The University of Fiji’s Executive Director of Human Resources, Mr. Ashneel Kumar Singh was this week awarded the 2025 Global Recognition Award for his outstanding leadership in higher education and his significant contributions to human resources discipline across the Pacific region.
Mr. Singh was selected from amongst top international applicants in what was described as the most competitive year since the award’s inception. His nomination received strong endorsements from members of both the Fiji Human Resource Institute (FHRI) and the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), reflecting the confidence placed in Mr Singh’s professional excellence at both national and international levels.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem congratulated Mr. Singh on this achievement, stating that it exemplified the University of Fiji’s commitment to facilitating leadership excellence and human-centered institutional development.
“The Global Recognition Award presented to one of our critical executive managers for effectively managing employment relations at the University is a remarkable achievement not only for Mr Singh but also for the University of Fiji. It recognizes that the complexities of human resources management at higher educational institutions pose great challenges but that some managers are able to overcome difficulties and use creative strategies to ensure there a balance between employer and employee rights and responsibilities. Mr Singh has consistently used a consultative approach to oversee the University’s human resources and it is a proud moment for all of us at UniFiji to have it acknowledged through this Global Award’ she said.
It recognizes Mr. Singh’s visionary approach to institutional management, particularly his strategic implementation of university policies that have enhanced operational effectiveness and strengthened staff welfare. It is recognized that his leadership has not only set new standards for academic administration but also positioned the University of Fiji as a regional model for ethical, innovative and human-centred sustainable human resource development.
Under Mr. Singh’s direction, the University’s Human Resources Department has introduced transformative frameworks that promote succession planning, staff well-being, and innovation in workforce management. His initiatives, including national workshops on employee burnout and agile leadership, have been recognized by the Association of Commonwealth Universities for advancing modern HR practices across the Pacific.
Mr. Singh’s contributions have made a lasting impact on higher education management, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. His recognition with the Global Recognition Award is a testament to the University’s growing influence in the region through the dedication and professionalism of its leadership team.
Mr. Singh stated that he was deeply humbled and honored to receive the Global Recognition Award.
“This acknowledgment is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the collective effort, trust, and commitment of those around me. I firmly believe that the foundation of such recognition lies in a human values approach, one that places people at the heart of growth, learning, and transformation.”
“Throughout my journey, I have remained guided by the belief that leadership is about giving back to the profession and fostering continuous learning. This award reinforces that philosophy and reminds me of the responsibility we each carry to nurture others along the way.”
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for her guidance, the Senior Management team for their unwavering support, the HR team for their dedication, and most importantly, my family, whose encouragement has been my constant source of strength. Together, they have made this recognition meaningful.”
The University of Fiji extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Singh on this prestigious recognition and thanks him for his continued contribution to building a stronger, more innovative institution and, by extension, to the nation and the region.
