Nearly 60 Namibian students have been selected for a China-funded scholarship program out of 300 applicants, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhang Yiming said on Wednesday evening.

The ambassador made the remarks at a farewell ceremony, which was held here with students headed to various Chinese universities next week to pursue a higher studies in areas that are vital to the southwestern African nation.

This year, the total number of the students reached a record high with six of the selected students expected to pursue their studies at the prestigious Peking University, Zhang said.

"The admission number records as the highest around the world in this year's scholarship program by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce," he added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Annely Haiphene, executive director of the Namibia Planning Commission, congratulated the students while expressing gratitude to the Chinese government.

"When you go for your studies, make sure you represent the country well," said Haiphene. "You should go there to gain various knowledge and skills, so that when you return, you will be able to plough back to the development of the country."

She encouraged the students to emulate the positive aspects of China, not only in academia but also in ethics and culture.

A student representative Nekwaya Sesilia said this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives the students a chance to study in a country with a strong economy and bring back the best in practice and theory after completing their studies.