PNGUoT and Chongqing Normal University Strengthen Ties Through MOU's
In a significant step toward enhancing international collaboration, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) and Chongqing Normal University (CNU) of China signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) , aimed at deepening educational, cultural, and scientific cooperation between the two institutions.
During the MOU signing on the 7th of November, PNGUoT Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi expressed that this signing strengthens existing collaboration, and will look into key sectors of development like agriculture, science, and vocational education.
The first MoU, known as the “4+1” allows PNGUoT students from any discipline, engineering, business, or communication and development studies and others to take introductory Chinese language courses as an elective subject during their course of study at PNGUoT and attain a HSK level 3 proficiency. Successful candidates will be eligible for a one-year Chinese government scholarship to undertake a full year of Chinese language course in Chongqing Normal University.
For the Chinese government scholarship, a tripartite agreement between PNGUoT, CNU, and the Chinese Language Education Center (CLEC) will be signed in Beijing during the Global Chinese Language Conference, supporting PNGUoT to pursue Chinese language proficiency for one year under the Chinese government scholarship at CNU.
This initiative aims to equip PNG students with language and cultural skills essential for global engagement and professional opportunities both in China and within Chinese companies operating in PNG.
The second MoU is an overarching MOU between PNGUoT and CNU that facilitates faculty to faculty collaboration in research, staff and student exchange and cultural activities.
The third MoU formalizes faculty-to-faculty collaboration between the School of Agriculture (PNGUoT) and College of Life Sciences (CNU). Under this MOU , a joint Rice Research Centre will be established at PNGUoT, where staff and students of both institutions will pursue research collaboration in the discipline of Rice. The research will focus on rice development, identified as a key driver of industrialization and food security in PNG.
CNU Vice President Professor Fu Wensheng expressed optimism that these partnerships will expand beyond language and agriculture into other areas such as science, technology, and artificial intelligence.
This signing is a milestone in strengthening people-to-people connections and academic cooperation, fostering innovation, and positioning PNGUoT as a key regional player in global academic and research exchange.
