A Memorandum of Understating (MoU) was signed on Tuesday for the Chinese Ambassador Bursary Program.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Higher Education which was graced by Minister Mariyam Mariya.
The Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin awarded the bursary to students in Maldives National University (MNU) and Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) this time.
The MoU pertaining to the program was signed by Ambassador Wang herself, and Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz and Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Zahir on behalf of MNU and IUM respectively.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Wang said the Bursary Program was aimed at providing assistance to students enrolled at the universities, particularly those studying in island campuses, who are facing financial constraints.
She further said she hopes the program encourages Maldivian youths to learn Chinese culture and undertake efforts to enhance China-Maldives relations in the future.
Ambassador Wang added that further opportunities will be facilitated for Maldivian students to travel to China to learn about the Chinese culture.
Commenting on the bursary program, Higher Education Minister Mariya said the bursary program demonstrates the priority allocated by China to strengthen Maldives’ higher education field. She added the program will also aid in further enhancing Maldives-China relations.
The Minister also thanked the Chinese Ambassador for the scholarships provided by the Government of China to Maldivian students.
MNU and IUM also thanked the Ambassador for extending the bursary program.