Hiew Boon Thong Awarded Doctor of Excellence (Honoris Causa) by Kennedy University and QAHE

Feb 03, 2025

The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) is delighted to announce that Hiew Boon Thong has been awarded the Doctor of Excellence (Honoris Causa) by Kennedy University and QAHE. This prestigious honor recognizes Mr. Thong's exceptional contributions and achievements.

The Doctor of Excellence (Honoris Causa) is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to excellence in their chosen fields. Simultaneously, Mr. Thong pursued advanced education, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration) (Honours) from Bolton Institute of Higher Education, a Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) from the University of Sunderland, a Master of Business Administration (Distinction) from Anglia Ruskin University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management from Rushford Business School. Further showcasing his academic achievements, he has also been awarded several honorary doctorate degrees, including an Honorary Doctor of Management from Pebble Hills University, an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management and Leadership from The International Thames University, a Doctor of Business Management (Honoris Causa) jointly awarded by the American University of Business and Social Sciences (AUBSS) and the International Association for Quality Assurance for Higher Education (QAHE), and an Honorary Professional Doctorate in Strategic Management from the Chartered Institute of Management Specialists. His professional memberships include the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI), Malaysian Institute of Management (MMIM), and Malaysian Institute of Human Resources Management (MMIHRM).

Since 2015, Mr. Thong has transitioned to the business world, serving as Managing Director of Happy Plantations (Kota Marudu) Sdn. Bhd. and Happy Plantations (Sandakan) Sdn. Bhd. His business acumen is evident in his recent awards, including the Boston Awards of Excellence in Business Leadership (2024), Outstanding Personality of the Year (Trading - Plantation Sector) (2024), Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2024), and Best Emerging CEO of the Year Award (2024).

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Thong is a prominent figure in the Buddhist community. He is the Founder and Chairman of several Guang Hao Buddhist Societies across Malaysia, including those in Kota Marudu, Kuching, Kundasang, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Sabah Amitabha Buddhist Society. This demonstrates his dedication to spiritual growth and community engagement.

Kennedy University and QAHE are proud to recognize Mr. Thong's remarkable contributions and are confident that he will continue to inspire and lead in the years to come. This award underscores QAHE's commitment to recognizing and celebrating individuals who make significant contributions to the global education landscape.