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Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics could significantly transform the way elections are analysed, public policy is developed and universities prepare students for the future, a University of Fiji Press Club session has heard.

The University of Fiji Press Club hosted its August session on Monday, 10 August 2026, at the University of Fiji Suva Central Campus, featuring international governance and strategy specialist Mr David Elbourne.

The session focused on the provocative theme, “What If We Already Know Who Is Going to Win the Election? – The Case for Artificial Intelligence and the High-Value University.”

The presentation examined how artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics could be applied to journalism, political analysis, government decision-making and education.

UniFiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem said ‘it was heartening to see the Press Club providing cutting edge opportunities to established journalists and journalism students at the same time, allowing total involvement of both in a symbiotic relationship’.

Mr Elbourne drew on his international experience in Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as his background in data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital transformation and organisational strategy.

At the heart of the discussion was the question of whether available historical and contemporary data could be used to develop analytical models capable of forecasting election outcomes. Mr Elbourne explained that such models could examine political party performance, online visibility, controversies, funding and resources, candidate distribution, economic conditions, previous election results and other factors.

However, he stressed that predictive analytics should not be mistaken for certainty. “This model does not remove uncertainty. It measures it,” he said, highlighting the fact that elections remain influenced by factors that cannot be accurately predicted, including voter turnout, vote switching, party alliances, campaign effects, future events and individual voting decisions.

Mr Elbourne said the development of an effective predictive model begins with understanding what is already known and identifying the areas that remain uncertain. By assigning weightings to different factors and combining qualitative and quantitative information, analysts can develop a framework capable of producing probability-based assessments rather than absolute predictions.

He told students that the approach was not limited to elections and could potentially be applied to areas including climate change, economic development and infrastructure planning. “It’s not specifically only to elections,” he explained, noting that the same analytical approach could be adapted across different industries and areas of decision-making.

The presentation also introduced the relationship between predictive analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Mr Elbourne described predictive analytics as part of machine learning, which in turn forms part of the broader field of artificial intelligence. He encouraged students to begin developing their own analytical frameworks and consider how university research and ideas could eventually become intellectual property.

The discussion also raised important questions about the ethical implications of using AI in elections and public life. The University of Fiji opening address noted that while AI can identify patterns, analyse large volumes of information and support evidence-based decision-making, it also raises concerns about data ownership, manipulation, public opinion and democratic participation. “Can we trust what AI tells us? Who controls the data? How do we distinguish information from manipulation?” the university representative asked. For journalism students, the implications are particularly significant.

The session emphasised that the growth of AI does not reduce the importance of journalists but instead places greater responsibility on them to verify information, understand data and exercise ethical judgement. The university noted that future journalists will require not only traditional reporting skills but also data literacy, critical thinking, ethical judgement and the ability to question information produced by technology.

The Press Club was also presented as an important platform for students to engage with issues beyond the classroom. Established as an initiative of the Journalism and Media Studies Programme, the club provides opportunities for students to interact with journalists, policymakers, academics, professionals and community leaders while developing practical knowledge and professional skills.

Mr Elbourne further argued that universities have an important role to play in helping Fiji move beyond simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere. He said universities could become engines of innovation by turning research into intellectual property, intellectual property into industries, and industries into employment, exports and national prosperity. A key message from the session was that data alone has limited value unless it is properly organised, interpreted and transformed into knowledge.

Mr Elbourne explained that the progression from data to information, knowledge and applied intelligence is essential if Fiji is to develop systems capable of supporting more informed decisions. The session concluded with a broader challenge to universities, journalists and students to prepare for a future in which AI will increasingly influence professional and social life.

Rather than viewing artificial intelligence simply as a technological development, the Press Club discussion framed it as an issue involving democracy, journalism, ethics, education, public trust and national development.

For Fiji, the message was clear: artificial intelligence may provide powerful tools for understanding the future, but the quality of the outcome will ultimately depend on the quality of the data, the people interpreting it and the ethical frameworks guiding its use.

The University of Fiji has called on Parliament to strengthen the Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2026 to make it more relevant for the times.

In making its submission to the Social Affairs Committee of Parliament, the University urged Committee members to seize the opportunity and establish a sustainable and effective public health legislative framework that will confront, head on, the challenges and realities affecting the physical and mental well-being of all the communities in Fiji.

For that reason, the Bill must contain a Purpose clause, currently missing, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaista Shameem told the Committee. The draft Bill presented to the public for consultation did not explain its purpose. “What is the aim of this Bill?”

“Any public health law must be located in the social fabric of society and provide safeguards for future generations; at the same time, parliament, as representatives of the people, can now consider restructuring the public health system to ensure delivery is devolved to the communities to make everyone feel equally responsible for it, and not just central government”.

The Bill should do more than amend outdated legislation. It should redefine public health for the twenty-first century and include mental as well as physical health protections for all, particularly for those disadvantaged and vulnerable in all the communities, she said.

“Cultural nuances in responses to health issues and crises cannot be under-emphasized in the authorities’ responses to achieving well-being of the nation as a whole”.

Professor Shameem said that a modern public health structure should go beyond hospitals, doctors and the treatment of disease.

“Public health is much broader than medicine; a relevant legislative framework should create conditions in which people can live healthy lives, physically and mentally. Safe drinking water, sanitation, food safety, environmental protection, healthy housing, disease prevention, child protection and wellbeing, protection from domestic violence, and building climate resilience are all matters of public health. A modern Public Health Act should reflect this broader understanding.”

Professor Shameem said one of the University’s principal recommendations is the inclusion of a purpose clause. The Public Health Act contains no statement of purpose. That omission should be addressed. Every modern statute should clearly state its objectives and the principles that guide its implementation. A purpose clause provides direction for decision-makers, assists the courts in interpreting legislation and promotes consistency, accountability and transparency in the exercise of public powers.

She said the University has also recommended that Fiji devolve and de-centralize public health resourcing and services throughout the country so that prevention, protection, especially of women and children, environmental health services, disease surveillance and emergency response are delivered directly to the communities.

“Public health is most effective when decisions and made and services are delivered at community level. Devolving public health services throughout Fiji will strengthen prevention, improve access to services, build local capacity and ensure that rural and maritime communities receive the same level of protection as urban centres.”

Professor Shameem said environmental health must be recognized as one of the foundations of public health delivery and adequately provided for in the legislation.

“Clean water, effective sanitation, food safety, waste management, pollution control and healthy living environments prevent disease before it occurs. The University has therefore recommended stronger environmental health leadership, clearer institutional responsibilities and effective coordination to ensure that environmental health remains central to public health policy.”

She said climate change is now one of the greatest public health challenges facing Fiji. Climate change is not simply an environmental issue. It is a public health issue. It affects the quality of our water, our food security, our environment, the spread of disease and the resilience of our communities. Public health legislation must recognize these realities and provide a framework that strengthens prevention, preparedness and coordinated responses.”

Professor Shameem said effective public health laws also require sensible and effective governance structures. The Bill in its current form creates significant public powers. Those powers are essential for protecting public health, but they must be exercised within a framework of transparency, accountability and appropriate legal safeguards. Good governance strengthens public confidence and ensures that public authorities exercise their powers fairly, lawfully and proportionately.

The University has also recommended that the proposed Central Board of Health include representatives from universities offering medical and nursing qualifications. Professor Shameem said that public health decisions should be informed by science, research and professional expertise.

“Universities make an important contribution through research, innovation and evidence-based advice. Their active participation in the proposed governance and oversight model will strengthen national public health policy and decision-making. Such research may not be accorded the importance it should be, but with adequate funding the Universities can do more in the public health interest”

Professor Shameem said the new law should also reflect contemporary medical knowledge and promote dignity.

“The continued use of the term ‘venereal disease’ in the draft Bill is outdated and carries unnecessary stigma. Modern legislation should adopt respectful and scientifically accurate terminology such as ‘sexually transmitted infections’. The law should never reinforce stigma or discourage people from seeking treatment”.

Professor Shameem said she strongly recommends that domestic violence be recognized as a public health issue.

“Domestic violence is a public health issue, not just about criminal justice. Its consequences extend far beyond the immediate victim, affecting physical and mental health, family wellbeing and community resilience. A modern Public Health Act should recognize this reality by supporting prevention, early intervention, referral pathways and coordinated responses across the health, justice and social sectors.”

Professor Shameem said the protection of children must become a central objective of public health policy.

“The health of our children is one of the strongest indicators of the health of our nation. Children are particularly vulnerable to disease, unsafe environments, poor sanitation, effects of climate crisis and other preventable risks. A modern Public Health Act should expressly recognize children as a priority for protection and promote healthy environments in which every child can grow, learn and thrive.”

The University has also recommended modernizing outdated terminology throughout the legislation, strengthening institutional arrangements for environmental health, improving coordination between public authorities to avoid unnecessary overlap with existing legislation, and adopting a proportionate penalty framework that effectively deters conduct that places public health at risk.

Professor Shameem said Fiji now has an opportunity to enact legislation that looks to the future rather than the past.

“This Bill should do more than amend legislation enacted almost a century ago. It should establish a new vision of public health for Fiji—one that recognizes that protecting health means protecting our environment, supporting our communities, safeguarding children, addressing domestic violence fully, responding to climate crisis and ensuring that public institutions are guided by science, accountability and public good governance. The decisions Parliament makes today will shape the health, safety and wellbeing of generations of Fijians. This is an opportunity that should not be missed.”

The University of Fiji has submitted its recommendations to Parliament Standing Committee to assist in the development of a Public Health Act that is contemporary, evidence-based, inclusive and capable of responding to Fiji’s evolving public health challenges.

The University of Fiji celebrated World Chess Day with an exciting Blitz Chess Competition held on 24 July 2026 at the UNIFIJI Hall. Organised by the UNIFIJI Chess Club, the event brought together students and chess enthusiasts in celebration of a game renowned for promoting strategic thinking, intellectual development, and healthy competition.

Although World Chess Day is officially observed on 20 July, the University community gathered a few days later to commemorate the occasion through a seven-round 5+3 Blitz tournament that attracted 15 participants. Throughout the competition, players demonstrated impressive tactical ability, creativity, concentration, and outstanding sportsmanship.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the closely contested match between brothers Lavesh Sharma and Nitish Sharma, which drew considerable attention from spectators. Another memorable encounter featured Lavesh Sharma against Nishita Sinha, with both players later emerging as the University’s 2026 Male and Female Blitz Champions. Their game showcased exceptional precision, confidence, and competitive spirit.

The tournament also produced one of its most dramatic moments when Lavesh Sharma defeated 2025 Male Champion Erick Auto following an illegal move during their blitz match. The victory marked the tournament’s biggest upset and highlighted Sharma’s outstanding performance throughout the competition.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Ricardo Gregorio C. Corpuz, who spoke on the value of chess in developing critical thinking, discipline, resilience, and sound decision-making. He encouraged students to view chess not only as a competitive sport but also as a powerful educational tool that supports academic excellence and lifelong learning.

After seven competitive rounds, Lavesh Sharma finished with a perfect score of 7.0 points to claim the 2026 Male Champion title, while Nishita Sinha secured the 2026 Female Champion title with 4.5 points.

The competition reflected the University of Fiji’s commitment to holistic student development by providing opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Chess enhances memory, concentration, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills while promoting patience, resilience, and social interaction among students from different faculties and backgrounds. The event also supports UNESCO’s recognition of chess as a valuable instrument for education, peace, and cultural exchange.

Young people must take the lead in protecting Fiji’s environment and addressing the growing impacts of climate change, according to Minister for Information, Climate Change and Environment, Hon. Lynda Tabuya.

Speaking during an interview on the University of Fiji’s Vox Populi programme, Minister Tabuya outlined the government’s key priorities for environmental protection over the next 12 months while calling on young Fijians to become active champions of climate action.

She emphasized that youth engagement remains central to the government’s environmental agenda.

“Mobilising our youth in environmental protection and climate change advocacy is most important for government,” Minister Tabuya said.

The Minister highlighted that approximately 65 to 70 per cent of Fiji’s population consists of young people, making them essential partners in building a climate-resilient future.

She noted that environmental protection is closely linked to the everyday wellbeing of families, affecting health, employment, food security and livelihoods.

One of the government’s major achievements, she revealed, is securing FJ$52 million from the Green Climate Fund to support the Ridge to Reef Forest Landscape Restoration Project.

The initiative aims to restore 80,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land while protecting more than 90,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems, benefiting around 200,000 people across Fiji.

Minister Tabuya also encouraged young people to embrace renewable energy by adopting solar technology and electric vehicles, describing them as environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives.

Addressing Fiji’s climate resilience efforts, the Minister praised Pacific youth for their leadership in the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on climate change.

“It was Pacific-led, it was Pacific youth-led, and it resulted in an advisory opinion that said countries need to take climate action seriously,” she said.

She also announced that Fiji will host the Pacific Pre-COP meeting ahead of the global COP31 climate conference, providing young people with opportunities to showcase climate projects and participate in youth dialogues supported by international partners.

Minister Tabuya urged students to pursue careers in climate change, environmental protection and marine conservation, noting that the growing sector will create employment opportunities across government ministries.

She stressed that protecting forests, biodiversity and marine ecosystems requires collective responsibility, warning that poor waste management and deforestation continue to worsen flooding and coastal degradation.

“Please, young people, become stewards of ensuring that rubbish is not dumped in our rivers and our drains,” she urged.

The Minister also encouraged citizens to become advocates for environmental conservation by reducing plastic pollution and supporting sustainable practices.

“Become a plastic-free champion. Become a nuclear-free champion. Become a sustainable and greener Fiji champion,” she said.

Highlighting government initiatives to promote sustainability, Minister Tabuya pointed to the successful Return and Earn Fiji programme, which rewards communities for collecting recyclable plastic bottles and aluminium cans.

She said the initiative is not only reducing waste but also providing young people with opportunities to earn extra income.

The government is also offering tax incentives for businesses importing biodegradable packaging and recognising companies investing in environmentally friendly operations.

Minister Tabuya encouraged university students to participate in internship programmes within the Ministry, community clean-up campaigns and environmental advocacy projects.

“Bring your innovative policy ideas, your advocacy, your skills, your passion and your awareness. We need to work together,” she said.

In her closing message, the Minister reminded young people that they are already leaders capable of shaping Fiji’s future.

“You’re not the future leaders. You’re the leaders now,” she said. “We need you to be the voice and the change that protects our environment, our ocean and our future generations.”

The interview forms part of the University of Fiji’s ongoing Vox Populi programme, which provides a platform for national leaders to engage directly with students and the wider community on issues of national importance.