BY INDY MAEALASIA

A visiting delegation from Jiangmen city, Guadong Province, China has visited Chung Wah school over the weekend for a brief cultural exchange and handing over ceremony.

Representatives of the Chinese Association in the Solomon Islands, along with the School administration, were present to welcome the delegation. 

School Principal Eunice Tahuniara said that the visit was also to showcase the country’s only Chinese school.

 “We invited them specially to come in through cultural exchange just to speak to each other and see what is happening around because this is the only Chinese school and they should see what is in here,” Tahuniara said.  

To ensure the delegation experienced the country’s cultural heritage, Year 2 and Year 5 students performed colorful contemporary dances.

The delegation also viewed displays of traditional crafts and artifacts, as well as toured the school’s original classrooms, new buildings, and upcoming projects.

The program concluded with the presentation of new desktops, tablets, shirts, and school bags to the school administration.

 “On behalf of the school board, the teachers and students of Chung Wah School we want to thank the delegation for coming. Thank you for the gifts that shows the relationship is maintained and build up not only here but with other organizations,” Tahuniara added.

The visiting delegation also attended the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 5^th anniversary of China- Solomon Islands Diplomatic Relations at the Pacific Crown Hotel last Friday.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is not only dedicated to providing quality education but also to cultivating a ‘generation of leaders, innovators, and change makers’.

SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau echoed this vision during the University’s Open Day on Friday.

Aqorau urged students and faculty to embrace a holistic approach to education that extends beyond the classroom and empowers them to tackle real-world challenges.

 “At SINU, we believe that education is not just about passing exams or getting a degree.

“It is about nurturing a deep curiosity for the world around us, encouraging critical thinking and developing the skills needed to drive in an ever-changing world,” he emphasised.  

Reflecting on the significance of the open day, Aqorau noted that it serves as a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and achievements.

 “This open day is your opportunity to share with the world what you have been working on, to demonstrate the knowledge you have gained, and to show the promise of what is yet to come.

“Whether you are presenting a project, showcasing research, or performing with your cultural group, remember that you are not just representing yourself, but also the collective spirit of SINU,” he emphasised.

He reminded students and staff that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey rather than a final destination.

 “And as we look to the future, I encourage each of you to reflect on your own role in this journey.

“Whether you are a student, a faculty member, or a staff member, you are part of something much larger than yourself.

“You are part of a university that is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and change makers.

“And it is through your efforts, your dedication, and your passion that we will continue to grow, to thrive, and to meet the challenges of the future,” Aqorau said.

China committed to more exchanges of governance experience to bolster Solomons’ confidence and capability to realise independence

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

China aspires to strengthen the exchange of governance experience to help Solomon Islands elevate confidence and capability for independent development.

Through these exchanges, China believes Solomon Island will chart a modernisation path that suits its conditions and achieves its economic transformation.

Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands His Excellency Cai Weiming said this when speaking at the event to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the 5th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, at the Pacific Crown hotel on Friday.

One of the core agendas highlighted by Weiming going forward between the two countries is promoting people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the popular basis for both countries’ cooperation.

“We will depend on bilateral cooperation in education, culture, arts, tourism sports and other areas to forge a closer bond of friendship between our two people,” said Cai.

He said that China will continue to facilitate provincial and municipal cooperation with Solomon Island to support more Solomon Island students and professionals to study in China.

“We should strengthen practical cooperation, to cement an economic foundation for each other’s modernization.

“We will enhance the interaction of Belt and Road Initiative and GNUT’s policy statements, and speed up the construction of National Referral Hospital (NRH) comprehensive medical Centre and Auki Road tar sealing projects,” he said.

Cai stressed that China will take the opportunity of the zero-tariff recently offered for the Solomon Islands to absorb more of Solomon Islands agricultural and fisheries products into China’s market.

“All these measures will deepen our cooperation, boost our development and inject strong momentum for our modernisation,” he said.

“Chinese President Xi Jinping said on multiple occasions that modernisation is an inalienable right of all countries.

“No country should be left behind on their path to modernisation,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming said that China is ready to work with the Solomon Islands to deepen friendship and cooperation motivated by both countries’ pursuit of modernisation.

“It is also to lead China relations with Pacific countries, and countries to the modernisation of developing countries and the Global South,’’ said Cai.