News & Blog - The University of Fiji

Aug 31

UniFiji Executive Director Human Resources Awarded Prestigious AHRI Fellow Status

The University of Fiji’s Executive Director Human Resources, Mr Ashneel Kumar Singh, has been awarded Fellow status by the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI), the institute’s highest level of professional recognition and membership.

Mr Singh has received the Fellow Certified Practitioner Human Resources (FCPHR) designation, recognising senior HR professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, significant professional achievement, strong ethical standards and a sustained commitment to advancing the profession.

The Fellowship is endorsed by AHRI’s National Certification Council and recognises professional contributions extending beyond an individual’s immediate organisational responsibilities, including mentoring, research, professional workshops and conferences, publications, innovation and the development of other HR professionals.

University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the recognition was also significant for the University.

“This is a most satisfactory outcome for the University, that not only our academics, but also our corporate cadre, receive accolades from prestigious organizations. This can only improve the overall services to students of the University. The better our administration is, the more our students as the main stakeholders, benefit.”
In confirming the Fellowship, AHRI recognised Mr Singh’s commitment to championing excellence in his current and previous workplaces, as well as his record of achievement and contribution to developing and empowering other HR professionals.

His contribution through the Art of Mentoring Program was particularly acknowledged, with Mr Singh having mentored more than eight HR professionals to support their professional development, confidence, direction and career progression.

AHRI also recognised his contribution to HR thought leadership through seminars, conferences and professional forums, including his participation as a speaker at the AHRI National Convention and Exhibition.

Mr Singh said he was deeply honoured to receive the FCPHR designation.

“This achievement represents a significant milestone in my professional journey, but it is also a moment of reflection and gratitude,” he said.

“No professional achievement is accomplished alone. It is the culmination of many years of learning, challenges, opportunities, experiences and, most importantly, the people who have believed in me, encouraged me and supported me throughout my career in Human Resources.”

Mr Singh acknowledged Professor Shameem for her trust, encouragement and leadership, as well as the University’s Senior Management, colleagues and his Human Resources team for supporting his professional journey.

He also acknowledged his family for their continued encouragement and support.

“While the Fellowship is undoubtedly a proud professional milestone, I also see it as a responsibility to give back to the HR profession,” Mr Singh said.

“It strengthens my commitment to developing future HR leaders, mentoring and supporting emerging professionals, promoting ethical and progressive HR practices, and continuing to learn and contribute to the discipline.”

The recognition reflects Mr Singh’s continued contribution to strengthening professional HR practice, leadership and mentorship within the University and the wider profession.

Aug 31

University of Fiji Press Club Explores Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics and the Future of Elections

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.

Aug 28

UniFiji and Fijian Media Association Partnership to Strengthen Journalism Training and Industry Engagement

The University of Fiji and the Fijian Media Association (FMA) have entered into a new partnership aimed at strengthening journalism education, practical newsroom experience and professional development for the next generation of media practitioners in Fiji.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, 28 August, establishing a three-year framework for collaboration between the FMA and UniFiji’s Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) Programme.

The partnership will provide JMS students with opportunities for industry placements, internships, attachments, mentorship, workshops and direct engagement with working media professionals.

It will also support collaboration on public forums, media literacy initiatives, ethical journalism programmes and other activities aimed at strengthening links between journalism education and the media industry.

UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the agreement represented an important milestone for the University and would take the JMS Programme into a new phase of direct engagement with Fiji’s mainstream media.

“The MOU will open doors for our aspiring and serving journalists to excel, network, and keep up with emerging trends,” Professor Shameem said.

She said the JMS Programme had grown considerably from its beginnings with three students at the Saweni Campus, with its graduates now working within Fiji’s mainstream media industry.

Professor Shameem, herself a former journalist with The Fiji Times, said the partnership reflected UniFiji’s Future Ready approach, particularly as journalism and communications continue to change in response to emerging technologies.

The JMS Programme now extends beyond traditional journalism and includes public relations, web design, coding, film and documentary production, with discussions also taking place on how the programme can further evolve to reflect the broader multimedia environment.

Fijian Media Association Communications Coordinator Elenoa Masi Baselala welcomed the partnership, saying stronger links between universities and the media industry were increasingly important as news organisations adapt to major changes in technology and the way journalism is practised.

Ms Baselala, a former journalist and former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Fiji Times, said structured journalism training had historically played an important role within newsrooms.

She said the industry had undergone significant changes over the years and there was now a need to strengthen some of the core skills associated with journalism, including direct questioning, reporting and writing.

“One of the important reasons for having this training is because of AI. As journalists, we have to think about what the future looks like for us in the media industry as AI develops,” Ms Baselala said.

She said this was particularly important in an environment where journalists were also having to respond to the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation.

Ms Baselala said the FMA welcomed UniFiji’s commitment to journalism education and regarded the MOU as an opportunity to develop graduates whose training reflected the current needs of the industry.

She also highlighted the FMA’s work in creating spaces for greater public engagement through its Town Hall meetings, which bring members of the public together with national leaders for direct question-and-answer discussions.

The Association has been taking the initiative beyond the Suva area to communities where regular media coverage can sometimes be limited because of the costs associated with travelling and reporting from outside major urban centres.

Ms Baselala said the media industry itself continued to rebuild and adapt following years of operating within a restrictive media environment, while at the same time responding to financial pressures and rapid changes in technology.

She said partnerships such as the one with UniFiji could contribute towards strengthening professional skills and preparing young journalists for the realities of modern newsrooms.

Professor Shameem also highlighted opportunities already emerging through the partnership, including the participation of JMS students in an upcoming gathering of regional media professionals in Savusavu.

She thanked the Fijian Media Association for supporting the University’s efforts to expose students to the profession and acknowledged the Association’s leadership for responding positively to the proposed collaboration.

The agreement complements a number of initiatives already being undertaken through UniFiji’s JMS Programme.

These include the UniFiji Press Club, which provides a platform for discussion on issues of national importance, with students expected to take a greater role in organising future sessions.

The University is also progressing plans for radio announcer training and student on-air programming through its in-house Vox Populi station, which has secured its own FM frequency.

Under the MOU, UniFiji and FMA will also collaborate on initiatives promoting responsible media practice, ethical journalism and media literacy in Fiji and, where mutually agreed, across the wider Pacific.

The agreement will remain in effect for three years.

Public Relations Office

Aug 28

UniFiji, Nukulaelae Kaupule film draws emotional response at Tuvalu premiere

Prime-Minister-of-Tuvalu-Hon.-Feleti-P.-Teo.webp

The University of Fiji, in collaboration with the Kaupule of Nukulaelae, premiered The Stolen Laevans of Tuvalu: The Peruvian Slavery Nightmare in Tuvalu earlier this week, drawing a large and emotional audience.

The film, co-produced by The University of Fiji and the Kaupule of Nukulaelae, premiered as part of the Fakaapo – Tuvalu Arts Festival.

It revisits the blackbirding of Nukulaelae in 1863, when about 80 per cent of the island’s population was taken by slave vessels to work as forced labourers in the guano mines and plantations of Peru.

The film tells not only of the tragedy experienced by the people of Nukulaelae, but also of the resilience that developed among the generations that followed.

It also links this history with the challenges facing Tuvalu today, particularly climate change, rising sea levels and the possibility of displacement of an entire small island culture.

The University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the film reflected the University’s commitment to preserving Pacific history and creating greater awareness of experiences that continue to shape Pacific communities today.

“The film was made as part of our Journalism and Media Studies Documentary course. The two lecturers teaching the course decided to take a story they had been told about the slave trade in Tuvalu, undertake further research with the help of their students, and develop it into a film for a wider audience internationally. The film had its World Premiere at Tuvalu’s first Arts Festival and will have its Fiji Premier in September before being taken to international film festivals.”

Prime Minister of Tuvalu Hon. Feleti P. Teo described the film as a powerful reminder of the injustices endured by the people of Nukulaelae.

“The film is a powerful reminder of the injustices and inequities that our people were subjected to in those darkest and unforgettable years. And, I congratulate the island of Nukulaelae and the University of Fiji for the production of the film.

“I would venture further to suggest some form of reparation or compensation should be in order. My Government stands ready and willing to support the efforts to promote the key messages delivered by the film.”

The University of Fiji’s Head of Corporate Services, Mr Seve Paeniu, said the response from those who attended the premiere demonstrated the impact the story had on Tuvaluans.

“The premiere attracted a huge audience, and many expressed shock and horror of what had occurred to the Stolen Laevans, with some visibly shaken and with tears of heartbreak.

“This powerful film resonates really well with Tuvaluans, and our Laevan ancestors will never be forgotten.”

The film is also in line with the Memorandum of Understanding partnership between The University of Fiji and the Government of Tuvalu, which promotes cultural exchanges between the University and Tuvalu, including participation in educational, cultural and community events.

Through the collaboration, The University of Fiji and the Kaupule of Nukulaelae hope the film will preserve an important chapter of Tuvalu and Pacific history, while raising awareness of the blackbirding trade, the resilience of the Nukulaelae people and wider discussions on restorative justice.

Public Relations Office

Aug 28

UniFiji and HAW Hamburg Sign MoU to Strengthen Climate Change Research and Academic Collaboration

The University of Fiji and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), Germany, have strengthened their commitment to international academic and research collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), held alongside the International Symposium on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem said the newly formalised partnership with HAW Hamburg will create opportunities to advance collaboration in education, research, innovation and institutional capacity building, with a strong focus on climate change and sustainable development.

“For small island nations across the Pacific, climate change is not an abstract or distant issue. It is something that affects our communities, our environment, our economies, our health and our future,” Professor Shameem said.

She said the Asia-Pacific region, particularly the Pacific Island nations, remains among the most vulnerable to climate change, facing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, ecosystem degradation and increasing risks to communities.

Professor Shameem emphasised that addressing climate change requires collaboration across disciplines and sectors, bringing together scientists, policymakers, universities, industry, communities and traditional knowledge holders.

She said the symposium provides an important platform to bridge the gap between research, policy and action, while encouraging participants to move beyond discussing what has been learned and consider how knowledge can be translated into practical solutions for climate resilience.

Speaking at the symposium, Professor Walter Leal, Chair of Climate Change Management and Chair of Environmental and Technology at HAW Hamburg and Manchester Metropolitan University, highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address the growing climate challenges facing Pacific Island countries.

“The Pacific region is very rich in cultural heritage and traditions, and this can also be used to support efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change,” Professor Leal said.

Professor Leal said the symposium was particularly important as Pacific Island countries continue to experience the impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events and other climate-related pressures affecting economies and the wellbeing of communities.

He also emphasized the importance of creating platforms for information exchange, sharing good practices and documenting work being undertaken across the region. He noted that the symposium would contribute to this through the development of a publication focused on climate change, education and adaptation strategies, providing an opportunity for researchers and practitioners to share experiences and strengthen international collaboration.

The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between UniFiji and HAW Hamburg in areas including climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable development, public and global health, environmental sciences, disaster risk reduction and renewable energy.

The partnership also provides opportunities for joint and multidisciplinary research, academic and researcher exchanges, joint publications, conferences, training programmes, postgraduate supervision, curriculum development and collaborative funding initiatives.

The MoU signing took place during the opening of the International Symposium on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies in the Asia-Pacific Region, jointly organized by UniFiji and HAW Hamburg.

The symposium brings together academics, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, industry representatives and community leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore practical and innovative responses to climate change.

Acting Dean and Associate Professor of the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Abhijit Gogoi, welcomed the international collaboration and highlighted the significance of bringing together regional and international expertise to address issues that directly affect Pacific communities.

“The symposium focuses on bridging the gap between scientific research, policy development, and community-based action, while promoting dialogue on climate mitigation, adaptation, sustainable development, public health, disaster risk reduction, and environmental resilience. Fiji and other Pacific Island nations remain at the forefront of climate change impacts, making regional and international collaboration increasingly important,” he said.

The MoU further strengthens UniFiji’s commitment to expanding international partnerships that create opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and capacity building while contributing to solutions for challenges affecting Fiji and the wider Pacific.

The collaboration between UniFiji and HAW Hamburg is expected to provide a platform for future joint initiatives and strengthen connections between researchers, academics and institutions working towards a more resilient and sustainable Pacific.

Public Relations Office