Category: News & Events

The University of Fiji has strengthened its global academic footprint with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, alongside the launch of its Oceanic Centre for Advanced Thinking and Renaissance.

The milestone event, held as part of the University’s 21st anniversary celebrations, signals a major step forward in advancing international collaboration, innovation, and intellectual leadership in the Pacific.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, said the partnership was carefully considered and grounded in shared institutional values rather than status alone.

“We do not accept all approaches to Memorandums of Understanding. We scrutinise them closely to ensure that the institution aligns with our human values and our vision for education,” she said.

Professor Shameem highlighted that despite differences in scale, both institutions share similar foundations rooted in expanding access to education.

“RMIT, like the University of Fiji, began with humble beginnings to address gaps in access to education. That shared foundation makes this partnership meaningful and not merely symbolic,” she said.

She further emphasised that the collaboration reflects a broader understanding of technology and education within a social and environmental context.

“Technology is not just a tool, it exists within a social and economic context. That perspective is central to how we approach this collaboration,” Professor Shameem added.

The MoU will pave the way for collaboration in areas such as research, academic exchange, sustainable development, and innovation across disciplines including design, media, health, and aviation management.

Andrea Siodmok, Dean of the School of Design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, described the partnership as a shared journey inspired by Pacific identity and resilience.

“Just as the drua represents a vessel built for the open ocean, this partnership is our shared vessel to navigate the complex challenges of our time,” she said.

She added that the collaboration is guided by a Living University model, which reimagines higher education as a dynamic, regenerative system that integrates indigenous knowledge and responds to global challenges.

“For Fiji and the wider Pacific, this model is not just theoretical, it is a necessity,” Ms Siodmok said.

The launch of the Oceanic Centre for Advanced Thinking and Renaissance further reinforces the University’s commitment to fostering critical thought, creativity, and intellectual renewal in the region.

Professor Shameem said the Centre will serve as a platform for meaningful engagement and impact.

“This is not a meaningless agreement. Our partnerships must work in practice, there must be an exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas that benefits both institutions and our communities,” she said.

Ms Siodmok added that the collaboration ultimately places students and staff at its core.

“This partnership is for our students and staff, it is a platform for their ideas, leadership, and their role in shaping a regenerative future,” she said.

The University of Fiji continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution committed to global partnerships, regional development, and creating future-ready graduates.

The University of Fiji today launched its Women’s Avant-Garde Art Exhibition, showcasing the works of ten local women artists and highlighting innovative approaches to contemporary art.

The exhibition, held at the University’s Suva Central campus, featured a diverse range of artistic expressions including experimental textures, immersive concepts and visual storytelling that explore themes of identity, space and femininity.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the exhibition reflects the University’s commitment to promoting creativity and critical thinking.

“This exhibition is not just about art, it is about ideas, identity and the courage to challenge established narratives,” Professor Shameem said.

Professor Shameem said the University recognises the role of the arts in complementing academic learning and encouraging broader intellectual engagement.

“Art allows us to question, to reimagine and to create meaning beyond the limitations of traditional academic frameworks. It is an essential part of a complete education,” she said.

The exhibition was officially opened by guest speaker Jane Ricketts, a retired academic and artist, who spoke on the importance of recognising and nurturing artistic talent.

“Art is hugely important in life, hugely important but frequently undervalued,” Ms Ricketts said.

She noted that many students possess natural artistic ability but are often not recognised within traditional education systems.

“In my experience many Fiji students are naturally talented but, unless they are academically successful or good at sport, their abilities are unlikely to be recognized at school,” she said.

Ms Ricketts also described art as a powerful form of expression and healing.

“Painting can be a powerful healing activity,” she said.

She commended the artists for their work, noting the diversity and originality of the exhibition.

“The artists have transformed the familiar into the extraordinary and challenge the viewer to rethink the local art narrative,” she said.

The exhibition features works from Almanda Dutt, Erica Sing, Stephanie Wise Dutt, Georgia Gremore, Vindhya Fernando, Nelum Neranjli, Rashmi Ahalawat, Hefrani Barnes, Mere Rasue and Tupou Raikoso.

Supporting artists include Anare Somumu, Joshua Toganivalu, Jeke Lagi, Krishan Prasad and Mason James Lee.

The Women’s Avant-Garde Art Exhibition is open to students, staff and the wider public.