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SINGAPORE : Singapore-Malaysia relations received a boost on Thursday when long-time Singapore friend, the Sultan of Johor, was conferred an honorary doctor of laws by the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Also at the same event, Johor's Chief Minister said Singapore and Johor could be a "region of growth and prosperity" in its own right.

With pomp and grandeur, the Sultan of Johor Mahmood Iskandar was conferred an honorary doctor of laws by the Chancellor of NUS - Singapore's President S R Nathan.

88 officials and members of the Sultan's family, together with several of Singapore's Cabinet ministers were present to witness the event.

"This honorary degree is being conferred in recognition of the integral role that his Majesty has played in the progress and prosperity of Johor, as well as his Majesty's valuable contributions to Malaysia-Singapore bilateral relations," said Professor Shih Choon Fong, president of NUS.

"Singaporeans are familiar with his Majesty's gracious hospitality and personal touch in hosting Singapore's leaders at Istana Bukit Serene during the festive Hari Raya season. This annual tradition reflects the unique and special relationship that Malaysia and Singapore share."

The last time the Sultan visited Singapore officially was in 1988. At that time, it was a first-ever State Visit to Singapore by a Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Head of State of the Malaysian federation).

This time round, the Sultan was also updated on Singapore's economic and physical development at the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Meanwhile, Singapore's cultural side was presented to the Sultan's wife at the National History Museum.

The royal family was also hosted to lunch at the Istana by President Nathan and Mrs Nathan.

The visit of the Sultan of Johor came in the context of warming bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia in recent years.

Many businessmen in Singapore had also expressed interest in the Iskandar Development Region in Johor, and the Johor leaders said their visit to Singapore was a good opportunity for Singapore and Malaysia to further discuss economic cooperation.

Johor's Chief Minister also spoke of the interdependency between Singapore and Johor, particularly in economics, where there is continuous flow of investments between the two areas.

"I would anticipate this interdependency will even move to a level where it could be a region in its own right between Singapore and Johor - a region of growth and prosperity," said Abdul Ghani Othman, Chief Minister of State of Johor.

Some analysts said the Singapore-Johor-Riau nexus is the best challenge to the Pearl Delta Region in China.

They added that the leaders of these countries will need to collaborate to ensure the area becomes ASEAN's growth triangle. - CNA /ls

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