In what could be described as an unprecedented achievement, a Gambian student, in the person of Mrs.Kumba Conateh Nam , has registered the highest performance amongst all the Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF) scholarship recipients.

In recognition of her brilliant performance, the ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan , His Excellency Richard Shih, yesterday awarded Madam Conateh a certificate of excellence.

Speaking at a ceremony held at his office in Kanifing, Ambassador Shih described Mrs. Conateh’s performance as unprecedented, and thus deserving of recognition.

According to him, two things that are unprecedented happened in her case, firstly she finished “her two year programme in just a year and half and secondly she got the highest score ever”.

He further revealed that her exceptional performance had prompted Taiwan ICDF to host a farewell dinner in her honour shortly before her departure.

“So I am here very honoured on behalf of the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan to present this certificate of excellence to Mrs.Kumba Conateh Nam and to appreciate her efforts,” Ambassador Shih said. He also hailed the good educational policies of The Gambia.

“Taiwan ICDF offers scholarships to students from over 30 countries and 700 candidates from all over the world,” he said.

He said he has confidence in Gambians and thus encouraged them to apply for ICDF scholarship as the application process is currently underway.

For her part, Mrs. Kumba Conateh Nam thanked ICDF and the Gambian government for giving her the opportunity to further her studies in Taiwan . “The ICDF scholarship is very good,” she said, sighting hard work and determination as the secret of her success.

She has attained an MBA at the National Chengchi University in less than two years.

Meanwhile, before travelling to Taiwan two years ago, Madam Conateh Nam worked with the Department of State for Information, Communication and Communication Technology and she is presently on study leave.

The occasion was chaired by Mr. Tom Lee, 1st secretary at the Taiwanese embassy.