Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Chairman of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation and the Boao Forum for Asia, was conferred the “Siam Award” by Siam University, one of Thailand’s prestigious private institutions, on 10 March 2007.

The award, which was presented to the former president by former deputy prime minister Amnuai Virawan, Siam University Board Chairman, recognizes a person for exceptional devotion, commitment, and leadership in advancing peace and socio-economic development in the region. Previous recipients of the award include Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein, Sir Clive William John Granger (co-winner of the 2003 Nobel prize for economics), Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (winner of the 1996 Nobel peace prize), and Dr. Hans Blinx, former Executive Chairman of the UN Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission in Iraq.

In his keynote address prior to the conferment ceremony, former President Ramos spoke about globalization’s challenges to education. He noted that at the very least, globalization would speed up the flow of technical and scientific knowledge from developed to the less-developed countries. To benefit from this phenomenon, he urged school systems, particularly universities, to become “ready receptacles and distributors” of this great flow of knowledge. He also emphasized that education was the “most powerful weapon for mass upliftment.” He pointed out that countries should invest more in public learning to achieve universal education.

Former President Ramos took the opportunity to share with the audience, which included ambassadors and other members of the Diplomatic Corps in Bangkok, Philippine surveys revealing a correlation between poverty and the lack of education. He expounded on the collaboration between the Philippine government and civil society groups in addressing this situation.

The ceremony was preceded by a meeting between the former President and Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, President of Siam University, and a tour of the Siam campus. During his meeting with Dr. Pornchai, who is also the President of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), former President Ramos conveyed his acceptance of an offer by IAUP to serve as its senior adviser.

Siam University was founded in 1965. It is the 5th largest private university in Thailand with some 15,000 students. The university is affiliated with more than 20 universities and institutions in four continents.

After the ceremonies at Siam University, the former President met with senior Thai officials, including former Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, President of His Majesty the King’s Privy Council.

Former President Ramos’ presence in Bangkok was also highlighted by a dinner-meeting with some 70 guests and leaders of the Filipino community. During this event, the former president apprised the community on various important issues, such as the situation in the Philippines and the conflict in Iraq. Former President Ramos concluded his remarks by encouraging Filipinos in Thailand to participate and vote wisely in the May 2007 elections.

The dinner-meeting was preceded by a 45-minute press conference attended by 13 journalists representing 8 international and local media groups, such as Asahi Shimbun, Asian News Network, Australian Associated Press, Yomuiri Shimbun, Inter Press Service, Pacific News Center, and Thailand’s Bangkok Post, Channel 3, and Thai TV 3. The dinner-meeting was hosted by Ambassador and Madam Antonio Rodriguez.

Ambassador Rodriguez welcomes former President Ramos upon the latter's arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 9 March 2007.

Former Thai Deputy Premier Amnuai Virawan presents the "Siam Award" to former President Ramos.

Former President Ramos stresses a point during a press conference held at the Office of the Ambassador on 11 March 2007

Embassy personnel, led by Consul General Ronell B. Santos (seated, middle), and Madam Janette Rodriguez (3rd-left) pose with former President Ramos at the Embassy grounds.

Former President Ramos speaks before some 70 guests and Filipino community leaders during a dinner-meeting held at the Embassy conference room on 11 March 2007.

The Philippines
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Thailand
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° Bangkok Post
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