• News
  • admin
  • 22 Nov 2016

Manado, 22 November 2016: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), one of Malaysia's reputable universities for science and marine and fisheries research, conferred the prestigious title of Honorary Doctorate Degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) in Science to Indonesian scientist Widi A. Pratikto, Ph.D, on Saturday, 19 November 2016. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions and achievements in the development of marine and fisheries sciences, both nationally and internationally.

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultanah Nur Zahirah, the Queen of Terengganu and Chancellor of UMT, personally conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Widi at UMT campus, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. With this title, Widi A. Pratikto officially becomes part of the UMT family.

Widi A. Pratikto, Ph.D, currently Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF), is a professor in ocean engineering with over three decades of work in marine and fisheries science and policy.

Previously, he held various strategic positions in marine, fisheries, and economic cooperation, including Director General of Marine, Coastal, and Small Islands for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Secretary General of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Secretary General of the Development 8 (D8), Organization of Economic Cooperation.

The combination of scientific expertise and hands-on experience as a government bureaucrat has made Widi a respected leader in his field. His scientific papers, books, and practical case studies have been presented and utilized at national, regional, and international forums for the advancement of marine and fisheries sciences. His major achievements include a legal product, Act No. 27, Year 2007, on the Management of Coastal and Small Islands, developed during his leadership over the years.

"This title of Doctor Honoris Causa that I received is my dedication to the advancement of marine and fisheries sciences and technology, especially for the Coral Triangle area," Widi said.

Earlier, Widi A. Pratikto, Ph.D, representing CTI-CFF, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UMT in marine science research, focusing on human resource capacity building, research and development, cooperative mechanisms, and information management. The program will be conducted over five years, beginning Wednesday, 16 November 2016.

CTI-CFF has initiated several cooperative programs with reputable Indonesian universities, including Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), 10 November Institute of Technology (ITS), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), and Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT). Each university has strong expertise relevant to CTI-CFF’s goals.

Prof. Dato' Dr. Nor Aieni Mokhtar, Vice-Chancellor of UMT, said: "UMT appreciates the contributions of Widi A. Pratikto as part of the solution for marine fisheries challenges in the Coral Triangle region, and Malaysia in particular."

- end -