A group of local journalists have returned home inspired after a media exchange program in China, where they gained new perspectives on China’s rapid development, media landscape, and cultural heritage.
The delegation included Arthur Wate and Assumpta Buchanan of the Solomon Star; Simon Tavake and George Hoatamauri of SIBC, Jeremy Gwao from Tavuli News; Ronald Toito’ona from In-Depth Solomons and Lynda Wate Seni, Vice President of
the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), and Brian Lezutuni from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The trip was fully sponsored by the Chinese Embassy of the Solomon Islands. The 10-day visit began in Shanghai, where the group toured the Shanghai Tower and Yu Garden, as well as the Pudong Exhibition Hall and the Global Harbor Trading
Center.
The delegation also visited the China–Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center in Jiangsu Province, an initiative set up by the national government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to assist island
countries in the region to develop their agriculture aspirations.
In Nanjing, the journalists explored China’s cultural and historical landmarks, including the Nanjing City Wall and the Confucius Temple, gaining a deeper appreciation of the nation’s heritage.
The group also visited the major media institutions such as Nanjing Daily and China Daily, a peek into China’s evolving media landscape.
The trip concluded visits to the Museum of the Communist Party of China and a courtesy call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing.
MASI Vice President Lynda Wate Seni described the trip a “learning journey” in which Solomon Islands and Chinese journalists can learn from each other.
Seni also thanked Brian Lezutuni from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MASI President Ofani Eremae for their strong support in organizing the visit.
“Their leadership ensured that media professionals from the Solomon Islands had the opportunity to experience and appreciate China’s advancements, as well as its vibrant culture and history,” she added.
