On 17 March 2014, Singapore Management University (SMU) presented its highest honour to internationally respected philanthropist and corporate leader – Ratan N. Tata.  The conferment of the Doctor of Business (Honoris Causa) to Mr Tata acknowledges his achievements as a visionary entrepreneur, a societal leader and an astute businessman.

In the 14-year history of the university, this is the fifth time an honorary degree is being conferred to an eminent individual.  Previous honorary degree recipients were Yong Pung How (2007), Lee Seng Gee (2007), Chan Sek Keong (2013) and John Seely Brown (2013).  This is, however, the first time SMU is awarding an honorary doctorate in Business.

The honorary degree was conferred by SMU Chancellor Mr Yong Pung How, and jointly presented by Singapore’s Minister for Education Mr Heng Swee Keat, and SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer.

[Photo: Mr Ratan Tata receiving his honorary doctorate from Singapore’s Education Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat.]

Gracing the formal and dignified ceremony were about 100 distinguished guests, including HE Ms Vijay Thakur Singh, High Commissioner of India in Singapore; HE Ambassador-at-large Mr Gopinath Pillai, Chairman of the Institute of South Asian Studies; Ms Ho Ching, Executive Director & CEO of Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd; Mr SR Nathan, SMU Distinguished Senior Fellow and 6^th President of the Republic of Singapore; and SMU Pro-Chancellor Mr JY Pillay.

Said Chairman of SMU Board of Trustees, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, in his citation, “Mr Tata is an eminent individual who has exhibited true distinction in business and philanthropy and who has strong and active connections with SMU both directly and through his organisations.  The award recognises the aspirations, values and ideals that he and his organisations share with our University.”

“As a young pioneering university, SMU shares the same values and ethos as those nurtured by Mr Tata at the Tata Group over the past two decades.  The Tata Group focuses on such key principles as ethics, governance, and corporate social responsibility, and keeps the general populace at the core of its operating philosophy and decisions.  Similarly, we at SMU nurture tomorrow’s business leaders with a strong sense of responsibility towards the communities in which they operate.  The award recognises the aspirations, values and ideals that Mr Tata and his organisations share with our University,” he added.

[Photo: Mr Ho Kwon Ping (left) hosting the dialogue session held after the conferment ceremony.]

Mr Tata has strong and active connections with SMU, both directly and through his organisations.

Close to 100 SMU students have benefited from internship opportunities in the Tata Group’s companies over the last nine years.  Through the SMU-Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) iCity Lab established in 2009, SMU and TCS have also forged close partnership in the area of research and development of cloud-based information technology solutions for intelligent cities in Asia and worldwide.

In 2012, SMU and the Tata Group collaborated in a case writing programme which resulted in the publication of five SMU-Tata case studies, which are today used within the Tata Group and SMU for talent development and for classroom teaching.  SMU also conducts executive development workshops with TCS.

“I am pleased to receive this award from the Singapore Management University.  I am happy to deepen my relationship with Singapore, and for this opportunity to be able to further engage, nurture and inspire bright university students in Asia to be responsible business leaders who will lead the way in global development in future,” said Mr Tata.  In 2008, he had received from the Singapore Government the 2007 Honorary Citizen award for his valuable contribution to the country’s growth and development.

[Photo: Mr Tata interacting with SMU student leaders at the event.]

True to his understated nature and style, the usual formality of an acceptance speech was dispensed with.  Instead, SMU students and guests gained the unique opportunity, through a short dialogue session, to pose questions to Mr Tata and learn from his extensive knowledge, experience and insights.

When asked about how he identifies the bright spark in young talents, Mr Tata shared that through his interactions with young employees, he observed that “the officer who wants his role and authority defined, who wants everything framed in a complete manner is usually the one who does not perform as well as someone who says, you don’t need to spell it out, I’ll get the job done.”  The latter type of employees who are self-initiated and self-motivated are usually the ones who will eventually rise to the occasion and grow in the organisation.

A learning point, indeed, for all aspiring young leaders.

[Featured Photo: (L-R) Professor Rajendra K Srivastava, Provost and Deputy President (Academic Affairs); Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman of SMU Board of Trustees; Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education; Mr Ratan Tata; Mr Yong Pung How, SMU Chancellor; Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President, SMU.]