Pyongyang, January 24 (KCNA) -- State academic degrees and titles were conferred on intellectuals who made positive contributions to the economic development of the country, the improvement of the people's living standards and the education of the rising generation.

Present at the ceremony, held on January 23, were Vice-Premier Jon Sung Guk and intellectuals.

After the decision of the State Commission for Conferment of Academic Degrees and Titles of the DPRK was conveyed, the title of candidate academician was awarded to Kim Ryong Gol, head of a department of the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers' Party of Korea, and Om Ki Su, researcher of Kim Il Sung University.

Professorship was conferred on Ri Hyok Chol, head of a department of Kim Il Sung University, Ri Ryon Hui, director of an institute of the university, Choe Chang Il, section chief of the university, Han Yong Ha, researcher of the university, Kim Thae Song, section chief of Kim Chaek University of Technology, Ri Sang Guk, head of a department of the University of National Economy, O Phil Hun, vice-director of an institute of the State Academy of Sciences, Hong Hak Ho, researcher of the academy, Jo Kyu Chol, head of a department of Wonsan Jong Jun Thaek University of Economics, Ri Ki Ho, researcher of Phyongsong University of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, and other persons.

Doctorate was conferred on 84 persons including Ju Hyon Chol, department director of the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers' Party of Korea, Pak Kyong Jun and Kim Kwon Hyok, teachers of the school, Jong Kwang Son, head of a department of Kim Il Sung University, Yu Tok Chol, director of an institute of Kim Chaek University of Technology, Kim Pok Sil, director of the Cosmetics Institute of the Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory, Kwak Kyong Chol, director of the Unha Technical Preparation Center of the Unha Trade Bureau, and Kil Sun Yong, department director of the Kangwon Provincial People's Committee. -0-