On June 5, National Chiayi University conferred an honorary doctorate in education upon H.E. President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The honor recognizes her exceptional achievements in integrating educational ideals into national governance, promoting fairness and progress in the international community, and her long-standing contributions to strengthening bilateral ties and supporting Taiwan’s participation in global affairs. The conferment ceremony was presided over by NCYU President Han-Chien Lin and attended by distinguished guests, including Secretary General Daniel Diann-Wen Tang of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his spouse, as well as H.E. Ambassador Steve C.C. Hsia to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and his spouse.
In his remarks, President Lin noted that President Heine has long been committed to public service and talent development, making outstanding contributions to raising global awareness of critical issues such as climate change, gender equality, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. As a female educator and stateswoman, President Heine has championed "education" as a catalyst for global change, combining talent development with contemporary social needs and local cultures to reinforce the values of multiculturalism and sustainable development. NCYU and the Republic of the Marshall Islands share a strong commitment to environmental and socio-cultural sustainability. Sharing common goals and visions, both sides have maintained positive interactions over many years. In 2023, with the assistance of H.E. Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, NCYU signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System to jointly promote talent development, student exchanges, and collaborative programs. President Lin expressed his pleasure in conferring an honorary doctorate in education upon President Heine, further strengthening the bond between the two parties. Looking ahead, NCYU looks forward to partnering with the Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System to cultivate talent for sustainable development and contribute proactively to the global community.
In her acceptance remarks, Honorary Doctor Heine
expressed sincere gratitude to NCYU for conferring upon her the honorary
doctorate degree in education. She expressed that the ceremony was filled with
warmth and that the degree holds great significance. A multi-island nation with
a rich history, the Republic of the Marshall Islands now faces the formidable
challenges posed by climate change. Higher education is an important investment
in the future of its people and is vital to raising awareness of climate
change. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is deeply committed to
environmental protection, leveraging education to cultivate global
responsibility and inspire collective action in support of environmental
protection and sustainable development. Although a small nation, the Republic
of the Marshall Islands is dedicated to fostering global dialogue on the
importance of balancing sustainable development and economic growth. NCYU’s
conferral of an honorary doctorate in education recognizes the collective
determination of the Marshallese people. Both NCYU and the Republic of the
Marshall Islands uphold values of global citizenship, justice,
multiculturalism, and sharing. An exemplary institution of higher education
such as NCYU stands as a symbol of critical thinking, responsibility,
innovation, and a vision for the future. She expressed her firm belief that
NCYU can nurture talent in emerging fields, enhance students' leadership
abilities, and promote both sustainability and the preservation of knowledge.
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1: NCYU President Han-Chien Lin (left) conferred the Honorary Doctorate in
Education upon H.E. Hilda Cathy Heine.
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2: Vice President Chun-Hsien Chang read the citation for H.E. Hilda Cathy
Heine.
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3: NCYU faculty members posed for a group photo with H.E. Hilda Cathy Heine and
other distinguished guests.
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4: NCYU faculty and staff posed for a group photo with distinguished guests
from the Republic of the Marshall Islands.