Korean construction conglomerate Booyoung Group renewed its commitment to supporting Fijian education as it awarded scholarships to four students through its education arm, the Woojung Education and Cultural Foundation.
Undergraduate students Sunia Loga and Ratu Jone Parkes Savou and PhD students Patrick Mark Singh and Joji Wata were among 102 other students from countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific that were granted scholarships which includes a monthly allowance of $1000USD.
Foundation Chairman and company founder Dr. Lee Joong-Keun said he believed that investments in education are not only a “one-off” but are events that remain as future human resource development.
“I hope that you will devote yourselves to your studies to achieve the goals you have set, and in the future become the bridges that connect your home countries and Korea, as well as global leaders that lead the world,” he said.
The ceremony which was held at the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul and was attended by Fiji’s Resident Ambassador in the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Ambassador Filimone Kau.
Ambassador Kau said the support from agencies such as Booyoung Group and its Woojung Education and Cultural Foundation was vital and appreciated.
“The Foundation has been lending its financial support to our students since 2012 and for this we are very grateful. The investment ensures that our students have the best support systems for their studies and thus a successful completion.”
“Two of them are studying in technical fields and there is an existing need for this in Fiji. Scholarships like these not only assist our Fijian students but also other potential global leaders around the world,” Ambassador Kau said.
Ambassador Kau encouraged the students to work smart and achieve the best and furthermore to continue to be worthy ambassadors of Fiji in Korea.
25-year old PhD student and Cicia native Joji Wata thanked the Fiji Embassy in Korea for their support in securing the financial assistance for students.
“We get a lot of support from His Excellency, Ambassador Kau and his team at the embassy. They secured this financial assistance for us and we will always be indebted to them. As a PhD student, this allowance will ensure that I have all my research materials and equipment to assist me in my thesis,” he said.
The Booyoung Group was established in 2008 and focuses on construction to support global human resource development.