Chinese scholarship recipients set to commence studies
BY INDY MAEALASIA
THE Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Solomon Islands has hosted a farewell reception yesterday for the 2024/2025 Chinese Scholarship recipients.
The event marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey for 31 Solomon Islanders although three had already departed, leaving 28 presents at the reception.
The remaining recipients will soon travel to China to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs at various prestigious Chinese universities.
Their studies will span a diverse range of disciplines, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Medicine, Business, and Humanities.
During the reception, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Tozen Leokana thanked the PRC government.
“On behalf of the Government of National Unity and Transformation. I would like to thank you- Your excellency for facilitating the PRC Government funded scholarship program for Solomon Islands” Leokana said.
The Minister also called on them to be good ambassadors of their country. “I would like to advise the students to be good ambassadors of our country in the universities in China they will be studying at. It is my humble request that you should make use of the scholarship you are offered” he advised.
The Minister continued “I would like to caution you that the university life in China is totally different. You will have to look after yourself. There will be no longer a teacher to monitor your daily attendance like what you have experienced during your secondary school days or when you were with your parents”
Leokana further encouraged them to embrace the “China culture way of life” by respecting the laws and customs and learning from the experience.
Charge d’Affaires Ding Yonghua also addressed the recipients, urging them to make the most of their time in China and to contribute positively to the Solomon Islands upon their return.
Since 2019, China has awarded scholarships to approximately 160 Solomon Islanders.
