MACAO, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Noted author Jia Pingwa was conferred an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Macao (UM) here on Wednesday in recognition of his outstanding contributions to contemporary Chinese literature.

Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao presented the degree to Jia in the ceremony.

Hong Gang Jin, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, read the citation for Jia Pingwa.

The citation said Jia is a renowned writer with great talent, energy, and charisma. His works, no matter how imaginative, are unfailingly rooted in reality, which gives him an almost Heracles-like strength.

Jia gave a lecture on the current development and future of contemporary Chinese literature in his unique Shaanxi dialect.

Jia is one of the most prolific and influential authors in China. His works have been translated into more than 20 languages.