PRESS RELEASE
26 June 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has strengthened its international partnership with Yangzhou University (YZU), China, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Scientific and Technical Cooperation.
The MoU was signed by SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau and Yangzhou University President Professor Liu Qiaoquan, marking a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the two institutions.
The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in scientific research, academic exchange, innovation, and capacity building, while creating opportunities for staff and student exchanges, joint research projects, professional training, and knowledge sharing.
A highlight of the ceremony was the award of Masterโs scholarships by Yangzhou University to two SINU graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Jimson Maedola and Mark Pitaboe, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies in China and further strengthen their expertise in agriculture.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Aqorau described the partnership as an important milestone in advancing SINUโs vision of becoming a leading institution for education, research, and innovation in the Pacific.
He said agriculture remains central to Solomon Islandsโ national development, food security, rural livelihoods, and the future of young people, adding that the collaboration comes at a crucial time as the country seeks to strengthen its agricultural sector through science, technology, and innovation.
Professor Aqorau also noted Chinaโs significant progress in agricultural development through sustained investment in research, technology, education, and human capacity, and said SINU looks forward to learning from this expertise while sharing its own strengths in tropical agriculture and Pacific perspectives.
He welcomed the scholarship initiative, describing it as an important investment in the future of Solomon Islandsโ agricultural sector, and said it would inspire more young Solomon Islanders to pursue excellence in agriculture, science, and innovation.
The partnership is expected to enhance SINUโs teaching and research capacity, expand opportunities for staff and student mobility, strengthen scientific collaboration, and support innovative solutions to challenges relating to food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
The official visit marks another significant milestone in SINUโs international engagement and reinforces the Universityโs commitment to building strong global partnerships that create lasting opportunities for students, researchers, and the wider community, while contributing to the sustainable development of Solomon Islands.
ENDS//