USPBeat_2013_Vol_12_Issue_05_en

USPBeatUSPBeatVOLUME 12 | ISSUE 5 | MAY 2013 | www.usp.ac.fj/uspbeat
in this
issue
TONGAN PM LAUNCHES
USP STRATEGIC
PLAN 2013-2018 33
USPACADEMICSRECEIVE
$24,000 FROM GLOBAL
DEVELOPMENT
NETWORK (GDN) 55
TRIPLE GOLD MEDALIST
TO PARTICIPATE INTHE
FIRST HLF - GLOBAL
MATH AND COMPUTER
SCIENCE FORUM
7
T
he 76th USP Council Meeting was formally
opened by the Hon. Prime Minister of Tonga,
Lord Tu’ivakano at the Fa’onelua Convention
Centre, Nuku’alofa, at 3pm on Wednesday 15 May
2013.
Lord Tu’ivakano said he was very pleased to
deliver the opening address and noted that Tonga
was a founding member of the University of the
South Pacific.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted
various pertinent issues including the importance
for USP to continue to provide quality education
that continuously aligns with the aspirations of
Tonga’s youth; and noting that USP is becoming
regionally relevant and is now the first choice
for those seeking higher education for better
opportunities.
“With the internet being utilized as an educational
support mechanism at our secondary schools in
the outer islands, it is my vision that this programme
of collaboration between the University and the
government will continue to benefit our citizens,”
he said.
“I strongly believe that the connection of high-
speed broadband in June will also strengthen the
collaboration and the relationship that had been
built between USP and Tonga”, the Prime Minister
added.
In appreciation for His Majesty King Tupou VI’s
forthcoming USP Chancellorship appointment,
the Prime Minister commented on how honoured
Tonga was, “of the forthcoming appointment of
His Majesty, King Tupou VI, as the new Chancellor
of the University in July, and that His Majesty’s
first official function, as head of the region’s
premier University, will be to preside over Tonga’s
graduation ceremony on the 27th of July.”
In closing, the Prime Minister thanked the
Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, the Vice-
Chancellor and President of the University, and
the University Council for graciously accepting
Tonga’s offer to host the 76th USP Council
Meeting and wished the Council a fruitful and
successful meeting.
His Lordship, Bishop Soane Patita Paini Mafi of
the Catholic Diocese of Tonga offered the opening
prayer and special blessings for the meeting
supported by a representative of the Schools in
Tonga, the Tupou High School Choir with a special
choir item which climaxed in the rendition of
Handel’s Halleluiah Chorus.
In welcoming the guest of honour, the Pro-
Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr Ikbal Jannif
expressed gratitude to the Hon. Prime Minister for
graciously agreeing to deliver the opening address
which is one of many USP occasions graced by
the Prime Minister this week, including the launch
of the USP Strategic Plan 2013-2018 earlier in the
week.
In referring to the launch of the University’s
Strategic Plan 2013-2018, the Prime Minister
stated that while it is an ambitious Plan with a
bold vision, he once again congratulated the
Council and the University Management for the
completion of the Plan.
The Pro-Chancellor further noted that this formal
Council opening by a Prime Minister is the second
time that a USP Council meeting has been officially
opened and went on to say that it is his desire that
Council will continue with this fine tradition.
The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor
Rajesh Chandra expressed sincere gratitude to
the Prime Minister for his presence and thanked
him and his government’s strong support and
commitment to the University of the South Pacific.
He assured Lord Tu’ivakano that USP will take
every step to provide quality education that would
meet the aspirations of Tonga’s youth and other
stakeholders.
The Council opening was attended by around 40
Council members, other officials in attendance as
well as Tongan Government Ministers, dignitaries,
members of the clergy and invited guests.
The occasion was indeed a significant
demonstration of Tongan hospitality with the
various sectors of the community coming together
to join the celebration to mark the official opening
of the Council meeting.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra, Prime Minister of Tonga (centre), Hon. Lord Tu’ivakano, and Pro Chancellor and Chair
of Council, Mr Ikbal Jannif with members of the USP Council at the official opening of the 76th Council Meeting
TONGAN PRIME MINISTER LORD TU’IVAKANO OFFICIALLY
OPENS 76TH USP COUNCIL MEETING
7

At its 76th Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga from 15 to
16 May, 2013, the USP Council unanimously agreed
to renew the current Vice-Chancellor and President
of the University of the South Pacific, Professor
Rajesh Chandra’s contract for a further term of four
years.
This would give him in effect the 10 year maximum
period under the provisions of the 2009 Handbook
on Appointments made by Council.
The Council at its November 2012 meeting had
set up a Joint Committee of Council and Senate to
review the performance of the Vice-Chancellor and
to make a recommendation on renewal of contract.
The Joint Committee was chaired by the Deputy
Chair of Council, Ms Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu and
included 3 members of Council and 2 members of
the Senate.
USP’s Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr Ikbal
Jannif reiterated the clear and transparent process by
which the Vice Chancellor’s contract was renewed.
He also confirmed the Council’s confidence in the
Vice Chancellor’s re-appointment, to continue at the
helm of the University.
The Pro Chancellor said that Professor Chandra’s
re-appointment will ensure that the objectives of
the Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018 will be implemented
in the most effective way- on its way to achieving
excellence by USP’s 50th anniversary.
The Vice-Chancellor’s new term begins from mid-
2014.
A
high-level consultation meeting between the University of the South Pacific and the Melanesian
Spearhead Group- Eminent Persons Group (MSG EPG) was held on 2 May, 2013.
The meeting, which was chaired by the EPG chairman and Former Minister for Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation of Fiji, Mr Kaliopate Tavola, was hosted by the University at its Laucala
Campus in Suva.
Attended by members of the MSG EPG, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh
Chandra, and senior staff members, the high-level consultation meeting was an opportunity to reflect
on the progress made by the MSG since its inception in 1998.
As part of the EPG’s round of consultations, the aim was to review their work over the past 25 years,
and develop a vision for the next 25 years.
The EPG comprised the Chairman and Former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Manasseh
Sogavare, Member of Parliament and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu, Hon. Joe
Natuman, first Vice President of the Congress of New Caledonia, Hon. Roch Wamytan and Consultant
and former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister in Papua New Guinea, Mr Leonard Luma.
The Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed the group, saying that the University regards the work of the
MSG as highly important and is very privileged to serve the Melanesian sub-region.
The recent celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the MSG, which were held at the University’s
Laucala Campus from 18- 20 March, 2013, illustrate the significance of the sub-region in to USP.
In his address at the consultation, Mr Tavola said the EPG has had very good interactions in its
consultation process. Mr Tavola also mentioned that the EPG is also looking to explore the possibility
of a trust fund to ensure cost-effectiveness, resource sustainability and non-duplication of services.
“We want to develop our resources cooperatively and using the framework of sub-regional
cooperation, we will cooperate extensively, share resources, and see that benefits are shared as well.
We need to be inclusive in our approach, and there should be equity in sharing of the benefits,” he
said.
He said that one of the MSG’s objectives is to have a conflict-free situation in the region and to have
stability in terms of good governance, law reforms, and having decision makers accountable for the
decisions they make.
A number of issues were presented by the EPG and deliberated upon during the meeting:
• Developing a model for regional integration in the Pacific, consulting the European Union,
Caribbean, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) models;
• Focus on availing more scholarships for Melanesian women, and in Pacific Studies, to have a
more united region;
• Education at grassroots level, and opportunities for Melanesian students to go on exchange
programmes and be MSG youth volunteers to be prioritised;
• Use the Pacific Heritage Hub based at the University’s Laucala Campus to help sustain and
promote Melanesian culture and tradition;
• Consider other countries in the Melanesian sub-region to be new members;
• Acknowledging climate change as a key motivational factor for regional integration, and including
not just a green growth framework, but also a blue economy and;
• Exploring Information Communication Technology (ICT), which will assist with connectivity,
inclusiveness and access that could be promoted by MSG countries
The Vice-Chancellor said, “The vision you have described is an exciting vision but at the end of
the day you will need strong advocacy. The vision needs to have champions who will defend and
shepherd it through”.
He said the main focus should be on regional integration, by creating the regional vision, which could
only be achieved once a national vision in each of the member countries is created and citizenry is
promoted.
USP Head of School of Government, Development and International Affairs, Professor Vijay Naidu, in
commending the MSG’s consultative approach, said “I think in talking about the vision, you also need
to talk about the wider Melanesia”, adding that MSG should also include West Papua, Timor-Leste,
and Melanesians in Indonesia.
The MSG is an intergovernmental organisation that is composed of four Melanesian states: Fiji, Papua
New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, as well as the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste
(FLNKS) of New Caledonia.
Three MSG member countries; Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, are also members of the
University of the South Pacific.
Members of the MSG Eminent Persons Group with the USP Vice-
Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, and other members
of the USP Senior Management Team
The University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor
and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra
CONSULTATION HIGHLIGHTS
ON-GOING COLLABORATION
BETWEEN USP AND MSG
USP VICE-CHANCELLOR’S
CONTRACT RENEWED
2
USPBeat|Volume12|Issue5|MAY2013

T
he USP Strategic Plan 2013- 2018 was launched in Tonga by the
Honourable Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano, on Monday, 13 May, 2013.
This was the third launch of the Strategic Plan, after Fiji in February and
Solomon Islands in April.
In his welcome address, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor
Chandra said the University was grateful for the support from its stakeholders
and hoped they will continue to engage closely with USP during the
implementation of the Strategic Plan.
He said that as a public university, USP has a moral imperative and a social
responsibility to always seek to do better and to continuously improve in order
to educate more of the citizens of its member countries and to provide better
quality academic standards. He said the theme of the Strategic Plan, to move
towards excellence to better serve the Pacific region and its people, reflects
this.
The Strategic Plan 2013-2018, which outlines the University’s planned
development for the next six years, paints a picture of USP, in light of its
reputation for excellence in areas such as Climate Change, Pacific Studies,
and ICT, facilitating the research needed by member countries and the calibre
of graduates to drive economic growth in the region.
The Strategic Plan 2013-2018 features the following priorities:
• Learning and Teaching;
• Student Support;
• Research and Internationalization;
• Regional and Community Engagement;
• Pacific People, and Governance;
• Management, and Continuous Improvement;
• with an added priority of ICT; and
• The inclusion of Leadership in Governance.
According to Professor Chandra, the new plan has a greater and stronger
focus on identifying regional campuses for significant development, placing
more emphasis on postgraduate studies and regionally-relevant research,
plans to make the University more entrepreneurial and USP’s role as an
exemplary institution.
He said the University looks forward to working further with the government
of Tonga to identify areas of potential growth where USP can provide tailored
responses and specialist assistance.
The Vice-Chancellor said there is potential for more young people to study
at USP in Tonga, and said he hopes enrolment will increase in the coming
years. “We would like to see more and more Tongans study at USP. USP
will modernize and expand its campus and centres here in Tonga not only to
meet the needs of existing students, but also to open up new opportunities to
a wider section of Tongan society,” he said.
“Whilst we cannot be certain what the world will look like in 2018, we can be
sure that USP will be an outstanding institution; the type of excellent university
that prepares young Pacific Islanders well to steer the region to prosperity.”
Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr Ikbal Jannif, outlined the aims of the
University to turn itself into a University of Excellence by its 50th anniversary
in 2018, in line with the Strategic Plan.
“USP will concurrently strengthen learning, teaching and research, develop its
employees, increase investment in ICT, and focus on accountability, effective
leadership and improved processes to support outstanding performance that
can be measured against international benchmarks,” he said.
He said the Strategic Plan calls for USP to be excellent and to promote
excellence, by taking these steps to transform learning and teaching, enhance
its international and regional research profile, extend leadership in regional
engagement with member countries, and foster stronger partnerships and
communities.
The Pro-Chancellor also remarked that the development of the regional
campuses is a high priority under the plan and thanked the government
for giving additional 14 acres of land for the USP Tonga campus. Plans are
currently being drawn up for developments in Tonga campus.
In launching the Strategic Plan, the Honourable Prime Minister, Lord
Tu’ivakano, congratulated USP and conveyed the government’s well wishes
for its successful implementation. He said its launching marks a new
beginning for USP and a celebration of the enduring close ties between
Tonga and the regional university.
“I am confident that this plan provides necessary transformational tools that
will shape the University in the next six years, bearing in mind the growing
desire of young people to have better education in the Pacific,” he added.
Speaking on the benefits of the Strategic Plan, Lord Tu’ivakano acknowledged
the University’s aim to make USP a more inclusive environment, with facilities
being modified to assist students and staff with disabilities and to ensure that
education of an exceptional standard is accessible to more citizens of Tonga.
He also stated that the Tongan government strongly supports the University’s
intentions to upgrade its campus in Tonga.
Lord Tu’ivakano mentioned that the Strategic Plan supports Tonga’s objectives
in having a skilled and efficient public sector with USP’s Pacific Islands Centre
for Public Administration (PICPA) considering ways to best support public
sector development in member countries.
He added that the Plan’s emphasis on further developing technical, vocational,
and community education is very relevant and more immediately beneficial
and that this is an area of opportunity in Tonga.
He further added that the University’s focus on Pacific Studies provides sound
expression of distinctiveness. He said the people of Tonga are very proud of
the Tongan language and culture and that the plan pays attention to Pacific
heritage and cultures.
“It is my hope to build on the close links between Tonga and USP, and
look forward to USP’s growth and development in the coming years,” Lord
Tu’ivakano said.
“The recently opened USP sub-Centre in Ha’apai is another example of the
University’s commitment to accessibility. More Tongans are now able to
benefit from USPNet, and I look forward to seeing how USP develops this
service, enabling people in more remote areas to access information quickly
and easily,” he said.
Lord Tu’ivakano said USP has a strong comparative advantage in ICT, which
is an area that needs to be developed in Tonga. “The global knowledge
economy offers many opportunities to Tonga, but our young people must
have the requisite ICT skills,” Lord Tu’ivakanosaid.
Lord Tu’ivakano touched on USP’s plans to increase postgraduate enrolment
which he said will benefit Pacific island countries on regionally-relevant issues
such as climate change, saying that “we need more people from the region
with postgraduate qualifications, who will stay here and help us to devise
adaptation policies keeping in mind our islands survivability”.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific,
Professor Rajesh Chandra, Honourable Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord
Tu'ivakano, and Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the USP Council, Mr Ikbal Jannif
TONGAN PM LAUNCHES USP
STRATEGIC PLAN 2013-2018
3

4
The Ambassador of Germany based at the Embassy
of the Federal Republic of Germany in Wellington,
New Zealand, Her Excellency, Dr Anne-Marie
Schleich, recently paid a courtesy visit to the
Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of
the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh Chandra, on
Monday 6 May, 2013.
The purpose of the courtesy visit to the Laucala
Campus in Suva, was to exchange views on how
the university could establish links and develop
cooperation with Germany.
Professor Chandra expressed his appreciation for
the visit and remarked that the Ambassador’s visit
coincided with an exciting phase for USP, with the
University embarking on its new Strategic Plan for
2013-2018.
While acknowledging the European Union’s
support towards the University, the Ambassador
identified ways to work with USP to make contact
with universities in Germany, to explore mutual
research interests and identify programmes
that could be of interest to USP. Her Excellency,
Dr Schliech was enthusiastic about exploring
potential research opportunities between USP and
universities in Germany, saying that the tertiary
sector is very important, and advancing research
opportunities was just as important.
The Ambassador also noted that the University
was able to participate in academic exchange
programmes with Germany such as through the
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD),
which offers postgraduate scholarships with
special relevance to developing countries.
Professor Chandra also agreed that this would be a
good opportunity for cooperation with universities
in Germany and he thanked the Ambassador
for reaching out in this way, saying that the USP
community would benefit greatly.
Her Excellency, Dr Schleich, also emphasised the
importance of advocating the issue of climate
change, and commended USP’s efforts, especially
the work being done by the Pacific Centre for
Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-
SD).
The Vice-Chancellor also put forward two
suggestions for Germany’s consideration. He
suggested that, in line with the University’s
objective to move from good to excellent, a centre
to promote European Studies could be established.
Her Excellency, Dr Schleich, said she would raise
the idea of having a centre for European Studies
with Germany’s European counterparts, which are
part of the European Union.
Another point Professor Chandra identified,
was that as the Strategic Plan emphasises the
importance of capacity building and professional
development, positions for academic staff, such
as a Professor in Marine Biodiversity, who could
help with training and increasing awareness of
marine biodiversity, could be established, through
the combined efforts of the University and the
Embassy.
The Ambassador emphasised the role of German
development agencies, such as the Deutsche
Geselleschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbe
(GIZ), in promoting climate change awareness
in the Pacific region. The Ambassador said
workshops for postgraduate students on climate
change, through the GIZ, would be a good joint
initiative. The Vice-Chancellor agreed, saying it
would be a wonderful opportunity to enhance
collaboration between the University and Germany.
Her Excellency, the Ambassador holds a PhD in
Political Science, and is a long serving diplomat
who has held positions with German embassies
in Singapore, Bangkok, Islamabad, and London.
Prior to her appointment to New Zealand, she was
Germany’s Consul General in Melbourne.
In addition to serving as resident Ambassador to
New Zealand, Her Excellency Dr Schleich also
serves the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga
and Tuvalu.
GERMAN AMBASSADORVISITS USP
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, with Germany's Ambassaodr,
H.E. Dr Anne-Marie Schleich
T
he European Union’s Pacific Ambassador, His
Excellency, Mr Andrew Jacobs paid a courtesy
visit to the Vice-Chancellor and President of
the University of the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh
Chandra, on Tuesday 30 April, 2013.
The purpose of the courtesy call to the Laucala
Campus was to exchange views and explore ways
in which the European Union and the University
could develop greater cooperation.
Professor Chandra expressed his appreciation of the
visit and was very happy to support cooperation in
the areas indicated by His Excellency. Furthermore,
the Vice-Chancellor assured the Ambassador of the
University’s support for the European Union.
His Excellency, the Ambassador, is the Head of
the European Union Delegation for the Pacific and
is based in Fiji. He is a long serving diplomat and
has also served as Head of Unit for the Southern
Neighbourhood (North Africa and the Middle
East), and headed the European Commission's
Delegations in Bangkok, and Vietnam.
His Excellency, the Ambassador was enthusiastic
about potential research and staff and student
exchange partnerships between USP and
universities in the European Union. The
Ambassador enquired about the success of
educational incentives supported by the European
Union, such as the Erasmus Mundus, to which
the Vice-Chancellor replied that the scholarship
programmes are very popular and have worked
well, for the University.
Remarking on the success of the European
Union initiative, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship
programmes, the Vice-Chancellor said that he
hoped these programmes would lead to increased
sustainable links with European universities.
The Ambassador agreed to work with USP to
make contact with universities in the European
Union, to explore mutual research interests and
identify programmes that could be of interest to
USP. Professor Chandra thanked the European
Union for reaching out in this way, observing that
USP students and staff would benefit greatly by
collaborating with European universities.
The Ambassador said “We want to change the
profile of the European Union, in the Pacific, if we
can, from one of a donor and move towards having
a strategic partnership with countries in the Pacific”.
His Excellency, the Ambassador also proposed
the idea of providing teaching support to the
University. “One thing I would like to explore with
you is the option of whether or not a teaching style
can be developed, as in how the European Union
staff could provide support to the University on
the teaching side,” he said. He gave examples of
how the European Union has provided support to
UniversitiesinThailand,whichhadEuropeanStudies
programmes. His Excellency, the Ambassador, also
discussed the opportunity to talk to students – “An
opportunity to talk to the future elite, who, we hope
can then get a clearer idea of what the European
Union is there for and how closer relations can be
established”.
Professor Chandra agreed, saying that having the
European Union staff meet the University staff on a
more personal level, and talk to students as guest
lecturers, would open up more opportunities for
stronger relations between the European Union
and the University and will incur more positive
development.
In addition to serving Fiji, His Excellency,
Ambassador Jacobs will serve as non-resident
Ambassador to Cook Islands, Niue, Tuvalu,
Republic of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau,
Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa and Tonga.
EU PACIFIC AMBASSADOR
VISITS UNIVERSITY
Vice-Chacellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra and His
Excellency, Ambassador Andrew Jacobs

5
T
hree academics from the University of the
South Pacific’s School of Economics have
received a competitive research grant of
US$24, 000 from the Global Development Network
(GDN).
The research team composed of Mr Baljeet Singh,
Dr Hong Chen and Professor Biman Prasad, is one
of the four teams that has been awarded the grant,
to conduct a research on Growth Volatility in Pacific
Island Countries: A Cross-Country Perspective.
The vulnerability of countries to macroeconomic
instability around the world was exposed with the
beginning of the ongoing global financial crisis.
This led to a call for the need to relook, amend and
introduce new policies to deal with the challenges
posed by this instability.
GDN then initiated a research competition with
funds provided by the Institutional Capacity
Strengthening Fund (ICSF) and managed by
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aiming
to provide competitive research grants to four
comparative and systematic research studies,
which would help improve readers’ understanding
about macroeconomic volatility.
Principal researcher, Mr Baljeet Singh, who has
also been a senior participant in GDN-ODN
projects, said the team was honoured to have been
awarded the grant.
“It is a very prestigious award, and this is the
first time the School has received it. It is a very
competitive process, because it is a global
competition,” Mr Singh said.
The proposed study will examine growth volatility
in Pacific island countries, since macroeconomic
volatility is a prominent feature in the region.
“Macroeconomic volatility is a pressing issue, at
the moment. And it has come at the same time
as the University is putting emphasis on research
clusters,” Mr Singh added, citing the University’s
commitment to indoctrinate research values on
issues affecting the Pacific region, including issues
to do with economic growth, trade and integration,
which is one of the research clusters.
Fellow researcher, Dr Hong Chen mentioned that
in the last decade, Pacific island countries have
had an average annual growth rate as low as 0.6
percent which however was subject to volatility,
and as high as 4.49 percent.
Dr Chen said macroeconomic volatility to a great
extent, arises internally from changes in domestic
environments characterized by adjustment of
economic structures, vulnerability to natural
disasters, changes in fiscal and monetary policies,
exchange rate volatility, and political instability.
“Changes in external environments can also
bring volatility to small Pacific economies through
the channels of international trade, financial
liberalization, foreign direct investment, fuel price
fluctuation, remittances, and tourism industry’s
development,” Dr Chen added.
She said that the study will be broad, with
an overview that will give a background of
macroeconomic volatility issues in the countries
they will examine, with an extensive literature
review. The research team will also be exploring
internet databases, such as the UN Database.
The research team will conduct the study through
a comparative perspective that will enable readers
to have a firm understanding of the issue of
macroeconomic volatility in countries in the Pacific
region.
The project will conclusively draw policy
suggestions to reduce macroeconomic volatility
and to strengthen the resilience capabilities of
countries in the Pacific region to reduce the
adverse effect of such volatility.
Mr Singh said the team would like to conduct on-
field research work, visiting Pacific island countries
which will be able to provide data and feedback
from policy makers and at the same time, create
awareness of the study.
Some of the countries that have been identified as
potential areas for the study are Fiji, Kiribati, Papua
New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and
Vanuatu.
He thanked the Oceania Development Network
(ODN) that supports the work of the GDN in
the Pacific region, and the Chair Professor Biman
Prasad for guiding and supporting staff’s research
activities.
The team applied for the grant in April 2012, and
was informed by June 2012 that their proposal
had been shortlisted. Award of research grant was
finalized in April 2013. The team will have to submit
a draft report to the GDN by June, 2013, but have
time to fully conduct and compile research till April
2014.
The University of the South Pacific hosted a national
open forum on cyber security, at its Japan-Pacific
ICT Centre at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva on
Friday, 10 May, 2013.
The forum was part of a two-day National Cyber
Security public consultations workshop co-hosted
by the Ministry of Defence, National Security and
Immigration, in collaboration with the University of
the South Pacific Research Office and was open to
members of the public.
The Minister for Defence, National Security and
Immigration, Hon. Mr Joketani Cokanasiga, in his
opening address at the workshop said Fiji sees
various forms of cyber intrusions on a daily basis.
He said since the Ministry’s first workshop in
2011, stakeholders had shown an interest in
collaborating with government to increase efforts in
strengthening cyber security.
“Aside from these security breaches, there are
economic and social considerations such as the
impact of cyber security related acts on the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of Fiji,” Mr Cokanasiga
said.
Hon. Minister Cokanasiga said that since the
Ministry’s first workshop on cyber-crime in 2011,
stakeholders have shown an increased interest
towards collaboration in increasing efforts to
strengthen cyber security.
“Government is pleased to collaborate with the
University of the South Pacific as the leading
academic institution in the Pacific region to host
consultations with stakeholders and the general
public in the open forum,” he said.
Director of Research, Dr Jito Vanualailai said
the University was delighted to host this national
dialogue on cyber security.
“The Pacific region is, at the moment, experiencing
this phenomenon, playing the catch-up game with
its legislation and laws to meet the unpredictable
consequences of the Internet-related technological
advances,” Dr Vanualailai said.
He also noted that, “the outcome of this forum will
assist the development of Fiji’s policy, strategy and
legislation on cyber security”.
The public discussed various issues regarding
cyberspace with the organisers, including, privacy
laws, cyber content regulation, legislations on
online abuse and bullying, content categorizing,
regulation of hate speech, the economic cost
of cybercrimes (visa fraud, identity theft, spam,
hacking) to an organization and the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of a nation and whether
law enforcement officers should be allowed to
access personal information stored by internet
service providers.
The two-day workshop is expected to be the
final public consultation which will help form the
foundation for the relevant legislative framework
to develop a national cyber security strategy and
a policy.
USP ACADEMICS RECEIVE
$24,000 FROM GLOBAL
DEVELOPMENT NETWORK (GDN)
FBE Research Team awarded GDN grant: from left- Assistant Lecturer Mr Baljeet
Singh, Professor Biman Prasad and Senior Lecturer, Dr Hong Chen from the School
of Economics
Senior Lecturer, Dr Sunil Lal, from the School of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences,
during the Cyber Security Forum at USP Laucala Campus, Suva
USP HOSTS NATIONAL FORUM ON CYBER SECURITY

6
STAFF PROFILE | DR IAN GREGORY WEBER | FIJI | COORDINATOR, JOURNALISM PROGRAMME
USP PANEL DISCUSSION ON
ADVANCING PAST A COUP CULTURE,
A GREAT SUCCESS
What is the length of time you’ve been employed
at USP?
I have been at 4 months this time, but was a consultant
for FALE last year for 5 months.
What is your home country?
Australia, but have lived and worked in 8 countries so I’m
not sure which I would call home – maybe Fiji.
How do you usually begin your working day?
Coffee
What is the best part of your current work?
Teaching
What is your best practical remedy for work and
life stress?
Drink to success …
What is the most unusual/ unexpected event that
has ever happened to you?
Meeting the Sultana of Qatar
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given, or
have given to students at USP?
There are only two choices in life; you either surrender or
you don’t surrender
Who inspires you and why?
Itisthelittlethingsthatpeopledo–passion,motivation,
resilience
What have been your main career highlights?
Earning a doctorate
What books are you reading at the moment, and
why?
Idon’thavetimetoreadbooksbecauseIamsodedicated
to helping students achieve their goals in life.
What are some challenges you think are faced by
young people in the pacific?
Students face political uncertainty that robs them of
the hope they need in order to engage in ways that are
meaningfultothenation,society,communityandfamily.
What are your hopes for the Pacific in 2013 and
beyond?
To become mindful of their responsibility to fight for
independence; to think, to speak and to criticise those
who have the most to lose from a critical gaze
Around 300 students and staff of the University of the South Pacific, as well
as members of the public attended a panel discussion featuring Fiji’s first
coup-maker and other prominent political actors.
The panel discussion, titled Fiji: 26 years later: Where to from here?, was
held at the AusAID Lecture theater at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva, on
Wednesday 15 May, 2013, to remember and reflect on Fiji’s political events
of 14 May, 1987 and how to advance past a coup culture.
The School of Government, Development and International Affairs (SGDIA),
from the Faculty of Business and Economics, hosted the event in partnership
with the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) and the Citizens’
Constitutional Forum (CCF).
The panelists were former Prime Minister and Military Commander, Mr
Sitiveni Rabuka, Coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Ms Shamima
Ali, and former Vice- President, lawyer and politician, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.
Masters student and Graduate Assistant with the SGDIA, Mr Jope Tarai
was the fourth panelist, and was cheered on by the audience for his moving
speech on youth empowerment, participation and engagement in the
political affairs of the country.
“It is about time that we be told about the power that we have. This is
vital in order to empower ourselves. We, the youths, are the ushers of
empowerment,” Mr Tarai said.
He said it was important for youths to acknowledge that they have to critically
engage in political discussion and dialogue. Mr Tarai’s comment that youths
are “the leaders of not tomorrow but of today”, caused a standing ovation
from the crowd.
Ms Shamima Ali noted that the number of youths present at the panel
showed their willingness to take responsibility for the country’s future.
She added that the students have shown their support for more accountability
by the country’s leaders and ensuring human rights are upheld by the
government. Ms Ali said that from her observation, young people believe
they have a role to play in the country’s future.
TONGAYOUTH DIABETES REPORT
2012/2013 LAUNCHED BY HIS
MAJESTY KINGTUPOUVI ATTHE
76TH USP COUNCIL MEETING
T
he King of Tonga, His Majesty King Tupou VI, launched the Tonga
Youth Diabetes Report 2012/2013 on the second day of the 76th
USP Council Meeting which was held from 15 to 16 May, 2013 in
Nuku’alofa, in Tonga.
In launching the report to the Council members, His Majesty recognised the
great opportunity for the report methodology and findings to be of use to
other Pacific countries.
The report commissioned by The King’s Coronation Charity Trust was the
result of a national research carried out by a research team from USP
Tonga Campus led by the Campus Director, Dr ‘Ana Koloto, the principal
researcher and author.
The survey aimed to gather reliable data to inform The Trust’s plan to
undertake a national educational campaign, to help reduce the prevalence
of diabetes.
The study was based on a nation-wide quantitative survey of 1,500 youths
aged between 14 and 25 years, qualitative fono with 214 youths, and six in-
depth case studies of youths with Type 2 diabetes.
Copies of the report were presented by His Majesty to the Tongan Ministers
for Health and Education, the Pro Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr Ikbal
Jannif, and to Professor Konai Thaman, a member of the USP Council whose
research framework ‘Kakala” had been used by the research team in the
study.
The study found that Tongan youth are surrounded by people with diabetes:
87% have a church member with diabetes, 34% of Tongan youth live with a
family member that has diabetes, 39% have extended family members with
diabetes, and 21% have close friends who have diabetes.
While the study shows that Tongan youth are very aware of the causes and
consequences of diabetes, one of the key findings of the study is that 64%
of Tonga’s youths have the misconception that diabetes can be cured, and
another 17% do not know.
His Majesty noted that the negative impact is far-reaching with both social
and economic costs and that treatment of diabetes is increasingly expensive
for Tonga, and suggested that urgent action be taken to address the negative
impact of diabetes on youth.
The report also showed that there are lost opportunities for education with
young people being removed from schools due to diabetes.
His Majesty said the Trust would require collaboration with Government, the
community at large, and with potential sponsors to implement the report’s
recommendations.
Source: Wansolwara

7
ALUMNI PROFILE | JONE USAMATE | FIJI
A
USP triple gold medalist in 2012 during her
undergraduate years, and now having just
completed her Masters thesis in one year
at USP, Ashna Sharan from Nadi, has once again
achieved another milestone by being selected to be
one of only 20 participants at the first Heidelberg
Laureate Forum (HLF) to be held in Germany, from
22 to 27 September this year.
The HLF holds similar significance to the Lindau
Nobel Laureate Meetings that have been taking
place since 1951 between the best scientists and
researchers in Physics, Chemistry and the Life
Sciences to discuss the findings of Nobel Prize
Winners and potential Nobel Prize Winners.
An excited Ms Sharan attributed her achievement
of being selected to participate in the forum, to her
Masters’ thesis supervisor and Director Research,
Dr Jito Vanualailai.
“The HLF is a meeting of the best scientist minds in
two fields. We will be having lectures, workshops
and informal discussions. Basically the forum helps
to identify the promotion of mathematics and
computing science,” she said.
She said she hopes to learn from
all the renowned researchers who
will be present at the forum, as well
as share her own understandings
and ideas.
Ms Sharan said she is currently in the registration
process, sorting out accommodation and travel
itinerary.
Dr Vanualailai, in congratulating Ms Sharan, said,
this was a wonderful achievement not just for Ms
Sharan but for the University.
“The first meeting of the Heidelberg Laureate
Forum has selected our triple gold medalist Ashna
Sharan to this meeting to also discuss the work
of potential Fields Prize and ACM Turing Award
candidates,” he said.
“She has in record time, within a year, just
completed an excellent Master of Science thesis,
titled Swarm Model for Planar Formations of
Multiple Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAVs) under my supervision (and Bibhya’s, as
co-supervisor).”
“Her groundbreaking work is in the broad area
of Swarm Intelligence, which is essentially a
combination of physics, mathematics, engineering
and computing science,” he added.
The primary aim of Ms Sharan’s project was to
develop a model of a population of Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with the ability to self-
configure themselves spatio-temporally. This field
of study is motivated from the swarming behavior
apparent in nature and emerging in populations of
insects and animals.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor
Rajesh Chandra, expressed his delight at Ms
Sharan’s achievement, and said the University
community was proud to be represented by Ms
Sharan at the HLF.
“This is an excellent achievement. I would like to
congratulate Ms Ashna Sharan on her excellent
thesis as well as for being invited to this very
prestigious event,” Professor Chandra said.
“Congratulations also to Dr. Vanualailai as the
supervisor and Dr. Bibhya Sharma as the co-
supervisor. This is the kind of achievement that
should give all graduate students confidence in the
abilities of both our students and supervisors,” he
added.
Ms Sharan aspires to continue with research work,
and pursue doctoral studies.
TRIPLE GOLD MEDALIST TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST HLF -
GLOBAL MATH AND COMPUTER
SCIENCE FORUM
USP Representative to the first HLF, Ashna Sharan, as a triple gold
medalist at the 2012 Medals and Prizes ceremony
What is your home country? Fiji
What programme did you graduate in and in
which year?
Bachelor of Arts in Administration and Economic in
1987
What was your most memorable moment as a
student?
They were all fantastic moments
DescribeyourexperiencewhilestudyingatUSP.
Studying at USP was a great experience not only
academically but also for the development of great
friendships that have lasted my lifetime. Many of my
friends became part of my network that has assisted
me in my career.
What was your greatest achievement while
studying at USP?
I can’t pinpoint anything in particular, it was all good.
After graduating from USP, what were some of
the highlights of your career?
I became a Chief Executive Officer of an organisation
with a budget of more than $20 million before
the age of 40. I was appointed as Director General
of the Fiji National Training Council in December
2000 at the age of 38. During my tenure at FNTC,
we focused on developing great culture and team
spirit, we developed a performance Management
system and a focus on our Values. As a result of this,
we were able to double our output within 5 years. I
now serve as Minister for labour, Industrial Relations
and Employment in Fiji and this has given me a great
opportunity to provide service to a greater number of
people.
HowdoyouthinkUSPhelpedyouinyourcareer?
It gave me great learning and great friends and great
contactsandafantasticnetwork.Italsodevelopedmy
socialskillsthroughrugby,volleyball,basketball,social
events, participating in the USP Students Association(
I served as rep of the Fijian Students association),
TovataStudentsAssociation(ofwhichIwasPresident)
and the then Fijian Students Association.
After graduating from USP, what has been your
greatest achievement?
Getting married, having children and grandchildren
What inspires you and why?
The idea of service to people. Christ inspires me and
those who have lived a life of service.
What advice would you give to current and
future students of USP?
Focusonacademicdevelopmentbutalsogetinvolved
in other activities. Develop yourself socially. Develop
your Emotional and Social Intelligence. IQ and a
fantastic GPA does not guarantee success in life.

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
June 2013
8
USPBeat Magazine
USPBeat is published by the Development,
Marketing and Communications Office, The
University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
T
he Confucius Institute based at the University
of the South Pacific Laucala Campus, held
its first Open Day on 2 May, 2013, which
coincided with the launch of the first Chinese
programme to air on the University’s radio station,
Radio Pasifik.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Law and
Education (FALE) Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, said that
the first open day was an opportunity to enable
the University community to truly appreciate what
USP is offering.
The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor
Rajesh Chandra, in his address, thanked the co-
directors, “for taking the institute from an idea to
where it is today”.
He said that there is a need for Pacific countries
and students to get to know China much better,
considering that China is a major investor and the
Confucius Institute has helped in that endeavour.
“There is no question in my mind that Pacific Island
countries will need to be able to both understand
Chinese culture and Chinese imperatives in global
development and then be able to engage with
China properly,” he said.
“For that reason, I genuinely believe, that the
University needs to expand its operations to
understand the rich Chinese culture, and to also
understand the Chinese model of development,”
he added.
He said that the current stage at which the
Confucius institute is just the initial step, and that
the University will strive to go beyond that.
He also talked about the various cutting-edge
technologies which were showcased at the Open
Day, such as the electronic board which includes
sound and story, and how such technology could
help in improving learning and teaching at the
University.
“In the Strategic Plan, we have said that
the University should be in the top league
of universities in the new pedagogy using
Information Communication Technology. So when
I saw that at first, one interest I had was if we
could absorb that technology and then be able to
put our own materials in other areas of learning
and teaching using the same kind of technology,”
Professor Chandra said.
“The moment for us is to celebrate what has been
achieved, it is also an occasion to engage other
people who are not aware to get engaged to the
Confucius institute.”
The Confucius Institute is a joint initiative of
Hangbang which is the Confucius HQ in Beijing
and USP and the Beijing University of Post and
Telecommunications (BUPT), one of the top
universities in China.
Co-director of the Confucius Institute, Sin Joan
Yee, said the institute aspires to have the Chinese
course offered as majors and minors and have
online courses as well.
The Chinese courses taught at the institute
include lessons on calligraphy, paper-cutting,
as well as dancing, singing, celebrating Chinese
festivals, and watching Chinese movies.
Radio Pasifik manager, Semi Francis, said the radio
station has come a long way, and has extended
its reach from the Suva-Nausori corridor to Pacific
Harbour, and will therefore not only be attracting
the students of USP but also promoting the
Confucius Institute, and the Chinese culture and
language to a wider audience.
Students, media professionals and members
of the public were treated to two days of media
rights advocacy, through movie screenings,
an inter-secondary oratory contest and panel
discussions at the University of the South Pacific
Laucala Campus in Suva, on 2 and 3 May, 2013.
The two-day event, organized by the Journalism
Students Association, was held to celebrate the
25th UNESCO World Press Freedom Day. The
theme of the event was ‘Safe to Speak’.
The event drew to a close with a cocktail on Friday
night, where the keynote speaker, former Fiji
High Court judge, and United Nations Goodwill
Ambassador for Women, Nazhat Shameem,
advised the students on the previous global
legislations, ascertaining the freedom of the press.
She said in saying that freedom of speech means
people are free to speak, does not mean that
people are free to trespass on the rights and
freedoms of others.
“The 1946 United Nations Declaration of Human
Rights considered freedom of speech as such
an important principle that it was placed in its
preamble,” she added.
She said another international covenant, the 1976
International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR) provided that free speech was subject
to limitations, in articles 19 and 20, stating that
restrictions on freedom of speech and expression
could be placed, if it was deemed derogatory, in
the national or public interest.
She emphasized the legal definitions of the
concepts of free speech and hate speech.
“There is a fine line between free speech, which
encourages debate and hate speech that incites
violence. The prohibition of the hate speech came
from the ICCPR, thereafter,” she said.
She said educating journalists was also essential.
“It is very important for journalists, people in the
newsroom and the mass media in general, to
understand the rights and freedoms of others and
the right to speak,” she said.
USP Discipline Coordinator for Media and
Journalism, Dr Ian Weber shared similar
sentiments on education, saying that, “Proactive
education focusing on democratic functions will
see the future of Fiji prosper, and journalists will
become the advocates and facilitators of dialogue
and discussion”.
He added that the media would never be free
unless the citizens bestow on them the right to
be free.
USP Discipline Coordinator for Media and Journalism, Dr Ian Weber, with guest speaker Nazhat
Shameem, at the World Press Freedom Day celebrations at the USP Oceania Centre, in Laucala
Campus, Suva.
USPCELEBRATESWORLDPRESSFREEDOMDAY
CONFUCIUS OPEN DAY
A SUCCESS
h C f i I tit t b d t th U i it “F th t I
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, launched
the Chinese programme which will be aired on USP's radio station,
Radio Pasifik every Tuesday and Thursday

USPBeat_2013_Vol_12_Issue_05_en

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