towards the charity work efforts in the care and development of children conducted by the Institute Tengku Ampuan Afzan (INTAZ) which she manages.

Limkokwing University described her as an inspiration to all Malaysians as she has satisfied her duties with a commitment that reveals her deep interest in the welfare of children both within the state of Pahang as well as beyond.

“I’m truly delighted to receive this Honorary Doctorate of Leadership in Social Development. I’m indeed very honoured by this recognition. It is with great pleasure that I accept this award and I thank the University for recognizing my humble efforts to do what I can for the society,” said Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam.

Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam also stated that, “I’m very grateful to the many people who assist me in my work and with them I managed the mission of the Institute Tengku Ampuan Afzan or INTAZ as we call it. It was created in the memory of my beloved late mother Almarhumah Tengku Ampuan Afzan who had inspired me to look into the physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development of children. My beloved father His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah has given me full support in what I do and that is the reason why the institute has expanded into seven centres in Pahang. The new school in Pekan and in Indera Mahkota, Kuantan will start operation soon.”

“Children are the future and I feel I am influencing that future by enabling their empowerment in whatever way I can that gives me a lot of satisfaction,” Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam.

“As this doctorate comes from this University, it fills me with great pride because this is Malaysia’s University of Innovation. And here I can see the happy faces of young people from the corners of the world. I was told by Tan Sri that the University has 156 countries now. They have come here to be empowered and Limkokwing University is among the most innovative in the world in unlocking the talent and potential of young people. That is why I’m so pleased to know that the University will be establishing the Royal College of Creativity and Innovation in Pahang,” explained Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam.

Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam said, “I understand that the college has been tasked by His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah to provide enabling programmes that will benefit the youths of Pahang especially in building their skills so they will be the driving force of transformation of Pahang. It is my sincere hope that with every successful young graduate, we will set in motion a chain reaction of change that will prevail in the long term to make Malaysia a better place for everyone.”

Also present at the convocation was her husband Yang Amat Berbahagia Datuk Seri Mohamed Taufeq Ozair, her sisters Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Puteri Seri Kemala Pahang and Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Puteri Seri Bongsu, her aunt Yang Amat Berbahagia Cik Puan Bendahara Datuk Habibah, her children and granddaughter.