Padang City Government Holds Orientation for 60 Scholarship Candidates to China
Padang City Government held an orientation session for 60 prospective scholarship recipients for Guangdong Province, China under the Padang Juara Outstanding Program (Progul). The event took place at the Bagindo Aziz Chan Building, Padang Aie Pacah City Hall, on Monday, 25 May 2026.
The orientation was officially opened by Padang Mayor Fadly Amran and attended by Padang Education and Culture Department Head Yopi Krislova, West Sumatra Provincial Government representatives, partner universities, teachers, parents, and the 60 scholarship recipients.
This programme is part of the Padang Juara initiative aimed at providing international-standard higher education access for Padang’s youth. The 60 selected students will pursue Bachelor’s and diploma degrees (S1 and D4) at Guangdong universities during the 2026/2027 academic year.
Scholarship recipients will follow a double degree scheme under a ‘1-2-1’ study pattern: one year of Mandarin language training and preparatory studies in Indonesia, two years in Guangdong, and one year completing their degrees at their home institutions in Padang.
All education and living costs are fully covered by Padang City Government. Students will also receive intensive Mandarin language classes five times a week taught by Chinese instructors before commencing studies at eight partner universities in Guangdong.
The scholarship programme began with an education expo and selection process from 20-23 January 2026. Out of approximately 1,500 expo participants, 163 students took an online selection exam facilitated by Guangdong educational institutions and China University and College Admission System (CUCAS) Indonesia. Of these, 83 passed, with 60 top candidates selected for this year’s scholarships.
The 60 students will be distributed across four partner universities in Padang: Padang State University (UNP), Andalas University (Unand), Padang Polytechnic (PNP), and UPI YPTK.
Mayor Fadly Amran expressed his appreciation to the selected students and stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and upholding the city’s reputation.
“Congratulations to Padang’s top students heading to China. This is a golden opportunity and a responsibility; study diligently and uphold Padang’s reputation,” he said.
He emphasised that the city government covers all educational expenses to allow students to focus on their studies and enhance global competitiveness.
“We want Padang’s youth not only to study abroad but also to contribute and bring Padang’s reputation to the international stage,” he added.
Looking ahead, Padang City Government aims to provide at least 300 overseas scholarships within Mayor Fadly Amran and Deputy Mayor Maigus Nasir’s five-year term. Educational partnerships are also being explored with countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, the United States, and the Middle East.