His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed receives honorary Monash degree

Entrepreneur, philanthropist and international investor HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud has been presented with an honorary degree from Monash University.

The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa was conferred by Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel at a ceremony held recently in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Byrne said “HRH Prince Alwaleed embodies our hopes for Monash graduates as independent learners, leaders and innovators. Through his distinguished global contributions, HRH Prince Alwaleed has earned the esteem of the University community into which we induct him.”

A member of the Saudi Royal Family, HRH Prince Alwaleed has made a significant contribution to the business world. In particular, he established the Kingdom Holding Company which invests in numerous entities across banking; telecommunications; broadcasting and media; entertainment; hospitality; computers and electronics; agriculture; restaurants; high-end fashion retail; supermarkets; tourism; travel and automotive manufacturing.

“HRH Prince Alwaleed has founded numerous global projects and centres in a bid to promote change through cultural understanding. With a commitment to education and research he has bequeathed his support to numerous higher education centres throughout the world,” Professor Byrne said.

"We have a special interest in cross cultural societies at Monash University with major links with Jewish, Islamic and Christian studies".

In conferring the honour, Dr Finkel highlighted how HRH Prince Alwaleed’s achievements reflected Monash values.

“We are a University renowned for our desire – and our ability – to make a difference,” said Dr Finkel.

“These aspirations are reflected in our motto Ancora Imparo – ‘I am still learning’ and its challenge to constantly strive towards improvement and even greater achievement. HRH Prince Alwaleed embodies these attributes through his business and philanthropic ventures.”

The University Council can approve an Honorary Degree for any person, regardless of whether they are a graduate of the University, in recognition of their distinguished contribution to a branch of learning, the arts or distinguished service to the public.