His Excellency Paul Turner welcomes home Chevening Alumni
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-17)

7 brilliant Solomon Islanders who were awarded the UK government’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship in 2024-25 have returned to the Solomons  after completing their masters’ degrees.

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner hosted the returning scholars on Thursday 16 October 2025 at his Tanuli Residence in Honiara.

Welcoming the Chevening Alumni members home, High Commissioner Paul Turner said:

We hope you will drive change locally and globally especially after your Chevening experiences and we hope you will also be able to inspire and help others to apply for a Chevening Scholarship in 2026. We want to support the next generation of leaders and value energy, open-mindedness, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision for your future and the ability to achieve your goals.

Chevening Scholarships (https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/) are awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds who can demonstrate the commitment and skills needed to become future leaders.

The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to pursue any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities, along with access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Emma Hennessey, Head of The Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office) said:

Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

The Chevening Alumni members are:
- Brandon Tupiti, Master of Science in Cloud Computing from the University of East London (https://www.uel.ac.uk/)
- Crispin Tanentoa, Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering from Brunel University London (https://www.brunel.ac.uk/)
- David Michael Ha’apio Natogga Sivainao, Master of Science in Business Strategy and Innovation Management from the University of Southampton (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/)
- Fred Mandersloot Kwakwaoa Anisi, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems from the University of Leeds (https://www.leeds.ac.uk/)
- Gary Dii Moli, Master of Law (LLM) in International Trade and Maritime Law from the University of Essex (https://www.essex.ac.uk/)
- Martin Teu, Master of Arts in Geopolitics and International Affairs from the University of Sussex (https://www.sussex.ac.uk/)
- Sebastian Alofi Misiga, Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Management from the University of Brighton (https://www.brighton.ac.uk/index.aspx)
All seven Chevening Alumni members expressed similar sentiments saying they have had fantastic studies and more, especially being able to experience the UK’s cultural diversity and the city of London.

They are now looking forward to working with the rest of the Chevening Alumni to encourage other Solomon Islanders to apply for this life changing scholarship award.

Applications for the 2026 to 2027 window have closed. The next phase will be shortlisting, interviews and results will be expected by mid-June 2026. Applications for next year’s award will open in August.

Since the programme started in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing future leaders.