At KDI School, we are excited to introduce Piula Atu Tui Kehe Mei Moana Lokotui Vaea, our very first student from Tonga. A wonderful addition that brings new perspectives to our community. As this new student begins their journey with us, we’re eager to hear about their experiences growing up in Tonga, their path to KDI School, and their hopes for the future. Join us as we get to know them better and explore the unique insights she brings to our campus.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about Tonga. 

Malo e lelei (Greetings in the Tongan Language).

My name is Piula Atu Tui Kehe Mei Moana Lokotui Vaea, and I come from the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga, an island country in the South Pacific Ocean (Oceania). I am married to my dear husband, Siosiua Vaea, and come from a big, traditional, Christian family. I am a proud aunt to three beautiful nieces. My beautiful island country has a population of around 100,000 people. It is a profoundly conservative Christian country, and our head of state is King George Tupou VI. Tonga is also known as the Friendly Islands and is the only island country in Oceania that was never colonized by any foreign country. I am proud to represent Tonga at KDI School through the KOICA scholarship.

What inspired you to apply to KDI School, and how did you hear about this institution?

I found out about KDI School while applying for the KOICA scholarship. The program aligned with my interests, and after conducting thorough research, I became increasingly enthusiastic about joining KDI School. I started following the school's various social media pages, allowing me to be updated with school activities.

What aspects of your Tongan heritage are you most excited to share with your peers here? Conversely, what Korean customs or practices are you looking forward to experiencing?

I am eager to introduce my peers to the beauty of Tonga, including our language, traditions, and cuisine, because most students have never heard of Tonga or know where it is. Conversely, I look forward to immersing myself in Korean customs and practices and enjoying everything Korea offers.

Could you tell us a bit about your experience so far at KDI School? What are some of the things that you have enjoyed or found challenging?

So far, my experience at KDI School has been fantastic. I often feel overwhelmed and amazed at how developed this place is with its top-notch facilities, which I am not used to back home or at my former university. I feel grateful and blessed to be able to access all these services and facilities, as it makes me feel more valued as a student. I am also excited about the few things I have learned about KDI School; ranking 1st as Asia's Think Tank and having it next door to our classroom is mind-blowing! Everyone has been accommodating and welcoming, which makes being away from home a bit easier.

What do you hope to gain from your studies at KDI School, and how do you plan to use your education to benefit your home country?

As an MDP student, I aim to acquire in-depth knowledge about Development Policy, drawing from Korea's and other countries' experiences. As a civil servant in Tonga, I aim to apply this knowledge to Tonga and contribute to its social and economic development 

What advice would you give to other students from Tonga or other island nations considering studying abroad at KDI School?

My advice to students from Tonga and other island nations is clear - choose KDI School. The supportive environment and exceptional facilities make it the ideal choice for pursuing academic goals.

As we conclude our chat with this inspiring student from Tonga, it is clear they’re bringing something special to our KDI School community. Their unique background and fresh perspective promise to enrich our shared experiences and spark new conversations. We are excited to see how their journey unfolds and how they will make their mark here. Here is to new beginnings and the adventures ahead!