On June 12, 2009, Academician Gungwu Wang was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Cambridge in recognition of his contributions to History, Higher education and the encouragement of various international exchange activities.

University of Cambridge celebrates its 800th anniversary this year, and gives Honorary Doctorates on ten eminent individuals from the world of religion, business, science, music, history, philanthropy, politics and economics. Academician Wang is the first Chinese historian to be honored the Honorary Doctorate by the University in recognition of his contributions to History (especially the Chinese History, the History of the Chinese Overseas, and the History of China-Southeast Asia relations), the University and Higher education.

Academician Wang enthusiastically encouraged the establishment of partnerships and exchanges with international and Mainland institutions. And he established the Foundation for Educational Development and Research at the University of Hong Kong in 1995, which is the first foundation of its kind, effectively enhancing the teaching and research capacities of universities.

Academician Wang is an internationally famous historian, and currently serves as the Professor of the National University of Singapore, where he is also Chairman of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Chairman of the East Asian Institute, and Chairman of the Southeast Asian Institute.