The Chinese ambassador to South Sudan on Thursday awarded scholarships to 48 students at the University of Juba, reaffirming China’s commitment to higher education and youth development in the country.
Ambassador Ma Qiang presented the awards under the 2025 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Program at a ceremony on the university campus. He congratulated the recipients and praised university officials for organizing the event.
“I am very glad to visit the University of Juba again and attend the award ceremony of the 2025 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship,” Ma said, adding that interacting with students reminded him of his own university years.
On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Ma expressed appreciation to the university administration and Vice Chancellor Robert Mayom Deng. He called the University of Juba South Sudan’s leading institution of higher learning, citing its long history, distinguished faculty, and role in national development.
“The University of Juba makes great contributions to the nation’s development and serves as a key driver toward peace, stability, and prosperity,” Ma said, quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping on the role of universities in cultivating talent and moral values.
The ambassador highlighted growing educational and cultural cooperation between China and South Sudan. He cited the establishment of the China Cultural Centre, academic exchanges, and visits by faculty and students. Thirteen Chinese scholars visited South Sudan in August, while more than 20 University of Juba students attended a Chinese Cultural Festival hosted by the embassy this month.
Looking ahead, Ma said 2026 will mark the 15th anniversary of South Sudan’s independence and diplomatic relations with China. He encouraged students to apply for Chinese government scholarships.
“Youth is the future of South Sudan and China–South Sudan relations,” he said, urging beneficiaries to serve as ambassadors of friendship between the two countries.
Mayom described the ceremony as a milestone for the university, noting it was the first time such an event had been formally held.
“It’s a great honor to be here this morning for this awards ceremony for the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship,” Mayom said. He praised the embassy for sustained support, including the establishment of an e-learning center, donations of books, construction of a computer center, and provision of computers to the School of Engineering and the School of Computer Science.
Mayom said selecting beneficiaries was difficult due to the country’s economic hardships. The scholarship covers tuition fees for one academic year, and he urged students to focus on academics. “So you can now go and relax and just study, study,” he said.
One of the recipients, sixth-year medical student Sylvester John, thanked the Chinese Embassy and university leadership for the support.
“Many are called, but few are chosen,” he said, describing the scholarship as a rare opportunity that eases financial pressure. He urged fellow recipients to perform well academically and called for the program to be expanded to cover additional fees.