KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has been conferred with an honorary doctor of philosophy in Education by Open University Malaysia (OUM).
The doctorate, Lee's seventh honorary doctorate, was conferred on him at OUM's 38th convocation ceremony today.
In his acceptance speech, the Alliance for a Safe Community chairman paid tribute to OUM for pioneering open and distance learning 24 years ago.
He said this allowed people to balance work and tertiary education seamlessly, and help them pursue their academic goals without sacrificing professional aspirations.
Lee said he hoped his honorary doctorate would inspire others to contribute to society.
"Together we can create a brighter future through service, compassion and commitment to excellence," he added.
Lee, from Ipoh, Perak, is a former Selangor assemblyman and member of Parliament.
After retiring from politics in 1990, Lee became an activist and advocate for social welfare, public health and safety.
Over the years, he has received several other notable awards including the Outstanding Young Malaysian Award, Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Lion International Melvin Jones Fellowship, Occupational Safety and Health Excellence Award, National Unity Award, and the Tokoh Maulidur Rasul Award among others.
Lee's other honorary doctorates from public and private universities are for his various contributions to national unity, safety and health, environmental, social, and governance, and community welfare.