REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Sandiaga Uno, entrepreneurship expert, has been conferred the title of 'Distinguished Research Professor in Residence' by the George Washington University, United States.

The George Washington University bestowed the honor upon Sandiaga Uno at the Asia Business Leaders' Symposium which was held on Wednesday (Oct 26).

According to a press statement here on Thursday, the award was given by Linda A Livingstone Ph.D., Dean and Professor of Management School of Business, George Washington University, as a form of appreciation for Sandiaga's consistent work in entrepreneurship.

Sandiaga's focused work in the field (of entrepreneurship), as reflected through his doctoral dissertation and research, was considered by the university while awarding its alma mater who has continuously devoted himself in the entrepreneurial world.

Sandiaga, in his speech at the awards ceremony, expressed profuse gratitude and said he felt honored to have received the award. "I also express my highest appreciation for the George Washington University as my alma mater, especially the School of Business. The award will be a motivation for me to be more consistent in paying attention to the field of entrepreneurship in Indonesia, and Jakarta in particular," Sandiaga remarked.

Sandiaga is one of candidates for the post of deputy governor in the next Jakarta gubernatorial election. Three pairs of candidates are contesting in the elections to the office of Jakarta governor and vice governor. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, a former military member and son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, with former civil servant Sylviana Murni as his running mate comprise one pair.

In the second pair is the incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok, with vice governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat as his running mate. The third pair has former education minister Anies Baswedan with businessman Sandiaga Uno as his running mate.