8 October 2001 Honorary doctorate for top Sarawak public servant

Sarawak's recently retired State Secretary, Tan Sri Datuk Haji Hamid Bib Bugo, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Lincoln University at a special Convocation of the University in Kuching, Sarawak, on 15 October.

A Colombo Plan Scholar in New Zealand in the mid-1960s, Hamid Bugo completed a masters degree in economics and returned home to embark on a public service career of the highest distinction.

In 1981 he became General Manager of the Land Custody and Development Authority and the following year Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Resource Planning. In 1991 he was appointed State Secretary of the State Government of Sarawak.

As head of the Sarawak Civil Service, Hamid Bugo actively promoted the conservation of wildlife in Sarawak, one of the world's most biologically diverse countries. This included facilitating the preparation and implementation of a master plan for wildlife management.

He was also instrumental in establishing a master plan for tourism development in Sarawak.

The Lincoln University Convocation in Kuching will also see the award of Certificates in Conservation and Ecotourism Management to 38 staff members of Sarawak national parks who have completed the qualification.

Lincoln University has a long educational association with Sarawak and in recent years has been working closely with the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism and Department of Forests teaching the Certificate in Conservation and Ecotourism Management.

Ahead of the Sarawak Convocation, Lincoln University will hold an International Graduation Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 13 October, at which 121 students will be capped, the majority with Bachelor of Commerce and Management degrees.

New Zealand's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mac Price, will be among guests. The ceremony will be Lincoln's 10th international graduation.

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