I.P.E.S. awards scholarships to N.U.S. Science students

By Joshua Lafoai 31 May 2017, 12:00AM

The President of the Institution for Professional Engineers Samoa (I.P.E.S) says there is a desperate need for educated professional engineers in the industry.

Fui Tupai Simanu says its crucial to have engineers working in Samoa because they serve a core function in areas including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.

This is why I.P.E.S. has awarded science students of the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) with $20,000 worth of scholarships to study an engineering course of up to four years max.

“Most students have moved away from our profession, they now would rather take up commerce, office management, and even become doctors and lawyers,” said Fui.

“However, engineering science holds some of the key parts of Samoa’s economy in electrical, mechanical and civil engineering. We cannot let the interest die out therefore were trying to boost our industry input into education, so we can produce more professional engineers in the future,” he added.

He also says that Samoa is in need to catch up with technology and its many changes.

“Through science we can adapt to the many rapid changes in the world, if we don’t catch up, were going to be left behind. This is why its important to push professional engineering,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of N.U.S, Professor Fui Asofou So’o agrees with I.P.E.S. calling their initiative in reaching out to students a critical part in producing successful output.

“This also encourages and supports N.U.S. in continuing to provide these kinds of programs because graduates out of programs such as this contribute greatly to the economic development of our country  through the work they will be involved in,” said the V.C.

This isn’t the first time I.P.E.S. has contributed to the fees of students. It has been a consistent relationship that has helped shape and produces some of the working minds in the industry today.

The N.U.S. Vice Chancellor says what is most important is the students who will be receiving the funding.

“This is why the real thank you should really come from the students and their parents. On behalf of the students, we have to thank I.P.E.S. for their contribution, through the work they have been doing,” he said.

By Joshua Lafoai 31 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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