BATU PAHAT: The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been conferred with an honorary doctor of philosophy in Mechanical Engineering Technology degree by the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
The award was presented by his son, Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who also serves as the Chancellor of UTHM.
It was given in recognition of Sultan Ibrahim's outstanding contributions and sustainable leadership to UTHM, the people of Johor, and the nation.
The honorary doctorate was conferred on the Sultan during the 23rd Convocation Ceremony of UTHM held at Parit Raja today.
Tunku Temenggong Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim, was also installed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UTHM, alongside Johor State Secretary, Tan Sri Azmi Rohani.
For the record, Sultan Ibrahim served as the Chancellor of UTHM from 2002 until early last year.
On Dec 3 last year, Tunku Ismail Johor was appointed as the new Chancellor of UTHM.
Also present were the Permaisuri Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Higher Education minister, Datuk Mohamad Khaled Nordin, and the UTHM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Ruzairi Abdul Rahim.
Over several decades, Sultan Ibrahim played a significant role in the development of Johor, showcasing his deep interest in various fields, including mechanical engineering technology.
On the occasion of UTHM's 25th anniversary, he made a substantial contribution to the university by supporting the development of innovative programmes, including Aeronautics and even contributed a "Lake Renegade LA-270" aircraft for the programme's use.
Sultan Ibrahim made history as the first Sultan to drive a train for a distance of 391.3 kilometres over three days and perform a "turntable" procedure to rotate a 86-ton locomotive within 10 minutes at the Gemas Station, Negeri Sembilan.
This achievement earned him the Class 26 Locomotive driving licence, contributing to the country's engineering heritage and being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
Additionally, he supported the introduction of the Bachelor of Technology in Railway Engineering programme, aligning with the development of the railway industry in Malaysia.
During his 20-year tenure as Chancellor of UTHM, he elevated the university's name internationally through financial support and collaboration with international educational and industrial institutions.
Sultan Ibrahim is known for his people-centric approach and is closely associated with the Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) program.
This social work initiative, inspired by Sultan Ibrahim since 2001 when he was Tunku Mahkota Johor, aims to bring the palace closer to the people while promoting the tourism industry.
The KMJ programme, featuring convoys of various vehicles, has become an annual event attended by the Menteri Besar and state government officials in all 10 districts of the state.