1. USPBeatUSPBeatVOLUME 12 | ISSUE 8 | AUGUST 2013 | www.usp.ac.fj/uspbeat
in this
issue
USP AND SPTO
SIGN MOU
33
UNIVERSITY AWARDS
EFFORTS OF USP
COMMUNITY FOR
OPEN DAY 2013 55
UNIVERSITY GIFTS
TABLETTO SPECIAL
NEEDS STUDENT
7
T
he University of the South Pacific held its
2013 Open Day on Friday 9 August, with the
theme USP- Shaping your future, attracting
more than 8000 students from 70 high schools at
its Laucala campus alone.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Esther Williams,
welcomed the Chief Guest, His Excellency
The President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Epeli
Nailatikau, invited guests and the various schools
she said the Open Day was an opportunity to
showcase USP’s beautiful campuses, to explain
how the programmes and courses are recognized
as the best in the region, and to demonstrate how
the research carried out by the University helps
communities, governments and businesses in the
Pacific.
USP Pro-Chancellor, Mr Ikbal Jannif
acknowledged the sponsors and development
partners who all had an equally significant role in
contributing to USP’s Open Day, and introduced
the Chief Guest , noting that His Excellency has
been a longstanding friend of the University and
the region and said the University was honoured
by his presence.
“I am so pleased that a very inspirational individual,
who has himself achieved the heights of success,
and yet remains incredibly humble and devoted to
service, has graciously agreed to join us today,”
he said.
His Excellency said he is privileged to have
observed USP’s growth and development over
the years. “USP is large and inclusive, and has
a diverse range of academic offerings, so you
can expect a very lively and exciting day full of
activities, fun, and a huge amount of information,”
adding that the information will be used by
prospective students who will be future leaders,
present at the Open Day, to make an important
decision for themselves.
He said many leaders in the Pacific, including His
Excellency’s colleagues, friends and associates
and scions of government and industry, have
studied at USP. “USP is the place where those
crucial first professional networks are made, and
is increasingly where Pacific professionals return
for seminars, debates and advanced studies,” he
added.
“The Open Day is also an opportunity to find
out more about this university's unique selling
proposition, or what distinguishes it from your
other university options,” he said.
“There is much that makes the University of the
South Pacific, an outstanding option for higher
education. USP's unique selling point is that
it is the highest quality tertiary institution in the
Pacific,” he added.
He said USP is widely recognised and known by
employers, with courses and programmes being
internationally accredited, and many graduates
going on to work at some of the most well-known
and highly-regarded private and public sector
organizations in the pacific, and a large number of
USP graduates now working internationally.
“USP stands out because of the university's
commitment to the success of all of its students.
This commitment permeates all that the university
does. You will see ample evidence of this today
presented as individual services, facilities, options,
and assistance but I want to be sure that you see
all of the support services for what they are as a
whole, a strong commitment to the success and
wellbeing of every student,” he said.
He advised prospective students to gather
as much information as possible, and to stay
engaged with the people they met during Open
Day.
“I wish all of you a wonderful open day 2013, for
this day will give you all a good taste of university
life, and I am certain that the events of today
will help you all to make your decision easier,
to pursue further and higher education here at
USP,” His Excellency said.
The opening ceremony of the 2013 Open Day
ended on a high note, with a vote of thanks
delivered by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Learning,
Teaching and Student Services, Professor Susan
Kelly, and entertaining performances from the
Oceania Dance Theatre, Pasifika Voices, and
the USP Tongan Students Association. Guests,
including members of the diplomatic corps,
regional and international organisations, private
sector corporate sponsors and schools principals
were treated to a morning tea after the official
ceremony closed.
After the opening ceremony, school students
were taken on guided tours of the University. The
fun-filled day was wrapped up with entertainment
from the USP Student Association’s multi-cultural
groups.
7
USP 2013OPEN DAY
ATTRACTS THOUSANDS
The President of the Republic of Fiji, His
Excellency, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, addressing the
USP community, invited guests, members of the
public, and students, on Open Day

2. 2
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
T
he University of the South Pacific will
be represented at the Association of
Commonwealth Universities (ACU) to be
part of a Reference Group for a campaign which
will raise awareness of how higher education can
and should respond to global challenges beyond
2015, when the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) expire.
The ACU, based in London, believes that higher
education plays a key role in enabling countries
to achieve the goals that will emerge at the end
of 2015 and has invited the USP Vice-Chancellor
and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, to join
the Reference Group for the ACU’s new campaign
The world beyond 2015- is higher education ready?
The campaign, which will be officially launched in
October 2013, will bring together ACU members
and other stakeholders in higher education to build
an evidence base demonstrating the importance
and the potential of higher education to the new
agenda, and to discuss what the sector needs to
do to be ready for.
The Reference Group, which the Vice-Chancellor
will be a part of, has been formed to guide the
campaign both prior to and after the October
launch.
The ACU Director of External Engagement, Ms
Joyce Achampong, in inviting the Vice-Chancellor
said, “It is timely, therefore, for us to begin to
consider the implications of the new international
agenda for higher education, to reflect on how the
sector can respond to the challenges and goals
that emerge, and to examine whether universities
are indeed ready to meet those challenges”.
“We believe that you would make a truly valuable
contribution to the campaign and I do hope that
you will be keen to join us and support this exciting
and important new initiative,” she said.
Ms Achampong said “the campaign will be
run online for a period of 18 months, with a
dedicated website showcasing ideas, initiatives
and reflections from across the world and showing
how universities respond to local, national and
international issues”.
The Vice-Chancellor said he was greatly honoured
to be invited to the Reference Group and said he
will do his best to contribute effectively towards
the discussions.
He added that it is an important invitation which
puts USP amongst select Commonwealth
universities who will be represented by their Vice-
Chancellors. Members of the group will have
the opportunity to promote and champion the
campaign in their region.
The Vice-Chancellor recently attended the ACU
conference on graduate employability, at the
University of Auckland, from 11 to 13 July, where
he responded to the presentation by the New
Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills
and Employment, Honourable Steven Joyce. The
Vice-Chancellor also elaborated on USP’s efforts
towards greater graduate employability, through
focusing on the building of generic skills, and
emphasizing the use of Information Communication
Technology (ICT).
The ACU, established in 1913, is the world’s
first and oldest international university network,
with over 500 member institutions in developed
and developing countries in the Commonwealth.
It administers scholarships, and is a provider
of academic research and insight, promoting
cooperation between universities around the
world.
The network of universities is known for
its collective efforts in addressing issues in
international higher education through projects,
networking collaborations and events.
The University of the South Pacific signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Solomon
Islands National University (SINU), on Thursday 8
August, 2013, at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva.
It was a historic occasion which marked the
building of a strong relationship between the
two Universities. The MOU is designed to foster
a professional relationship through mutual
cooperation in teaching and research between
USP and SINU.
SINU, established in April 2013 is the newest
University in the Pacific region, formerly known as
the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education.
The MOU signing was part of a week-long visit by
a SINU delegation, which consisted of: SINU Pro-
Chancellor, Sir Nathaniel Waena, Vice-Chancellor,
Dr Glynn Galo, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate),
Mr Donald Malasa, Acting Dean of School of
Technology and Maritime Studies, Mr Solomon
Pita, and Acting Director Finance, Mr Walter
Maesugea.
The two universities agreed to cooperate on the
following areas:
• Exchange or short-term attachment of faculty
staff;
• Joint research activities;
• Shared teaching practices and support;
• Participation in seminars and academic
meetings;
• Exchange of academic materials and other
information;
• Special short-term academic programmes; and
• Student exchange for research and study.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Esther Williams
expressed her delight at the signing, saying that
USP was honoured to have the opportunity to talk
and collaborate with peers from a University from
the region, with SINU being the first University in
the Solomon Islands.
SINU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Glynn Galo, said this
was one of the small steps that will help move
SINU forward.
SINU Pro-Chancellor, Sir Nathaniel Waena, said it
is indeed a moment to remember, for it is SINU’s
first ever MOU signing with another University. He
assured USP management, “as a grown-up entity,
we certainly look up to you and we are looking
forward to working with you”. He further thanked
the University for the informative discussions and
for accommodating the delegation throughout
their visit.
During the course of their visit, the team met
with various University staff involved in the daily
running of the University, including members of
the Senior Management Team (SMT), and the
Development, Marketing and Communications
(DMC) office. The USP Pro-Chancellor, Mr Ikbal
Jannif welcomed the delegation to the University
on the first day. The delegation also met with the
University federal student body, the USP Student
Association (USPSA).
The SINU delegation also participated in USP’s
2013 Open Day held on 9 August.
USP VICE-CHANCELLOR JOINS
ASSOCIATION OF COMMONWEALTH
UNIVERSITIES REFERENCE GROUP FOR A
NEW ACU CAMPAIGN
UNIVERSITY SIGNS HISTORIC
MOU WITH SINU
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, speaking at the
ACU conference on graduate employability at the University od Auckland
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Esther Williams (right), with SINU Vice-
Chancellor, Dr Glynn Galo

3. 3
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
The University of the South Pacific held a
very successful National Scholarship Officers’
Roundtable Meeting from Wednesday 7 August to
Thursday 8 August, 2013.
With the theme Partners in Student Success, the
2013 National Scholarship Officers’ Roundtable
Meeting was officially opened by Deputy Vice-
Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Student
Services) Professor Susan Kelly and was
attended by the USP Senior Management, Staff,
Students and Scholarship and Donor Agencies’
representatives such as Australian Agency for
International Development (AusAID), New
Zealand Agency for International Development
(NZAID), regional member countries and Fiji
Government sponsors such as PSC, Multi-Ethnic
Affairs, i-Taukei Affairs and Taiwan-ROC.
The purpose of the roundtable was to promote
active engagement between USP and scholarship
providers to enhance student success, as well
as to provide a forum and system to monitor the
quality and relevance of learning outcomes and
the student experience.
The first day of the roundtable saw a student
forum, which was an interactive session where
students presented issues, to which heads of
sections as well as sponsors responded to. First
year students’ experiences and performances
were also discussed.
Students and scholarship officers held group
meetings where they discussed various issues
regarding students and scholarships.
The second day of the roundtable held sessions
on information sharing, which included new
developments in areas of learning and teaching
that are critical to student success.
Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment
(FSTE) Associate Dean, Dr Bibhya Sharma, who is
heading the mLearning initiative at USP, spoke on
its various aspects.
Dr Rajni Chand from the Faculty of Arts, Law and
Education, School of Language, Arts and Media
(FALE- SLAM) touched on the critical issue of
English proficiency, and discussed the core USP
course English Language Skills Assessment
(ELSA), and ELSA 2.0.
Strategic Total Academic Review (STAR) Project
Manager, Mr Ashwin Raj spoke about the STAR
project, highlighting how it has helped the
University and also shed some light on USP’s
academic quality audit systems.
Campus Life Group Manager, Mr Glenn Pope
spoke about the various initiatives Campus
Life is coming up with to facilitate students on
scholarships.
A Talanoa session was held afterwards, where the
Deans, Associate Deans, Heads of Schools and
Heads of Sections responded to issues raised by
sponsors.
T
he University of the South Pacific and the
South Pacific Tourism Organisation signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to
work together on matters of common concern,
furthering their joint interest in ensuring tourism as
a genuine tool for sustainable, social and economic
development for the people of the Pacific.
The MOU is specifically aimed at creating stronger
ties with the School of Tourism, Hospitality and
Management (USP-STHM) in the Faculty of
Business and Economics and the SPTO, for better
imparting of knowledge on the tourism sector in
the region.
The signing took place in Suva on Friday 2 August,
2013, by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chandra
and Chief Executive Officer of SPTO, Mr Ilisoni
Vuidreketi.
Professor Chandra indicated that the University
was glad to be signing the MOU as it will
foster collaboration between the two CROP
organisations, and it will benefit both the tourism
industry as well as tourism-related education and
research in the region.
He said the University through its School of
Tourism, Hospitality and Management (STHM)
has been training professionals in the tourism
field for many years, and has contributed to key
developments in the tourism industry.
Professor Chandra said the efforts of USP and
SPTO are very much parallel whereby both are
working towards a much more robust tourism
sector for the entire Pacific.
Mr Vuidreketi said the SPTO was delighted to
formally partner with the University, adding that,
“tourism is a fast growing industry in the region,
and working with the University exemplifies our
commitment to contributing in a greater way to
the sustainable development and growth of this
important sector”.
According to Mr Vuidreketi, “the MOU will give us
the opportunity to jointly address regional tourism
issues more effectively, especially in the area of
capacity building for public and private sector
tourism stakeholders”.
He said this was another step towards fulfilling
SPTO’s mission to “market and develop tourism in
the South Pacific”, and in turn achieving its goals of
improving air and sea access to islands, enhancing
the brand “South Pacific” and developing capacity
for sustainable tourism.
He said there needs to be an increase in awareness
of the South Pacific as a tourist destination and the
SPTO is committed to working with the University
as well as Pacific governments, the private
sector and the donor community in creating this
awareness. Both SPTO and USP’s ultimate goal
is to contribute meaningfully to the livelihoods of
Pacific Island communities through tourism.
SPTO serves USP member countries: Cook
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji,
Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia,
Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and
Vanuatu. It also serves French Polynesia, New
Caledonia and Timor Leste.
Head of the STHM, Professor David Harrison
said, “The MOU with the South Pacific Tourism
Organisation (SPTO) by USP, especially involving
the STHM is a welcome recognition of the close
bonds that have come to exist with the two
organisations”.
He said USP has been historically involved with
the SPTO. In the mid-1990s, when the European
Union first funded SPTO’s predecessor, the
Tourism Council of the South Pacific (TCSP), it also
funded the beginnings of tourism studies at USP.
Since then, both organisations have substantially
changed.
He said since then, the two have worked together,
with SPTO promoting tourism throughout the
region, which includes most of USP’s member
countries, and STHM educating and training
students from the region, thus making an
increasingly important contribution to meeting
the employment needs of middle management in
tourism, especially in hotels and other parts of the
service sector.
“The MOU is a formal reflection of the close
informal ties that have long existed between
STHM and SPTO, and which will provide the basis
of joint efforts to advance the cause of sustainable
tourism development in the region,” Professor
Harrison added.
Cooperation between STHM and SPTO is already
underway, with the STHM and SPTO collaboratively
running a Regional Tourism Executive Training
Programme in Nadi, from 9th to 14th September,
aimed at middle management from government
and private sectors across the region.
The Faculty will work together with SPTO on the
following:
• Advice and information exchange on tourism in
the region;
• Collaboration on student internships and
placements; and
• Collaboration on research and capacity building
through workshops and conferences
It is hoped that the MOU will be one of many
examples of collaboration between the University
and the SPTO, both looking forward to working
together in the future.
USP AND SPTO SIGN MOU
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, (right) and
SPTO Chief Executive Officer, lisoni Vuidreketi, signing the Memorandum of
Understanding
UNIVERSITY HAS ITS ANNUAL NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
OFFICERS’ROUNDTABLE (NSOR) MEETING

4. USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
4
T
he School of Economics from the USP Faculty
of Business and Economics, held a successful
2013 Fiji Economy Update at the Holiday Inn in
Suva on Tuesday, 20 August.
The School organises the yearly event which brings
together research output on various aspects of the
Fiji economy in an attempt to assist policy-makers to
make informed decisions.
This year’s Economy Update focused on the themes
of employment with particular emphasis on the
development of the Northern region, with speakers
from government, international organisations and
academia.
The update attracted a wide range of speakers
from different sectors of Fiji including government
officials, academics, and representatives of
international organisations.
Welcoming the large number of interested
individuals and organisations who had gathered
for the Update, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the
University of the South Pacific, Dr Esther Williams
said that the representatives from the various
sectors will have the opportunity to contribute to the
discussions at the Economic Update.
She said with the deadline of the United Nations
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) less than
two years away, the international community is busy
and trying to debate what comes next, and a key
focus that has been identified is poverty reduction,
in line with sustainable development and inclusive
growth.
She also mentioned that this year’s update is
taking place at a critical time when the University is
embarking on its ambitious six-year Strategic Plan
2013 - 2018.
She said, “the University is planning to launch a
Centre for Economic Policy and Modeling to be
linked with the School of Economics”, adding that
the Centre will have two main functions: to create
models to forecast key macroeconomic indicators
and to undertake research on specific issues and
challenges facing the region.
In his keynote address, the Governor of the Reserve
Bank of Fiji (RBF), Mr Barry Whiteside said that
despite global economic growth having spiraled
downwards three times this year, with the world
economy poised to grow by 3.1 percent, and Fiji’s
major trading partners facing numerous challenges,
Fiji’s economy has been fortunate and shielded from
the global slowdown.
Mr Whiteside made the comments while noting that
the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had
expanded by 3.3 percent from last year, following a
1.9 percent expansion in 2011.
“Growth prospects are expected to improve
further to around 3.2 percent this year, and with
the exception of the mining and quarry sector, all
sectors will contribute to this growth,” he said.
“The projection for 2013 will be the highest since
2004 and is a combination of reassessment of
relevant data and information available as well
as direct feedback from a wide cross-section of
industries and sectors,” he added.
Mr Whiteside highlighted that out of discussions
with the IMF delegation which visited Fiji earlier
this month, there was a general consensus on
two fundamental issues with regards to economic
growth: firstly, that economic growth in 2013 would
be higher than 2012 with a forecast of 3 percent and
secondly, that Fiji has the potential to do even better.
Academic researchers, policymakers and the
general public had the opportunity to contribute
to important discussions on economic issues
concerning Fiji, at the update. The discussions
consisted of the following sessions:
• Economic update of Fiji;
• Employment and Labour Markets; and
• Northern and Regional Development.
A second economy update was held at the Hotel
Northpole in Labasa on Friday, 23 August, 2013.
With research being a priority area for the University of the South Pacific, as
outlined in the Strategic Plan 2013-2018, academics and scholars are actively
collaborating to engage and contribute to research that would lead to a better
understanding of the economic, social and political aspects of countries in the
Pacific region.
The Fiji Economy Update 2013, an annual event organised by the USP School
of Economics saw the outcomes of research initiated and advanced by USP
academics.
The lead survey article prepared for the update, by USP academics, Dr Neelesh
Gounder and Dr Biman Prasad, is entitled Economic Growth, Investment,
Confidence and Poverty Reduction in Fiji: Semi-rational Exuberance?.
The paper aimed to provide a current update and outlook of the Fijian economy.
Taking into consideration immediate past reforms, policies and outcomes, the
paper focuses not only on 2013 and beyond but also on the recovery and growth
of the economy since 2006.
A detailed assessment of macroeconomic policies and achievements from 2007 to
2013 is given in the paper, where the writers discussed and built their analysis on
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, poverty, investment and fiscal policy and
monetary policy responses and outcomes.
Within the broad concept of challenges ahead, in sustaining growth both in the
short and long terms, the paper also attempted to benchmark the constraints to
job creation and growth and proposed possible strategies and reforms which
could remove these challenges.
The article states that the “overall growth performance in Fiji over the past two
decades has been sluggish and unstable”. Growth rates averaged around 4
percent during the 1971 – 1986 period, and averaged 2.45 per cent from 2001
– 2005.
From 2006 – 2012, the average annual growth rate was 0.7 percent and
has been volatile with two bouts of negative growth in 2007 and 2009. The
article goes on to say that the economy improved slightly in 2010 and 2011
with positive growth of 0.1 percent and 1.9 percent respectively.
“With expected growth rate of 3.2 percent in 2013, 2.5 percent in 2014 and
2.4 per cent in 2015, the short to medium term outlook is positive.”
The survey states that “the positive growth rates of 2012 and 2013 seems
to be showing signs of an economy maintaining a path towards sustaining
positive growth in the short to medium term. However, a lot hinges on the
political situation leading up to the national elections in 2014”.
It further states that “ensuring strong and stable consumption through
raising household incomes to sustain growth should be a priority alongside
greater incentives to promote investments towards agriculture, services and
reforms for increased efficiency of investment”.
The University actively promotes the inculcation of a research culture,
encouraging the contributions of its staff and students through academic
journals, conferences and other publications.
UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF
ECONOMICS HOLDS SUCCESSFUL
FIJI ECONOMY UPDATE 2013
Acting USP Vice-Chancellor, Dr Esther Williams, with RBF Governor, Mr
Barry Whiteside (left)
Former Fiji Prime Minister, Mr Sitiveni Rabuka at the second 2013
Fiji Economy Update in Labasa
LEAD SURVEY ARTICLE: FIJI
ECONOMY UPDATE 2013

5. 5
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
With the new Strategic Plan 2013-2018
emphasising an added priority of Information
Communication Technology (ICT), the University
of the South Pacific is actively utilizing advanced
technology to engage current and prospective
students in pedagogy.
USP’s Faculty of Science, Technology and
Environment (FSTE) recently activated the
mLearning initiative spearheaded by Associate
Dean, Learning and Teaching, Dr Bibhya Sharma.
The aim of the mLearning initiative is to introduce
learning at a new level, moving away from
traditional practices of teaching and learning
and integrating new and advancing mobile
technology to make pedagogy more interesting
and stimulating.
For the first time, the University conducted a quiz
for 2013 Open Day through a mobile platform.
It was a Short Message Service (SMS) based
quiz in which students had to correctly answer
three questions to go into the draw to win a
smartphone or net-book.
Additionally, every tenth person to complete
the quiz with all correct answers received a
$6 Vodafone or a $5 Digicel recharge token
depending on their service provider. The quiz
was for Open Day visitors, and proved quite
successful, drawing the interest of many to the
different booths.
Earlier this year, FSTE decided to build on
the concept of Edutainment which is an act of
learning through a medium that both educates
and entertains.
Dr Sharma said, “Often, when we think of
education, we think merely of classrooms where
formal (or even informal) learning take place.
However, there are many other environments and
platforms which can be utilized to educate and
engage people, sometimes in a more effective
manner”.
“Sometimes we feel that learning is sheer hard
work, and when we are done “learning” for a
period of time, we may want to take a break for
“entertainment”.
He said that traditionally, learning and
entertainment are kept separate but with recent
findings that entertainment provides one of the
best platforms for education, this new learning
tool is making its mark, with the inclusion of ICT.
In May 2013, FSTE announced a number of
mLearning services that were activated for
students. The service included receiving timely
SMS notifications for courses and also checking
assessment marks in Moodle via SMS.
In June 2013, students were given the opportunity
to access their Semester I final exam timetables –
free service available throughout the region.
A mobile game called Go-Nuts has also been
developed, and consists of three modules:
English grammar, C++ Programming and getting
to know Moodle.
The faculty has also launched a mobile application
(app), known as the Course Finder, which helps
students to get information on courses offered at
USP from their mobile devices.
FSTE is currently working with mobile
telecommunications companies, Digicel Fiji and
Vodafone, to advance the mLearning initiative in
Fiji.
FSTE Associate Dean L& T Dr Bibhya Sharma with smartphone
winner and Environmental Science student Peni Vetaukula
T
he University of the South Pacific declared the
winners of an internal competition for best
displays at the 2013 Open Day at a cocktail, held
at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific
Studies pavilion, on Friday 28 August, 2013.
The USP Development, Marketing and
Communications (DMC) Office held the Post-Open
Day cocktail and presentation ceremony, to thank
and acknowledge the hard work put in by staff and
students contributing towards a memorable Open Day
for members of the public and the USP community.
Director Development, Marketing and
Communications and Open Day Organising
Committee Chair, Mr Jaindra Karan, acknowledged
the presence of Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan Kelly, and other members of the USP
Senior Management Team, the students, staff and sponsors at the cocktail.
“I hope you will cherish your experiences particularly the volunteers for helping us. You are part of
this University, and without you, we wouldn’t be here,” he said.
The Open Day judging was conducted independently, with the process being undertaken and
coordinated by three of USP Open Day’s Open Day 2013 major sponsors, ANZ Bank, HFC and
Courts assessing the many display boards and booths on Open Day.
The criteria addressed six key areas: Relevance to the theme, USP – Shaping your future,
information, effort, attractiveness, innovation and presentation.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan Kelly presented the awards, with the Faculty of Science,
Technology and Environment once again taking the award for Best Academic Services Faculty
Display, and the Library once again taking the award for Best Support Services Display.
This year also saw the introduction of a Special Commendation Award for Best Academic Services,
Non-Faculty Display being awarded to the College of Foundation Studies.
More than 100 of the Open Day’s 194 volunteers turned up to witness the awards ceremony and
join in the celebration.
2013OPEN DAY WINNERS
ANNOUNCED
FSTE LAUNCHES 2013OPEN
DAY FREE REGIONAL ONLINE
AND SMS-BASED QUIZ AS
PART OF MLEARNING
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan Kelly presenting the award for Best Academic Services
Faculty Display for 2013 Open Day, to Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment
representative, Dr Sushil Kumar.

6. 6
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
Entrepreneurs representatives talking to a USP student
about employment opportunities
STUDENT PROFILE | RODERICK GAIRO | PAPUA NEW GUINEA | BSC
1. Which Campus are you studying at?
Laucala
2. Why do you choose to study at USP?
It’s more closer to home and I get to study and meet many
other Islanders in an environment that feels just like home
3. What do you enjoy about“UNI”life?
The freedom and the ability to make new friends and meet
new people, see different sights and enjoy my youth
4. What do you find most difficult or challenging?
Adapting to big city life coming from simple backgrounds
5. What do you like about your program of study?
I like the practicality of it. Computer Science allows me to do
a lot of programming and learn new things about different
programming languages and other interesting things about
computers
6. What can’t you live without on Campus?
I love playing basketball.There is no open air basketball court
on campus and that is what I can’t live without
7. What could improve your studying experience at
USP?
Better wireless connectivity and coverage on campus
8. What is your best survival tip?
I think that would be to always be prepared for anything. Part
of survival is preparation
9.What do you do to relax when you’re not studying?
Iplaymyguitarorsometimesgoforawalkandplaybasketball
whenever I can
10.What makes a good lecturer?
One who is able to capture the imagination and attention of
a student from the get-go and maintain that throughout the
semester.Someonewhoteacheswithhumortolightenupthe
mood. Never boring
11.Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model would have to be Dr. Ben Carson. His inspiring
story from being class dummy to world-known neurosurgeon
by just reading books is fascinating
12.What Career(s) will your course prepare you for?
Mostly careers in Computer Science
13. What are some challenges facing young people in
the Pacific?
Having good leaders to really trust and depend on who will
make decisions in the best interest for ALL young people and
not just majority
14. What are your hopes for the Pacific in 2013 and
beyond?
I would really like to see the Pacific become more developed
while still keeping our Pacific culture and the pride we have
for our culture
T
he University of the South Pacific is committed to providing its students the opportunity
to touch base with employers in order to identify what they require to enter the workforce
and thus make the right career decisions.
The University held its first comprehensive Careers Fair, for its Laucala-based students on
Tuesday, 13 August, 2013. The two-day event was launched on Monday evening at the
Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS).
The careers exposition saw hundreds of students and members of the public turn out at the
upper and lower Library rara where around 70 employers from around Fiji set up booths to
disseminate information on careers and answer their queries.
The University is providing an opportunity for greater employer and student interaction,
through this inaugural event. This opportunity will greatly enhance students’ future
employment prospects with employers and create entrepreneurship opportunities for those
who are thinking of venturing into a business of their own.
Representatives from various government, private companies and corporate agencies are
based at the library grounds to distribute information brochures to students and answer their
questions on jobs, careers and career paths.
The fair, which was organised by Campus Life, attracted hundreds of students, graduates and
alumni of USP, as well as members of the public.
Group manager of USP Campus Life, Mr Glenn Pope said that the event was an example
of the university’s commitment to ensuring its students, graduates and alumni were well
prepared for “life after study” in terms of employment and entrepreneurship.
The Japan-Pacific ICT Centre saw presentations from various entrepreneurs with different
business backgrounds. Mrs Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau, an entrepreneur, writer, radio
broadcaster and politician, spoke to students on how she started her business, Pearl Traders
and Outfitters, and advised them to strive for their best when it came to entrepreneurialism.
Owner of Garden City, and Chief Executive Officer of Marco Polo Holdings, Mr Wah Sing,
elaborated on how he started with small steps, having gotten a lucky break with 20 cartons of
ginger, and later went on to produce up to 2000 tonnes, per annum.
Mr and Mrs Tabuyaqona, who run the catering business Indoor Dining, told of how they
started selling food on the streets after they lost they jobs in the tourism industry after the
2000 coup, and grew their business to the full-fledged catering company it is today.
Second year biology student, Veniana Tiko, who expressed an interest in Geographic
Information System (GIS) said she had the opportunity to talk with prospective emplloyers and
ascertain what attributes were required to join the workforce.
“The Careers Fair was actually very good, especially since it’s the first time the university has
had such an event,” she said.
She said she and her colleagues were glad to know that there are opportunities to engage in
occupations that they are hoping to enter in the future as professionals, saying that “we are
now confident that we will be able secure jobs after having interacted with these employers”.
USP LAUCALA CAMPUS HOLDS ITS FIRST CAREERS FAIR

7. 7
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
T
he University of the South Pacific is now actively engaging
Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a pedagogical
tool for students with special needs.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment
(FSTE), Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan, officially handed over a
tablet to a student with special needs on Thursday 15 August, 2013.
Mr Raya Niranjan, a hearing and speech impaired student, is enrolled
in two units - CS111 and IS121 - of the Certificate in Computing
programme at the School of Computing, Information and Mathematical
Sciences.
On 10 April, 2013, in line with the Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018, the
University’s Academic Senate approved the Disability Inclusiveness
Policy, which culminated from a long process of collaboration between
the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching & Student
Services) via Campus Life with various stakeholders including students,
staff, disability groups, members of the USP community, senior
UNIVERSITY GIFTS TABLET
TO SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT
RCCCE HOLDS ITS FIRST GRADUATION
management and development partners/donors particularly Australian Agency for
International Development (AusAID).
The Disability Inclusiveness Policy aims at assisting students and staff with special
needs to undertake and succeed in their studies.
“One of the ways the University has tried to address this issue is to invest quite
heavily in assistive technology so that students regardless of their location or their
physical limitations are able to access learning resources and materials and have a
good learning experience as they study at USP,” Dr Jokhan said.
She said this is just one example of FSTE initiatives, with Niranjan being located
where USP does not have a campus and his disabilities.
“It would greatly assist him, and because the device also has internet connectivity
capability, he will, if and when he gets the chance, use that to communicate with
us as well.”
She said the University generally provides support to larger groups of students,
but when it comes to an individual student requiring support, USP does its very
best to attend to every individual’s needs as best as possible, adding “It’s about
the value we put in each and every student”.
FSTE’s proactive campaign to provide assistive technology to the special needs
student was spearheaded by the Dean and Associate Dean Learning & Teaching,
Associate Professor Bibhya Sharma.
Group Manager of USP Campus Life, Mr Glenn Pope said, “I think it is a good
example of seeing USP and FSTE acknowledge individual needs, in this case a
disability student and provide him with technology that will hopefully help him
complete his studies successfully”.
According to Mr Pope, with the Disability Office actively engaging with students,
and the University making headway with infrastructural changes, USP has the
opportunity to better attract students with limitations.
The University in the past two years has made infrastructural changes to the
Laucala campus, such as the building of ramps next to steps and staircases, for
better accessibility for physically disabled students.
He said the University is now looking to remove physical barriers in not just
Laucala but all its other campuses, by reviewing the curriculum, teaching styles,
and support services required for individual students with disabilities to attend
class.
Through proactively and strategically collaborating with the Disability Resource
Centre, the three faculties as well as other University sections and throughout
its regional campuses are vital in transforming USP into a champion of disability
inclusiveness.
The University is committed to providing a comfortable learning and teaching
environment for all its students and staff and strives to be a leading provider of
disability inclusiveness in Pacific tertiary education.
The University of the South Pacific, in line with its Strategic Plan 2013-2018,
is fulfilling its objective of rationalising and strengthening Technical Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) in the region.
The USP Regional Centre for Continuing and Community Education (RCCCE)
successfully held its first graduation ceremony on Saturday 3 August, 2013,
where 115 students graduated, 59% of whom were female.
The graduation ceremony saw students from various backgrounds, graduate
with awards ranging from the Professional Diploma in Business Leadership,
Professional Training Certificate for Senior Secretaries and Personal
Assistants, to the Certificate in Office Administration and Management.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Guest, Faculty of Arts, Law and Education
(FALE) Dean, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, said she was delighted to be part of the
graduation.
She said “the role of RCCCE is very critical to USP and the countries in
the region because it offers vocational and professional programmes which
address the needs and gaps in the workforce”. It also provides pathways for
students who want to pursue further studies after graduating with certificates.
She told the graduates that it was their special day, and that “learning is a
lifelong process. It does not end today, it begins today”.
“Now that you have reached this juncture in your life, keep going on in
your pursuit of knowledge. In the 21st century, we need a workforce that
is educated, ethical, technologically-savvy positive and community-focused,”
she said.
The Dean together with Fiji Public Service Commission Deputy Permanent
Secretary, Mr Iliesa Lutu and the Pacific Island Centre for Public Administration
(PICPA) Director, Mr Siosiua Utoikamanu conferred awards to the graduates.
RCCCE Manager, Mr Hasmukh Lal, thanked the guests, and the families
of the graduates for being present and bearing witness to the first RCCCE
graduation ceremony.
He said “the Centre is committed to delivering vocational programmes, short
course trainings and community education in the region”. He also wished the
graduates well in their endeavor.
The RCCCE will expand its offering of vocational and professional programmes
through accreditation, with all its programmes being aligned to address the
skills gap in the region.
The Centre will be partnering with accredited professional bodies with
global recognition to support workforce development. It is currently holding
a purchasing and supply training from 6 to 8 August, in partnership with
Charted Institute of Purchasing & Supply Australasia (CIPSA) for skilling of
procurement personnel’s in the region.
FSTE Dean, Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan with Mr Raya Niranjan
Chief Guest, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE), Dr Akanisi Kedrayate
conferring certificates and diplomas to the first batch of RCCCE graduates.

8. Managing Editor
Salome Tukuafu
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Phone: (679) 323 2018;
email: salome.tukuafu@usp.ac.fj
Reports By: Sherita Sharma
Desktop Publisher: Imraan Sheik
Circulation
3000 copies are distributed throughout the
University’s member countries and internationally.
The views expressed in USP Beat are not necessarily
the views of the University or the Managing Editor.
Next issue
September 2013
8
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue8|AUGUST2013
USPBeat Magazine
USPBeat is published by the Development,
Marketing and Communications Office, The
University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
I
n celebrating International Youth Day 2013 on
Monday, 12 August, 2013, the USP School
of Economics (SOE), joined other agencies in
making the day a memorable one, by hosting a
public lecture and panel discussion.
Titled ‘The role of tertiary institutions in addressing
youth employment through entrepreneurship
education – what are the opportunities,
challenges and solutions?’, the seminar was a
joint effort by the University, with the International
Labour Organisation (ILO), Pacific Islands Private
Sector Organisation (PIPSO), and the Pacific
Youth Council.
The seminar saw representatives from the
University and the agencies deliver presentations
on how they believe tertiary institutions can
address the critical issue of youth employment
through educating them on entrepreneurship.
ILO Specialist for decent work strategies, Mr
Satoshi Sasaki, highlighted that providing
opportunities for engaging in self-employment
and becoming entrepreneurs is a viable option for
youths, who are in their prime age to contribute
new, creative and appealing ideas, products and
services.
SOE Head, Professor Saqib Jafarey, mentioned
the Asian case scenario, where the demand
to be employed is so high, yet the prospects of
securing a stable job are very slim, and this has
led to an increase in youths seeking to enhance
employment opportunities through job creation
by engaging in self-employment.
The Regional Centre for Continuing and
Community Education (RCCCE) was also
represented at the panel, with Manager, Mr
Hasmukh Lal, indicating how the Centre has
provided individuals with professional trainings
and qualifications, as well as equipping them with
entrepreneurial skills.
USP Student Association Secretary-General, Mr
Akmal Ali, also spoke on identifying challenges
for young graduates, as they enter the workforce.
PIPSO Chief Executive Officer, Ms Meraia
Volavola, gave examples of how unemployed
youths, both with and without tertiary education,
have successfully joined the workforce by
collaborating with PIPSO and starting up their
own businesses.
Youth Advisor at the Secretariat of the Pacific
Community (SPC), Ms Meraia Carling also
touched on initiatives that would help youths to
discover and hone their entrepreneurial abilities.
Professor Biman Prasad, wrapped up the
discussions by stating that undoubtedly, tertiary
institutions have a highly significant role to play
in assisting youths to secure employment in
an environment where good work with good
rewards is difficult to attain, but a collective effort
by all institutions would reap better rewards, as
membersofthecommunity,aswellasgovernment,
inter-governmental and nongovernmental bodies
equally share the responsibility towards ensuring
stable employment.
The Pacific Island Centre for Public Administration,
based at the University of the South Pacific,
is actively collaborating with regional and
international bodies to inculcate monitoring and
evaluation (M&E) skills for Pacific professionals.
It recently held a Monitoring and Evaluation
(M&E) Fundamentals workshop for senior
executives of the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa
Public Services and staff of the Secretariat of
the Pacific Community, in collaboration with the
Regional Center for Learning on Evaluation and
Results (CLEAR) based at the World Bank in
Washington DC, America.
The workshop held from 28 July to August 1, 2013
in Suva covered various monitoring practices and
options for evaluating projects, programs and
policies.
The workshop, facilitated by former Manager and
Lead Evaluator, World Bank Institute Evaluation
Group, Dr Richard Tobin and CLEAR head, Dr
Nidhi Khattri, saw the participants examine the
fundamental concepts, methods of program
monitoring and evaluation and selection of
indicators and measurement strategies.
They also discussed appropriate methods of
collecting and analysing data, communicating
results and good practices in managing
evaluations.
On the last day, PICPA hosted its inaugural public
lecture on M&E, with Dr Tobin, speaking on the
topic Why Evaluate Well-Intentioned Programmes
Intended for Those in Need?.
He said all governments develop and implement
programmes to help their citizens in need of
vital public services such as health, education,
infrastructure, agriculture and transportation,
often times because the private sector is unable
or unwilling to do so.
Dr Tobin explained that while these public
services are vital and are intended to address
important needs, their existence ensures neither
their success nor the accomplishment of desired
objectives, which is why evaluations of the design
and implementation of government programmes
and judgments about their relative success are
essential, especially when public resources are
scarce and when competing demands for these
resources exist.
The lecture, attended by participants with a close
interest in monitoring and evaluation including
from regional organisations, was followed by an
intense question and comments session.
PICPA is a joint initiative between the University
and the Australian Government, designed to
respond to the needs and plans identified by 14
Pacific Island Countries (PICs) for strengthened
public administration to enable improved service
delivery to their people and foster economic
growth.
CLEAR is a collaborative effort among donors and
partner countries aimed at strengthening partner
countries’ capacities and systems in M&E and
performance management (PM) to support a
focus on results.
UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL
YOUTH DAY 2013WITH PANEL
DISCUSSION ONYOUTH EMPLOYMENT
PICPA AND CLEAR JOINTLY HOLD MONITORING
AND EVALUATION FUNDAMENTALSWORKSHOP
From left: PIPSO CEO Meraia Volavola, USPSA Secretary-General Akmal Ali, Head of SOE
Professor Saqib Jafarey, SPC Youth Advisor Meraia Carling, RCCCE Manager Hasmukh Lal and
ILO specialist Satoshi Sasaki at the panel discussion hosted by USP on International Youth Day
World Bank CLEAR consultant, Dr Richard Tobin presenting on monitoring and evaluation skills development at
the M&E workshop from 28 July to 1 August, 2013 in Suva