Sivoki Fonua and Sandy Tu’ipulotu are the lucky recipients of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship for 2017 and were congratulated at a dinner with the Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Mr Yukio Numata on 9 March 2017.

Mr Numata offered some advice on living and studying in Japan encouraging them to adjust and enjoy the language and the cultural challenges to effectively pursue their studies.

The Ambassador also acknowledged their determination in applying for the scholarship and wished them success in their studies.

Previous scholarship recipients who also attended the dinner shared their experiences of living and studying in Japan.

Sivoki is interested in policy to regulate cybercrime and hopes to become a policy analyst. She will attend the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University on a research scholarship to complete her two years Master’s Degree in Asia Pacific Studies. Sivoki is a graduate of the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource and International Business and Marketing. She worked with Tonga Communication’s Coorperation (TCC).

Sandy has been awarded a research scholarship with the Hokkaido University and will take a Japanese Language course in the first six months prior to starting her Master’s Degree in Environmental Earth Science. She has a Bachelor in Tourism Management from Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand and worked at Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism.

Various scholarships are offered annually under the MEXT Scholarship Program by the Government of Japan. Tongans are eligible to apply for scholarships in Research, Undergraduate, Specialized Training College students and Teacher Training Programs.

MEXT Scholarships have been awarded to Tongans since 1995.