The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Jamaica, after a competitive selection process, has selected five Jamaicans for scholarships to pursue post-graduate studies in China as part of the 2023/2024 Chinese Government Scholarships.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony held onsite at the Chinese Embassy in Kingston on Wednesday, August 16, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica Daojing Chen spearheaded a heartwarming send-off for the awardees.

He said: “We are glad to see that Jamaicans continue to excel in Chinese universities not only in academia but in publicising Jamaican culture. So far, over 200 Jamaican students have been granted the Chinese Government Scholarships and we would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Finance and Public Services for their strong support.”

“As Jamaica celebrated its 61st year of Independence, China and Jamaica’s friendship and cooperation have continued to grow from strength to strength. China remains committed to helping Jamaican students realise their highest potential. We hope you all will act as the ambassadors for bilateral people-to-people exchanges, the inheritors of China-Jamaica friendship, and the promoters of China-Jamaica relations in the future,” he added.

According to Chen, China has over 2,500 universities and has contributed significantly to global scientific research and economic growth. “China is a great place to study as its renowned institutions are developing thought leaders and change-makers who could drive changes in their respective sectors,” he continued.

Ambassador Chen also emphasised to the cohort the importance of discipline as they pursue their education and foster cross-cultural friendships.

During the event, Samantha Ellington, a distinguished awardee who previously studied in Beijing from 2019 to 2021, shared her insights and advice with the incoming scholars. She reminded them of the challenges and rewards that lay ahead, urging them to believe in their potential to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Ellington said: “This next step in your journey comes with the task of learning about a new culture, language, and education system while operating in a completely different time zone from what we all grew up with. It is imperative that you enjoy the journey for what it is and never forget to keep living.”

“Success doesn’t happen overnight – my advice to you today is to be brave in going on your new adventure to study in a foreign country, be open to learning about a new culture and immersing yourselves in it, and be humble as you are faced with the task of learning a new language and figuring out your new normal for living and studying in China, and be hopeful for all the possibilities this opportunity will bring,” she advised the scholarship awardees.