The Chinese Embassy has presented scholarships to 20 National University of Samoa students for 2022 with the presentation ceremony also seeing the introducing of an inaugural award. 

China's Ambassador to Samoa, Chao Xiaoliang and the N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Aiono Prof. Alec Ekeroma attended the official presentation with the Ambassador presenting the scholarships to the students. 

The two types of scholarships provided are the Academic Scholarship and the Encouragement Scholarship. 

The recipients showed their appreciation through the NUS Student Representative who expressed gratitude to the People's Republic of China.

Miranda Leiataua, a recipient of the scholarship awards, said such an opportunity was made possible by the Chinese Government.

"This goes to show that the Chinese government has yet again extended and expanded their funding scope to include educational support through the Chinese embassy," she said. 

Mr Xiaoliang, in a speech to the scholarship recipients, said the education sector is important for every country and the cooperation in the education sector between China and Samoa will continue. 

"Education is an important sector for every country and the cooperation between the two countries in their education areas and we will continue our relationship and friendship with the National University of Samoa," he said. 

The diplomat also said he was excited to present and witness the presentation of the inaugural recipient of the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship. This scholarship was set up this year for students who are top academic performers. 

According to Mr Xiaoliang, the new new scholarship program marked a key step forward of a Chinese-Samoan cultural exchange.

It is understood the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents ability to afford their children's university fees was the inspiration behind the Chinese Embassy stepping forward to offer the scholarships. The N.U.S. sees the scholarships as an opportunity for the students to pursue their academic goals without the constant worry of paying their tuition fees.