BY INDY MAEALASIA

SCHOLARSHIP focus areas in health, education, and infrastructure are expected to remain unchanged in 2027, as skills gaps in these critical sectors are not likely to be filled quickly according SITESA (Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority) Chair, Qila Tuhanuku.

Speaking during the recent (Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Plan) SITESP signing, Tuhanuku noted that although the plan includes an annual review to reassess national skills needs, certain gaps, particularly in key service sectors, are the nation’s long-term challenges.

“Ideally, you have an annual assessment that updates your data and then based on that you adjust the priorities,” she said.

“But speaking as a private sector representative, not a board member, I don’t see those gaps going away soon. It takes time to develop people — they finish their studies, then need years of experience to grow professionally.”

This probably means scholarship areas for 2027 are likely to mirror those of previous years, continuing to priorities workforce development in health, education, and infrastructure to support national development goals.

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