China opens centre in uni

PAPUA New Guinea’s first Confucius Education Cultural and Research Centre was opened on Monday at the University of Goroka (UoG) campus by Open University of China vice-president Prof Yang Xiaotang.
Xiaotang and his delegation were welcomed by cultural performances by students from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Milne Bay, Eastern Highlands and Chimbu.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between both institutions.
Xiaotang said the signing would enable both universities to collaborate on various fronts, starting with the setting up of a “cloud classroom” where audio visual instruments, computers and video conferencing equipment would be installed.
He said student and staff exchanges could be done with the aim of getting more Papua New Guineans to speak Mandarin.
UoG vice-chancellor Prof Musawe Sinebare said: “This collaboration is for our university to tap into the international market in all levels of research, study or exchange programmes that will come about as a result of the partnership.”
UoG pro vice-chancellor (academic, research and innovation) Teng Waninga commended the efforts of both sides and said the first intake for the Chinese studies would begin next year.
Waninga said the centre was located on the first floor of one of the female dormitories and would have glass cubicles with headsets and audio and IT equipment installed soon.
He said lessons in the centre would be offered in mixed mode.