Pyongyang, November 19 (KCNA) -- State academic degrees and titles were awarded to the intellectuals who made positive contributions to the economic development of the country and the improvement of the people's living standard amid the growing enthusiasm of the scientific circles to greet the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea with excellent sci-tech achievements.

Present at the awarding ceremony held on Nov. 18 were Vice-Premier of the Cabinet Jon Sung Guk and intellectuals.

After a decision of the State Commission for Conferment of Academic Degrees and Titles of the DPRK was read out, the title of candidate academician was awarded to Song Yong Il, deputy director of an institute of Pyongyang University of Architecture, and Kim Mun Chol, director of an institute of the State Academy of Sciences.

Professorship was conferred on Mun Kyong Ho, director of an institute of Kim Il Sung University, Ri Kyong Ho, dean of a faculty of Kim Chaek University of Technology, Pak Yong Jin, head of a department of Pyongyang Tourism College, and others.

Doctorate went to Pak I Chol, head of a department of Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Ri Kun Se, teacher of Kim Chol Ju University of Education, Kim Kyong Ju, director of an institute of Kim Chaek University of Technology, and others. -0-