I.P.E.S. offers scholarships to the National University of Samoa

04 June 2017, 12:00AM

“IPES has sponsored many students throughout the past years and this year is no different. Tuition fees are not cheap and those who have been fortunate enough to get scholarships should make the most of the opportunity.” 


Twenty students from the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) are this year’s beneficiaries of the annual scholarship scheme provided by The Institute of Professional Engineers of Samoa (I.P.E.S).

The scholarships are opened to students studying at the Faculties of Science and Applied Sciences as the scheme targets those studying Engineering and Technology related courses. The successful candidates were selected from 67 applicants and the scholarship will cover their tuition for the university year. 

According to the President of I.P.E.S Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, the scheme is now in its 9th year and its whole purpose is to promote Engineering as a career. 

“There are several pathways one can take if the ultimate goal is to be accepted to study engineering in an overseas university. The most common one is to go through the foundation and basic courses at NUS. IPES is committed to this partnership with NUS to ensure students are well aware of what is needed to become an engineer and this includes scholarships, mentoring programs and internships with established local engineering firms”.

The President further added that there is a huge demand for engineers not only with Government agencies but also the Private Sector. Such is this demand that students who are currently in their last year of study for engineering degrees are already being head hunted by some organisations. 

“The number of infrastructure development projects currently being implemented by the government requires a substantial engineering work force to ensure the sustainability of these investments”.

The NUS Vice Chancellor Professor Fui Leapai Asofou Soo thanked IPES on behalf of the university as well as the students who received scholarships for this year. 

“IPES has sponsored many students throughout the past years and this year is no different. Tuition fees are not cheap and those who have been fortunate enough to get scholarships should make the most of the opportunity.” 

IPES was established in 1984 when returning engineering graduates decided that it was high time for Samoa to set up an institute that monitors and regulates the engineering profession in the same mould as the Institution of Engineers Australia (IE Aust) and Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ). 

The Professional Engineers Act was passed by Parliament in 1998 and was then followed by Regulations and Determinations. IPES had 16 founding members with about half of them expatriates attached to various government departments at the time.

The Institute now has 150 members which includes locals as well as members residing overseas. The Professional Engineers Act requires every engineer working in Samoa or living overseas (but doing work related to projects in Samoa) to register with IPES. Information on IPES can be found on www.ipes.ws or www.facebook/ipesamoa.com

 

04 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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