Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, H.E. Wang Lixin, attended the 2024 Chinese Ambassador Bursary Award Ceremony, where she presented awards to 32 students from the Maldivian National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM).

The event was also attended by Mr. Ahmed Shafeeu, State Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr. Aishath Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU, Ms. Aishath Waheedha, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IUM, as well as faculty members and students from both universities.

During her remarks, Ambassador Wang quoted President Xi Jinping, highlighting the importance of youth as the most dynamic force in society and emphasised that the future of the nation rests in the hands of its youth.

Ambassador Wang also reflected on the recent state visit by Maldivian President Dr. Muizzu to China, noting that it had elevated bilateral relations to new heights.

She encouraged the students to work hard, hone their skills, and aim for the China Ambassador Bursary, positioning themselves as ambassadors of friendship between the two nations.

Ambassador Wang further announced that a group of 12 students from MNU and IUM would be visiting China in the coming days.

She welcomed more Maldivian students to pursue educational opportunities in China, supported by the Chinese Government’s scholarship program.

The Maldivian representatives expressed deep gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their ongoing support of higher education in the Maldives.

They praised the bursary program as a testament to the strong partnership and enduring friendship between the two countries, and hoped for continued cooperation to enhance the Maldives' human resource development and self-sufficiency.