China Scholarships Continue to Strengthen Samoa’s Future Workforce

Apia, Samoa 16/7/2026 – The enduring partnership between the Government of Samoa and the People’s Republic of China was celebrated at the Chinese Scholarship Awards Night, where new recipients were officially recognised as recipients of the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarships.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Samoa, Public Service Commission Chairman Afioga Nonu Saleimoa Va’ai, National University of Samoa Vice Chancellor & President Professor Tuifuisa’a Dr. Patila Amosa, scholarship recipients, parents, families, government officials, and invited guests.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Fei Mingxing highlighted the Chinese Government’s longstanding commitment to supporting Samoa’s human resource development through education. He noted that more than 300 Samoans have benefited from Chinese Government scholarships over the years, with graduates now serving in key sectors including government, media, education, business, and other professional fields. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to investing in Samoa’s future through education, describing the scholarship programme as an important platform for strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between Samoa and China.

The Public Service Commission, Chairman Afioga Nonu Saleimoa Va’ai acknowledged the strong partnership between the Public Service Commission and the Chinese Embassy in successfully facilitating scholarship opportunities for Samoan students. He announced that between 2019 and 2026, a total of 104 new students have been awarded Chinese Government Scholarships, including 22 recipients for the 2026 academic year. He further noted that the scholarship recipients’ fields of study have been carefully aligned with Samoa’s national human resource priorities and long-term workforce development needs, supporting the country’s workforce planning over the next 15 years. He encouraged the recipients to make full use of the opportunity to pursue higher education in China, reminding them that such opportunities come only once and urging them to return home equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to Samoa’s future development.

NUS Vice Chancellor Professor Tuifuisa’a Dr. Patila Amosa celebrated a significant milestone for the University, which secured 54 scholarships this year. These include 40 Chinese Ambassador Scholarships, an increase from 20 scholarships awarded in 2025, and 14 scholarships for students enrolled in the Chinese Language Major Programme under the Faculty of Arts. She congratulated all scholarship recipients on their well-deserved achievements, recognising their hard work, dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence. She also acknowledged the invaluable support of parents, families, lecturers, and mentors whose encouragement, guidance, and sacrifices had helped students reach this important milestone. The Vice Chancellor wished the recipients every success in their studies and future endeavours in China.

The evening concluded with the presentation of scholarship certificates, followed by a vibrant cultural performance by the Confucius Institute at the National University of Samoa. The performance showcased Chinese music and culture, symbolising the strong friendship, cultural exchange, and enduring partnership between Samoa and the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese Scholarship Awards Night brought together scholarship recipients, parents, families, government representatives, members of the diplomatic community, and friends to celebrate the achievements of Samoa’s future leaders and the continued collaboration between Samoa and China in advancing education and human resource development.