PHNOM PENH, September 13, 2024 — Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, revealed that he has received two honorary doctorates from U.S. universities, contributing to a total of more than 10 honorary degrees from institutions around the world.

Speaking at a ceremony on September 12, 2024, where he received an honorary doctorate in "Leadership and Peacebuilding" from Dongguk University WISE in South Korea, Hun Sen addressed questions regarding his qualifications for such honors, stating that his first honorary degrees were from Southern California University and Iowa University in the United States. He further mentioned that this is his third degree from a South Korean university, with additional honors from Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and pending recognition from the European Union.

Hun Sen used the opportunity to respond to recent online criticism questioning his suitability for such recognitions, particularly his latest degree from South Korea. He emphasized that these degrees were awarded based on his leadership in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and the development of Cambodia.

The honorary doctorate from Dongguk University WISE acknowledges Hun Sen’s significant contributions to national peacebuilding and Cambodia’s prosperity. The award ceremony took place in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, following Hun Sen’s speech on Cambodia’s path to peace and development.