54 STEM students to study in China

The 54 STEM students pose for a group photo with Chinese Ambassador to PNG H.E Yang Xiaoguang, Education Minister Lucas Dekena, Deputy Priem Minister John Rosso and, Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra after the pre-departure luncheon hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby on Friday (Image: Supplied)

In an inspiring leap toward a brighter tomorrow, 54 of Papua New Guinea’s brightest young minds are about to embark on a life-changing journey to China.

These remarkable students have excelled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM] during their Grade 12 year at the six national schools of excellence.

They are from 6 schools of excellence which includes Sogeri, Aiyura, Kerevat, Passam, Wawin, and Port Moresby.

These students are under PNG Government scholarships to universities in China to pursue studies in electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, hydraulic engineering, and computer science and technology, among others.

The first batch of students left Port Moresby for China on Saturday, October 5, with the next group set to depart on Tuesday, October 8.

The 54 scholarship recipients will study at Three Gorges University in China.

The "STEM Scholarship" is organized and funded by the PNG Department for Education, has already seen 30 students embark on studies in India, 76 in the United States, five in Fiji for pilot training, and now 54 more in China.

The first batch of 43 students traveled to the USA last year, marking the beginning of a new era for PNG’s young leaders.

This year marks the second year of the project and the first time to send students to China.