Ms Tisa Donovan, the first native of the Virgin Islands to graduate with a master’s degree through the BVI/Asia Scholarship, has shared her experiences as a student at Taipei Medical University, describing her time in Taiwan as life-changing. Photo: Facebook

Ms Tisa Donovan, centre, has received high commendation as the first Virgin Islands national to have graduated and received a Master’s Degree from an Asia university as part of the BVI /Asia Scholarship programme. Left is Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) while right is Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Office, Siobhan Flax. Photo: GIS

Ms Tisa Donovan attained her Master’s in Public Health from Taipei Medical University (TMU). Photo: GIS

Ms Donovan stated, “I had the privilege of learning in a world-class academic environment, surrounded by individuals from all walks of life. To the new cohort of students preparing to embark on this incredible journey, be brave. This is not just an academic opportunity; it’s a chance to discover who you are outside of the familiar. Walking on faith is not easy; leaving your family, comfort, and everything you know can be terrifying. However, it is in that space of uncertainty where growth happens.”

She was recognised at a ceremony on Friday, July 18, 2025, hosted by the Premier’s Office, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Asia Office.

Both current and newly enrolled students were officially congratulated during the event.

‘You have made history on multiple fronts’- VI Premier

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) congratulated Ms Donovan on earning her Master’s in Public Health from Taipei Medical University (TMU).

He remarked, “You have made history on multiple fronts: as the first graduate of the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme, the first Virgin Islander to graduate from TMU, and the first to graduate from a Taiwanese university. You have set a high standard and made us extremely proud.”

Premier Wheatley encouraged other Virgin Islanders to pursue their dreams and aspirations by taking advantage of the valuable opportunities available through the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme.

This scholarship programme enhances the existing 30-year relationship between the Virgin Islands’ Financial Services Sector and the Asia-Pacific region, offering Virgin Islanders opportunities to familiarise themselves with the area through a diverse range of academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

The scholarships are funded through a three-way model involving partnering Asian universities, the VI Government, and the private sector.

Students can undertake studies in various fields, including Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Environmental & Sustainable Development, Education, Media Studies, Tourism, Hospitality, Nursing, Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy, Chinese Language (Mandarin), and other subjects relevant to the Territory’s economy.