On a recent Tuesday, Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) celebrated the official opening and handover of its fully renovated and upgraded Aula 7, a core lecture facility completely funded by PetroChina Investment Suriname B.V. (PCIS), a local subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The opening ceremony was jointly led by Surinamese Vice President Gregory Rusland and PCIS General Director Li Guoyong, with Virginia Asin-Oostburg, chair of the AdeKUS University Board, also taking part in the commemorative activities.
The renovation project grew out of collaborative discussions between PetroChina and AdeKUS addressing pressing needs to upgrade the university’s aging teaching infrastructure. A formal cooperation agreement laying the groundwork for the renovation and outfitting of Aula 7 was signed by both parties in March 2026. The upgraded 80-seat venue is now equipped to host lectures, seminars, academic presentations and a wide range of other university events for students, faculty and researchers across all of AdeKUS’s faculties, including postgraduate trainees.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director Li emphasized that educational investment is a core part of PetroChina’s commitment to supporting Suriname’s long-term development. “Investing in education means investing in Suriname’s future,” Li noted, adding that the modernized lecture hall is designed to foster better knowledge sharing, cutting-edge research and the development of innovative ideas among the university community. Li expressed his hope that the new facility would benefit both current students and staff, and serve as a lasting resource for future generations of Surinamese learners.
The comprehensive renovation touched every core system and feature of the lecture hall, including structural updates to walls, flooring, ceilings, windows, as well as full upgrades to lighting, electrical infrastructure and air conditioning. The space was also outfitted with brand-new modern seating, integrated writing surfaces, universal device charging points, and state-of-the-art audio-visual and multimedia equipment to support contemporary teaching methods.
In a boost to the local economy, all on-the-ground execution of the project relied heavily on Surinamese businesses and local expertise. Clipper Vastgoed N.V. led all construction and renovation work, while All Interior Solutions N.V. handled the supply and installation of custom furniture and interior fittings. The entire project was overseen by a dedicated project management and supervision team appointed by AdeKUS, with technical guidance from PetroChina’s own project team and multimedia installation support from the UCIT team led by Rishi Bhattacharji.
During the official opening ceremony, Li Guoyong and Asin-Oostburg jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the project, before Rusland and Li cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the space. Attendees included Haidy Lindveld, representative of Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Jia Jinyi, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Suriname, members of the AdeKUS University Board, and representatives from PetroChina, Staatsolie Suriname and the Confucius Institute.
As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives in Suriname, PetroChina prioritizes investment in three key areas: education, public health, and environmental stewardship. The company currently holds exploration, development and production rights for offshore blocks 14 and 15 in Suriname, after signing production sharing contracts for the blocks with Staatsolie in September 2024. Staatsolie participates in both projects through its local subsidiary Paradise Oil Company N.V. For PetroChina, the Aula 7 renovation project marks a tangible contribution to strengthening Suriname’s higher education infrastructure and advancing the long-term development of the country’s tertiary education sector.