The doctorate was bestowed on him yesterday at a special convocation ceremony in MAHSA’s campus auditorium, The Star reported.

The university’s pro-chancellor and executive chairman Mohamed Haniffa Abdullah told the daily that Fernandes was a great visionary who had made flying accessible for all Malaysians.

“Prior to AirAsia, less than 10% of Malaysians had ever travelled by air. Today, Malaysians not only travel by air frequently, but have the choice of travelling to over 120 global destinations at affordable rates,” he was quoted as saying by the daily.

Haniffa added that Fernandes’ hard work and determination was an example to all.

Fernandes himself told students at the ceremony that grabbing chances and taking calculated risks had always been his corporate leadership philosophy.

“You should go out there and try everything you want to try, and don’t be afraid of failure.

“If you fail, then try again,” he said, according to The Star.