CQU Fiji International Campus (CQU FIC) is a major contributor to the education sector in Fiji compared to other tertiary institutions in the country, according to discussions at a recent Symposium of Academics in Fiji.

The conference, focusing on the theme of `Living Together in a Globalizing Fiji’, took place earlier this month and involved a number of academic representatives from CQU FIC and other Fiji-based universities and institutions.

The Symposium was the first of its kind and was organized to address current issues pertaining to Fiji’s reconciliation of cultures and the formation of Fiji’s first ever multi-party Cabinet.

The Honorable Prime Minister of Fiji, Laisenia Qarase delivered the keynote address, in which he highlighted the importance of academic input in shaping a successful future for Fiji.

"People of all our communities have made it known that they want and welcome a co-operative, representative government," said Mr Qarase. He requested the assistance of the academic community, citing the "great pool of wisdom, learning, knowledge and expertise" possessed by professionals that would help Fiji gain strength in the global marketplace.

Since establishing a power-sharing arrangement in Parliament over 2 months ago, the Qarase Government has been under pressure to demonstrate its efficient operation, bringing together 2 sides that are divided as much by their politics as they are by their cultural backgrounds.

By enlisting the help of academic professionals such as those from CQU FIC, the government acknowledged that the policy makers of tomorrow are the tertiary students of today.

With that in mind, participants at the conference reflected on their own programs and courses – a process which demonstrated CQU FIC’s success in offering practical, relevant and internationally recognized education.

Representatives from a number of institutions were quick to point out the role that CQU FIC currently plays in developing informed, pro-active and globally-focused thinkers through courses that reflect the fluidity of industry, technology and nation-building.

PHOTO: CQU staff with USP and Fiji School of Medicine staff. CQU staff are, third from left: Anas Khan, Sriman Grandhi, Ajay Kumar and Susan Shandil.