Senior Minister Goh was honoured for his leadership role in the economic success and prosperity of Singapore and its strategic role in the region of Asia. The degree conferred to him is a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)(honoris causa). Following the conferrment of the degree. Senior Minister Goh delivered an address, which formed part of the University’s Centenary Lecture Series.

The University of Pretoria celebrates its centenary in 2008, and honorary degrees conferred in the centenary year are considered to have special significance. Senior Minister Goh is a highly regarded and well-respected statesman in South East Asia. He contributed to the transformation of Singapore from a low-income warehousing and trading centre to a vibrant first world economy, which greately enhanced the material well-being of his fellow-citizens.

Senior Minister Goh obtained a BA Honours Degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore in 1964 and a Masters Degree in Development Economics from the Williams College in Massachusetts in the USA in 1967.

He was elected to Singapore Parliament in 1976 and held various portfolios in cabinet until he became Prime Minister in 1990. He held this position until 2004. During his tenure as Prime Minister, the Honourable Goh steered Singapore through the 1997 Asian financial crisis, threats of terrorism, the 2001-2003 economic recession, etc.

In 2004 Goh voluntarily stepped down as Prime Minister and was appointed Senior Minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He has also been serving as Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore since 2004.

As the architect of many free-trade agreements between Singapore and other development countries, Senior Minister Goh has expanded Singapore’s political and economic space enabling the country to transcend the limitations of its small size by linking up with other economies.He furthermore ensured that Singapore focuses its attention on international competitiveness as a benchmark for economic success.

Senior Minister Goh adopted and pursued a policy which was closely integrated with his economic development strategy. He called for compulsory primary level education, as well as smaller classes and higher standards for learners than had previously existed. Under his guidance, Singapore’s higher education sector was liberalised and transformed. As a result, Singapore’s institutions of higher learning started attracting much global talent and became leading centres of innovation and enterprise.

In view of the significant contributions that Senior Minister Goh has made to the economic and strategic role of Singapore in Asia, the University of Pretoria believes that the degree of Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration is a fitting recognition of his standing.

Click here for Senior Minister Goh's address.