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Mar 30

University of Fiji and Tuvalu Government Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding

The University of Fiji has entered into a historic partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development of the Tuvalu Government following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in regional academic collaboration.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation aimed at enhancing Tuvalu’s human capital through access to quality tertiary education, training, and research collaboration aligned with national development priorities.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, described the signing as a landmark achievement for the University and the region.

Leading into her remarks, Professor Shameem said the partnership represents a new model of collaboration at the national level.

“This will be recorded in the chronicles of the University of Fiji as a milestone achievement, indeed one that illustrates the endless possibilities of collaboration, mutual purpose in significant areas of academic endeavour and intellectual cooperation,” she said.

Professor Shameem highlighted that the agreement is unprecedented.

“This is the first time that I know where a university is forging an MOU and partnership with a country, with a nation state. It is a great honour,” she added.

Under the agreement, a minimum of five Tuvaluan students will be placed annually in University of Fiji programmes, including nursing, MBBS, and the Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences, with further opportunities across disciplines such as law, business, humanities, international relations, and information technology.

The MoU also promotes collaboration in research, policy dialogue, and capacity building, particularly in addressing climate change and other development challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

In addition, the partnership will support clinical training placements, cultural and academic exchanges, and the use of University platforms to promote awareness on national and global issues.

Professor Shameem further emphasized the University’s commitment to student welfare.

“We undertake to ensure that the students placed in our care are well looked after as our own,” she said.

She also acknowledged the trust placed in the University by the Government of Tuvalu.

“We are acutely aware of the incredible expression of trust that this agreement represents between your Government and the University of Fiji,” she said.

Minister for Education and Human Resource Development of Tuvalu, Uluaipouomalō Honourable Hamoa Holona, described the signing as a historic and forward-looking partnership.

“This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards fostering a brighter future for the people of Tuvalu,” he said.

He noted that the agreement, developed within a short timeframe, reflects the strong commitment of both parties.

“The fact that this partnership has been forged in a record time of three to four weeks is a testament to the commitment and dedication of both parties to the principles of quality education,” he said.

Hon. Holona added that the partnership would create new opportunities for Tuvaluan students and strengthen national development efforts.

“This MOU is a beacon of hope, symbolizing the boundless opportunities that lie ahead for our children,” he said.

“As we sign this MOU today, we do so with a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that our collective efforts will have a profound impact on the lives of our children and the future of our nation.”

Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Pandit Bhuwan Dutt, also welcomed the partnership, describing it as mutually beneficial and forward-looking.

“This MOU is going to be very helpful to both of us, it goes two ways, we need you,” he said.

He emphasized the role of education in addressing future challenges, particularly for small island nations.

“When you see a problem coming, you have to find a solution, climate change is a challenge, and education is a way forward,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of education in nation-building, he added that “every child is important to us if a child is developed well, the family and the nation develop well.”

The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement.

The University of Fiji continues to strengthen its regional engagement, positioning itself as a key partner in education, research, and sustainable development across the Pacific.

Mar 26

University of Fiji Launches Book on Bollywood’s Golden Age

The University of Fiji has launched “Sentimental Songs, Melodrama and Filmic Narrative in Bollywood’s Golden Age (1951–1963)” by Jasmine Sofia Jannif, a scholarly work that explores the cultural, emotional and narrative power of film music in one of the most influential periods of Indian cinema.

The book was officially launched by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, at an event attended by academics, students and members of the public, marking a significant contribution to both cultural studies and film scholarship.

The publication examines how songs in Bollywood’s Golden Age were not merely elements of entertainment, but central to storytelling, shaping narrative progression while reflecting themes of love, loss, identity and social change.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Shameem described the book as a powerful and academically significant work that should be recognised within film and media studies.

She said while the subject may appear non-academic, the depth of analysis presented in the book establishes it as a serious scholarly contribution.

Professor Shameem noted that the book demonstrates how songs in Indian cinema extend and deepen the narrative, rather than simply accompanying it.

She said, “If you even suggested for a moment that the songs would not be there, nobody would go to Indian cinema. The music extends the entire story and gives meaning to the narrative in ways we often overlook.”

She further highlighted the importance of Indian cinema within the diaspora, particularly for Indo-Fijians, describing it as more than entertainment but a reflection of cultural identity and heritage.

Professor Shameem said the book captures how film and music serve as a link to cultural origins, reinforcing identity across generations despite geographical distance.

Author Jasmine Sofia Jannif, in her remarks, reflected on the personal journey that shaped the book, drawing from her upbringing in a music-loving family and her early fascination with film songs.

She explained that her research revealed songs as a primary medium of storytelling and emotional expression, particularly during the Golden Age of Bollywood, where they gave voice to themes of displacement, longing and social realities.

Ms Jannif noted that songs from this era not only advanced film narratives but also preserved cultural memory, connecting audiences to deeper emotional and historical experiences.

The launch forms part of the University’s broader commitment to promoting literature, arts and interdisciplinary scholarship, particularly during its 21st anniversary celebrations, which highlight the diverse talents of its academic and creative community.

Mar 26

University of Fiji Signs Landmark Partnership with RMIT and Launches Oceanic Centre for Advanced Thinking and Renaissance

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.

Mar 26

University of Fiji Launches Women’s Avant-Garde Art Exhibition

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.

Mar 25

University of Fiji Marks Major Milestone with Launch of Press Club

The University of Fiji has marked a major milestone in journalism and media development with the launch of its Press Club, officiated by the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Filimoni Jitoko.

In officiating the launch, the Speaker, who is also the Chancellor of UniFiji, noted that the launch of the Press Club was to mark the University’s week-long 21st birthday, highlighted the critical role of journalism in strengthening democracy.

“Access to information and ethical communication are not mere ideals, they are the daily practices of a journalist. In today’s digital era, the responsibility of journalists to inform the public and hold institutions accountable has never been more important’’, he said.

“Your commitment will shape the future of Fiji’s democracy and the media landscape”. He urged the media profession to be fearless in advocating for media freedom to inform the public.

Hon. Jitoko said the establishment of the Press Club reflected a strong commitment to empowering future journalists while fostering dialogue, critical thinking and responsible media practices.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem described the launch as a proud moment for the University, highlighting its importance to both academic freedom and freedom of expression with access to information held by public bodies to be a cornerstone of that freedom.

She said that the panel of senior journalists who commented on the Hon. Speaker’s address afterwards highlighted the difficult road for journalists as they struggled with providing the facts to the public when these were not easily accessible due to secrecy and mis-information.

The high-level panellists were CFL Manager News Vijay Narayan, also a lecturer in the Journalism and Media Programme, Fiji Sun CEO and Publisher Rosi Doviverata, and Islands Business editor and veteran journalists, Netani Rika.

“The event was a great milestone not only for journalism but also for academia as the Press Club initiative reflects the University’s commitment to training journalists who are skilled, ethical and grounded in the realities of society. It showed the University’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of journalists who are at the top of their game, not just in writing and reporting, but in being able to deeply understand the world in all its humanity, complexities and diversity”

Professor Shameem said that the University’s Journalism and Media Studies Programme was located in the University’s new campus, UniFiji Central in the heart of Suva, which made the journalists in training acutely aware of the importance of the capital to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.

“The Press Club concept allows our students to learn directly from some of the most experienced and top-notch media professionals in the country.”

Professor Shameem also highlighted the broader role of journalism in society. Through the Press Club the University will empower its students to actively participate in shaping national conversations she said.

“At UniFiji, we believe skilled journalism is central to encourage mature public discourse and good training allows news to be distinguished from social media chatter”.

The panel discussion provided practical insights into the evolving media landscape in Fiji, including responsible reporting, the influence of digital platforms and the importance of maintaining credibility in journalism. The University of Fiji journalism students actively engaged with the panel, posing questions and contributing to discussions, reflecting the strong integration of academic learning and industry practice promoted by the Press Club. The panel session highlighted the value of direct industry engagement in the academic media programme, giving students first-hand exposure to

professional journalism while reinforcing the University’s commitment to producing work-ready graduates.

The panel discussion also set the tone for the Press Club as an active platform for ongoing dialogue between academia and media professionals. Professor Shameem said the Press Club would provide keynote speakers on a monthly basis to give students practice in asking the hard questions.

“The Press Club will serve as a hub for dialogue, debate and innovation in media, aligning with the University’s broader vision of academic excellence and community impact.”