By Arab News & Maranao Online RIYADH (06-May-2008) – Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), was awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration during a conferment ceremony here on Saturday at Kingdom Resort.

The award was conferred by the Commission on higher Education, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM) and Wisdom International School for Higher Education Studies (WISHES) and coordinated by Integrated Mindanao Economic Forum (IMEF).

The ceremony was attended by a CHED-ARMM/WISHES delegation from the Philippines that included Dr. Norma M. Sharief, CHED-ARMM regional chairman & managing commissioner and Omar Mababaya, board chairman & WISHES president.

The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of Prince Alwaleed’s efforts on many fronts, including his investments through KHC locally, regionally and internationally and his philanthropic contributions on a global scale.

Prince Alwaleed, in his acceptance speech, said: “… Saudi Arabia and the Philippines have enjoyed very close ties, stretching back for decades… I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honor and recognition that you have bestowed upon me on this memorable occasion.

The ten (10) delegates from the Philippines were the following:

1.Dr. Norma Sharief, Chairperson and Managing Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
2. Dr. Ahmad D.E. Alonto, Jr., Professor Emeritus (and former President) of Mindanao State University System, Marawi City, Philippines
3. Dr. Camar A. Umpa, University Professor (and Former President) of Mindanao State University System, Marawi City, Philippines

4. Dr. Ali Panda, Professor, King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic & Asian Studies, Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Philippines

5. Prof. Hassan Cana, Professor and former Dean, King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic & Asian Studies, Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Philippines.
6. Dr. Sophia M. Sharief
7. Dr. Noralyn Sharief, Executive Assistant V of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cotabato City, Philippines.
8. HRH Sultan Nasroden B. Ador,Sultan of the Royal House of Butig, Lanao del Sur, President, Mindanao Institute of Healthcare Professionals, Marawi City & Vice Chairman, Presidential Lanao Advisory Council