𝑺𝑰𝑡𝑼 𝒂𝒏𝒅 π‘°π’π’…π’Šπ’‚ π’”π’•π’“π’†π’π’ˆπ’•π’‰π’†π’ π’„π’π’π’π’‚π’ƒπ’π’“π’‚π’•π’Šπ’π’ 𝒇𝒐𝒓 π’†π’„π’π’π’π’Žπ’Šπ’„ π’…π’†π’—π’†π’π’π’‘π’Žπ’†π’π’• 𝒂𝒏𝒅 π’‚π’„π’‚π’…π’†π’Žπ’Šπ’„ π’ˆπ’“π’π’˜π’•π’‰

12-04-2023

𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) had the honour of hosting His Excellency Shri Inbasekar Sunaramuthi, the India High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, at the Center of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) at the Panatina Campus on Thursday 11 April.

This visit marks a pivotal advancement in the development cooperation between SINU and the Government of India.

The primary aim of the meeting was to fortify the cooperation between SINU and the Government of India, focusing on enhancing economic independence through various capacity-building initiatives.

These initiatives are deeply embedded in shared principles of education, innovation, and sustainable development.

According to High Commissioner Sunaramuthi β€œThe Government of India’s commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation across a spectrum of sectors, including education, healthcare, and renewable energy, has laid a robust foundation for our discussions,”

He further emphasised, “India sees itself as a steadfast development partner, committed to spearheading capacity-building efforts and nurturing economic independence among its partners, thereby promoting self-reliance over dependency.”

Professor Transform Aqorau, the Vice-Chancellor of SINU, remarked, “Our university has made commendable progress, especially in enhancing its governance structures.”

β€œWe are keen on bolstering our collaboration with the Government of India, particularly in the domains of education, technology transfer, and academic exchanges.”

The CEIT, the venue for this significant meeting, was established with the support of the Government of India through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in August 2020.

This cooperation signifies the mutual commitment to advance IT education and research in Solomon Islands.

The Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and updated courseware from August 2022, mirrors the Government of India’s dedication to the educational advancement of the Solomon Islands.

Vice Chancellor Aqorau further detailed, “SINU is committed to nurturing innovation, as evidenced by our plans to set up an innovation hub at the University.”

β€œIn collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, we aim to provide a vibrant platform for our students and faculty to embark on entrepreneurial endeavours and contribute to national development.”

 

He also expressed gratitude for the Government of India’s financial support in renovating the SINU Poitete Campus in the Western Province, which underscores the emphasis on forestry education and sustainable environmental practices.

This venture, with an investment of SBD $1,261,193.38, signifies a notable milestone in the SINU-India partnership.

High Commissioner Sunaramuthi concluded, “India remains committed to supporting the development objectives of the Solomon Islands, with institutions like SINU playing a crucial role in these collaborative initiatives.”

β€œWe are optimistic about the outcomes of our discussions and anticipate the ongoing success of this partnership.”

In his closing remarks, Vice Chancellor Aqorau thanked His Excellency Shri Inbasekar Sunaramuthi for his visit and expressed anticipation for sustained cooperation between SINU and the Government of India, highlighting the reciprocal benefits of such partnerships.

The collaboration between SINU and the Government of India promises to enhance academic relations and foster economic independence and academic excellence within SINU moving forward.

 

End///////////////////