Kilisitina Angahikifo’ou Puleiku became the first Tongan student to have graduated with a Doctorate Degree from a university in China earlier this month.

She received her PhD in Human Geography from Anhui Normal University.

Tonga’s Ambassador to China, HE Siamelie Latu attended the graduation ceremony and pointed out that it was the very first time for a Tongan student to graduate with a doctorate degree from an university in China.

“Kilisitina's achievement is definitely an excellent role model in her family, village and to the Tongan communities in foreign countries.”

She is one of the first Tongan students who received a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council in 2002. She started with a Bachelor’s Degree and then a Master's Degree and now at the highest academic level with a Doctorate Degree, he said.

He thanked the Government of China for the scholarships offered to Tongan students.

"These scholarships play a very important role in meeting the expectations of not only the students and their families but of the various developing countries which relies on today’s generation to continue leading the world to a much safer and more peaceful place to live in," he said.

Kilisitina is the eldest daughter of Tokaukamea Puleiku of Vaotu’u and ‘Olivia Hui Puleiku of Falehau, Niuatoputapu who were present at the ceremony.

Tongan students who also graduated this year from universities in China, included Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, with a BA in Diplomacy; Havea Veikune, Siuesi Kupu, Vincent Kakala and Karen Fatai with Bachelors in Business graduates from Peking University; Filatoa Vailea and Matamahina Malani with Bachelors of Accounting; Tevita Heimuli, with a Master’s Degree in Accounting; Isaiah Takau with a Bachelor of Pharmacy, and ‘Anaseini ‘Alofi and ‘Amelia Latu with Bachelors in Medicine.