Brazil President Lula Receives Honorary Doctorate From UKM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in International Development and the Global South by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at a special convocation ceremony today.

Lula, who is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia as the Guest of the Chair of ASEAN in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here, received the doctorate from UKM Chancellor, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

Also in attendance were the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. 

In his public lecture after receiving the doctorate, the 79-year-old leader said he was deeply honoured and moved by the recognition, describing it as a tribute not only to his personal journey but also to the strength and resilience of the Brazilian people.

“It is with great honour that I receive this title with deep emotion and sincere gratitude. My personal journey reflects the story of millions of my fellow citizens who have overcome adversity. 

“This title is also a recognition of the Brazilian people,” said Lula, who led Latin America’s largest country from 2003 to 2011 and again since 2023.

He also commended Malaysia’s progress and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties between both nations in education, innovation and sustainable development.

Lula said he looked forward to expanding academic and scientific exchanges between Brazil and Malaysia, expressing hope that more Malaysian professors, researchers and students would study and collaborate with Brazilian institutions, fostering a corridor of ideas and innovation between the two nations.

"Malaysia and Brazil can serve as gateways to greater mutual understanding between South America and Southeast Asia, and may today, plant another seed to strengthen the human bonds between our countries and inspire new generations to dream and to act," he said. 

Meanwhile, UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh, in his introductory speech, said Lula’s leadership had brought a remarkable transformation to Brazil, lifting millions out of poverty through social welfare programmes and driving strong economic growth.

He noted that under Lula’s leadership, Brazil became a model for inclusive development, improving income distribution and advancing social justice through initiatives such as Bolsa Família. 

Lula’s vision also strengthened Brazil’s global standing and promoted cooperation among emerging economies through international platforms like BRICS, he said. 

-- BERNAMA