George Town (Malaysia): Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam was yesterday conferred the Doctor of Science honorary degree by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The renowned nuclear scientist received the 'Ijazah Kehormat Doktor Science' at a function organized at the university yesterday.

Kalam also praised the conservation effort that has gone into preserving the multi-racial "living culture" of George Town, Malakka and other cities in Malaysia.

On a visit, Kalam was amazed by the magnificence of structures, including the Sri Maha Mariamman, Goddess of Mercy and Teo Chew temples, Kapitan Keling and Acheen Street mosques, St George's and Assumption churches, the Nagore shrine and the Penang Islamic museum.

Kalam's visit to Penang was part of a three-day programme arranged by Khazanah Nasional, which included the Khazanah Global Lectures 2008 where he spoke.