Fiji Sun Deputy Managing Editor News, Fonua Talei, has been awarded a two-year scholarship to study for a Masters in International Relations at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China.

The scholarship is awarded by the China Scholarship Council.

It follows her successful participation in a one-year China Asia and Pacific Press Centre Journalist Training Programme in China. This included courses at the prominent Renmin University. covering major events such as the Belt and Road Initiative and featuring during an attachment at China Global Television Network.

Ms Talei’s masters programme starts this month and will be done online from Fiji until travel reopens.

Ms Talei joined the Fiji Sun in 2011 on an attachment. She became a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication, Psychology, Sociology) graduate of the University College for Women at Osmania University in India.

Fiji Sun Publisher and chief executive officer, Peter Lomas said Ms Talei is a good example of commitment to continuing education by Fiji Sun journalists and also the Fiji Sun’s support for this.

He said: “We have a group of very focused journalists coming through who are lifting journalism standards in Fiji. This through their commitment to journalism and their dedication to continuing education.

“We are grateful to the Chinese Embassy in Suva for their help opening up top opportunities for our people.

“Fonua is one example. Our Managing Editor Digital, Rosi Doviverata is another. Rosi was the first Pacific Island journalist to be awarded the Dongfang fellowship run by China Daily – China’s biggest English-language newspaper – in conjunction with leading universities in Shanghai and Beijing.

“Another is our senior business journalist, Lusiana Tuimaisala. Lusi was first Pacific Islander awarded a scholarship for the one-year China Asia and Pacific Press Centre Journalist Training Programme.

“We thank Ambassador Qian Bo and his team at the embassy in Suva for making this groundbreaking masters opportunity possible for Fonua.”

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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