Chinese Ambassador to PNG Mr. Li Ruiyou hosted a reception in the Embassy on August 21st to bid farewell to the PNG recipients of the 2015 Chinese Government Scholarship before they set off for varies universities in China. The parents of the recipients, representative of returned PNG graduates and the officials of the Department of Higher Education also attended the reception.
In his remarks, Ambassador Li commended the recipients on their success in winning the scholarships. He encouraged the students to study hard the professional knowledge, know more about China, make contributions to the economic development of PNG and become envoys of promoting friendship and cooperation between China and PNG. Li pointed out that education is vital to the economic and social development of a nation, and that’s why China has chosen education as a priority area for cooperation with PNG. Over the years, Li said, China has offered around 250 government scholarships to PNG students. Many returned PNG graduates work in important sectors and professions. They serve as bridges of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. Li expressed his hope that the PNG recipients of the 2015 Chinese Scholarship will take with them the friendship of PNG people to China, and bring back home with them the goodwill of the Chinese people.
Ambassador Li presented the Letter of Admission to every recipient and a book titled Xi Jinping: The Governance of China to each of them as a gift to encourage them to learn more about China.
Mr. John Karani, on behalf of the Department of Higher Education of PNG, expressed his appreciation towards the Chinese Government Scholarship program. He said that as PNG Government is now striving to develop the education sector, the support and assistance provided by China will assist PNG in its human resource development and in its endeavor to grow economy.
Mr. James Wapyer, on behalf of the returned graduates of former Chinese Government Scholarship recipients, shared his own experience of studying in China and spoke highly of the role that the scholarship played in advancing one’s career and promoting the development of PNG. He encouraged this year’s recipients to seize the hard-earned opportunity and study hard in China. He also reviewed with affection the good law and order situation in China, as well as the hospitality and the friendship displayed by the Chinese people during his study there.
Ms. Melissa Mabia, on behalf of this year’s scholarship recipients, expressed her sincere gratitude towards the Chinese Government for providing such great learning opportunity, and her determination to study hard in an effort to serve as a bridge linking the friendship between China and PNG.
The guests and hosts at the reception had a friendly, warmly and enthusiastic exchange of views. The parents of this year’s scholarship recipients expressed their heart-felt thanks to the Chinese Government Scholarship program.
Reporters from the newspapers The National and The Post Courier were invited to cover the event.
Ambassador Li Ruiyou, Counsellor Wang Genhua, together with offcials from PNG Office of Higher Education and PNG students