By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau — “This has been a long-awaited project; the design was made in 2008. Finally, it’s here and we are so blessed,” Palau Community College President Dr. Patrick Tellei said Friday as the college officially opened its new science building.
The $25 million facility, funded through a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan), marks a major advancement for PCC’s science program. The building features two laboratories, eight classrooms, a theater and a translation room.
Students, faculty, traditional chiefs, government leaders and community partners attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was moved indoors due to rain. The program opened with a prayer from Pastor Hedrick Kual, followed by remarks from officials including Tellei, President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau Jessica Lee.
Lee called the project “a milestone for Palau’s higher education” and extended congratulations on behalf of Taiwan, citing shared values of education and development. Whipps highlighted the importance of Palau’s international partnerships, saying, “Having our partners next to us is critical in developing our nation.”
Before its official debut, the new building served as the main polyclinic during the Pacific Mini Games, providing medical services for athletes. Now, students and faculty say the facility will transform academic life at PCC.
“We finally have a place designed for science that matches our ambitions,” one STEM student said. Faculty added that the upgraded laboratories will support hands-on learning, research and innovation, while expanding the college’s capacity to offer advanced science courses.
The new facility also supports PCC’s mission to provide high-quality STEM education in line with its accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. College leaders said the investment will better prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while contributing to Palau’s broader educational and workforce development goals.
