The Fiji National University Newsletter tracks media coverage of FNU events on a weekly basis. The following news can be found on the website which shows how FNU was featured in the media in the past week.• New Vice-Chancellor

excited to lead • Joint program to

celebrate Environment Day

• Campus Staff Help In

Clean-up Campaign • ‘Fight the Bite’• New Zealand Aid

Programme Envoy Hosts Regional Students

Student’sprofile-Pg4

Academic pursues life goals - Pg 3

Alumuni spotlight - Pg 3

Technicians acquire safer practices- Pg 1

FNU engages with FCDCL - Pg 1

TVET Conference23-24August

NTPC Apprenticeship26 August

Internal Quality Control Circle

8 September

The Fiji National University (FNU) hosted a two week workshop to provide hands-on pilot training

exercise for refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians from 14 Pacific IslandCountries (PICs).

The ‘Train-the-Trainers workshop on Good

Servicing Practices for Longer-Term, Low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) Alternatives in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Sector’ was part of the project “Maximising the Climate Benefits of the HCFC Phase-Out” financed by the European Union and

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Fiji National University (FNU)

and the Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited (FCDCL) to encourage and promote academic-industry cooperation between the two organisations. Thescopeofthisfiveyearpartnershipis

education, research and training. The organisations will promote joint

research and training in dairy production where FNU and FCDL will provide technical assistance in any dairy farming research which will be conducted jointly or by either of the organisations. Research publications will be published jointly by FCDL and FNU.

While signing the agreement at FNU

Nasinu campus yesterday, Chancellor Mr IkbalJannifsaidthispartnershipwillbenefitboth the organisations.

“Under this partnership, FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (CAFF) students will benefit in terms of practicalwith student placement at FCDL. This MoU will give us better opportunities and give our students better access to a very professional company in the dairy field. Researchand publications will assist FCDCL in the technical side of their operations,” said Mr Jannif.FCDCL Chief Executive Officer, Mr

Sachida Nand said the partnership is the beginning for a lot to come for the dairy

TheFijiCooperativeDairyCompanyLimitedChiefExecutiveOfficer,MrSachidaNand(left) and FNU Chancellor, Mr Ikbal Jannif (right) during the signing of the MoU at FNU Nasinu campus.

(Continued on pg 2)

(Front row with garlands) L-R FNU Deputy Chancellor, Mr Arvind Maharaj, PS Local Government Housing

Environment, Mr Joshua Wycliffe and UNEP Manager (2)

implemented by UNEP. The training was delivered through the collaboration of UNEP, the Bundesfachschule Kalte-Klima-Technik (BFS) in Germany and the Fiji National University.

The training has assisted in strengthening local technical capacity and build understanding in the RAC sector so that PICs can safely introduce the low-GWP alternatives needed to replace ozone depleting HCFCs and at the same time avoiding high GWP gases, notably HCFCs.

UNEP Manager Regional Networks, Mr James Curlin said under the close supervision of the master trainer, participants practiced installing and servicing of domestic refrigerators and air-conditioning appliances that were designed by the manufacturers to use the

low-GWPflammablerefrigerants.“The workshop included both theoretical

and practical sessions where trainees received first-hand experiences from thetrainers, in particular, as regards to safe handlingofflammablerefrigerants,whichare already available locally in the PICs.

“This workshop strengthened the RAC technicians’ technical skills and knowledge on the assessment, good servicing practices, and safe handling of available longer term low-GWP alternative technologies including flammablerefrigerants, as well as reinforcing their training delivery capacities. These participants who are or will become trainers in their own countries will be able to share their skills and knowledge with their colleagues back at home.

“The training demonstrated approaches

toachievewidescaleclimatecopebenefitsfrom the HCFC phase-out through the promotion and deployment of improved low-GWP technologies. Now is the time to take steps to reduce the barriers to low-GWP technologies in our countries and to facilitate the options wherever they are available,” said Mr Curlin.

Mr Wilson Avock, a self-employed RAC technician from Vanuatu, said the workshop assisted him in strengthening his skills in the RAC sector.

“This training has helped me reinforce the technical skills and knowledge on the installation and servicing of the new technologies that are more environment friendly. I will take this knowledge back to my country which will enable me to do my workmoreefficientlyandeffectively,”saidMr Avock.

Technicians acquire safer practices

industry.“The MoU gives us a lot of opportunities

in cross-collaboration with one of the best institutes here which is more into agriculture and other activities that gives us the opportunity to tap into each other’s resources in getting the dairy industry

activities beyond what we are currently doing,” said Mr Nand.

Dean of CAFF, Professor Paras Nath said such agreement between an educational institute and the dairy companyisafirstforFiji.

“CAFF has world standard expertise

as academic staff who will be assisting FCDCL. Our expertise will assist FCDCL is enhancing the milk production of the company which will ultimately satisfy the consumers of Fiji as currently many of the dairy products for our country is being imported,” said Professor Nath.

(Continued from pg 1)

Spencer Nigel Robinson

Name: Mr. Spencer Nigel Robinson Organisation: Biosecurity Authority of

Fiji Hometown: Labasa Current Town/

City, Suva Interests, Activities, Clubs, Professional Memberships: Travelling

and meeting new peopleYear of Graduation: 2015 Graduating Institution: Western Sydney Institute [NTPC]Programme of Study: Advance Diploma of Management (ADM)Greatest Professional Achievement: •Graduated in 2006withDUXGold Medalist in the Diploma in Tropical Agriculture (DTA) at the former Fiji College of Agriculture.•ParticipatedintheInternationalPlant Health Analysis Course in June 2015 held at Raleigh, North Carolina and at Green Belt, Maryland Washington DC, United States of America - Represented Biosecurity

Authority of Fiji and Fiji.How do you think your education at FNU assisted you in your career path? It has made me to aspire to become innovative and to think out-side the box which I think will contribute to Fiji’s overall socio-economic development.What has been some of the highlights of your career? Joined Animal Health & Production

(Veterinary Services) of the Department of Agriculture from February 2008 - September 2011 as Veterinary Assistant practicing vet-medicine & surgery for small and large animal in a capacity as paravet. Then I joined Biosecurity Authority of Fiji as Biosecurity Officer from September2011 to date.Did you enjoy your time at FNU? Absolutely, every minute of it, not only academically but also other extra-curricular activities provided by FNU. What was your most memorable moment as a student? Learning from other while at the same time inspiring other to be the best in what they do.What was your greatest achievement while studying at FNU? Gold medalist DUX in the Diploma ofTropical Agriculture (FCA - 2006)Outstanding Award in the Advance DiplomaofManagement(ADM)-2014What is your lasting impression of FNU? Innovative and truly inspiringWhat advice would you give to current and future students of FNU? Do not just be an absorbent while studying but also be a contributor to innovative learning not just for FNU but for Fiji as a whole.

A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step hence achieving the targets for the day boosts

anyone’s morale. This was what motivated Subashni

Kumar to set out and try to achieve her goals.

This is no doubt the highest achievement awardedinanacademicfield.Herjourneystarted back in July 2013, when she was awarded The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship to study in India.

Originally from the Togo, Nadi, Subashni as she is called amongst her peers currently resides in Lautoka where she teaches at the School of Education, Lautoka Campus.

Teaching Hindi language has always been her passion. From her days as a primary school teacher Subashni always pushed on to further her knowledge.

One of her main goals would be to encourage students to take pride and interest in developing their vernacular

education. Kumar’s interests are Hindi Language

Curriculum, Hindi Text analysis and currently she is developing units for Higher Education Certificate in Hindi

Studies.Following her successes back in 2013,

Subashni signed up for the Masters in Hindi language as Postgraduate studies in Hindi language was not offered in Fiji then.

The Hindi Language lecturer recently returned after successfully completing

Masters in Hindi Programme from University of Mysore, India.

She was awarded not one but three gold medals under the following:

“I received the biggest achievement of my life on 11 April when I was awarded with above medals at the convocation function in Mysore, India.”

“I take my commitments in life seriously whether it is at work or home front. I believe that we should not stop until we have reached our goals in life and no matter how long it may take. If we are determined then we will definitely achieve what westrive for. Be sincere with your work and work towards your goals,” she said.

I. Obtaining Highest mark in M.A Degree Examination(Hindi)

II. Highest marks in Kabirdass under “special author” in M.A Hindi course

III. Highest marks in Elements of Linguistics & History of Hindi Language

Paper

The FNU newsletter is prepared by University Communications. Send your articles to SPRO@fnu.ac.fj

• Laboratory Demonstrator in Chemistry

• Lecturer I in Carpentry and

Joinery • Bakery Supervisor • Housekeeper

• Library Attendant• Kitchen Staff• Bookshop Assistant

• Chief Librarian• Quarters & Lodge Assistant• Library Assistant

For job vacancies and career opportunities at Fiji National University, go to http://waf.fnu.ac.fj/eoi/ New posts are logged each week for academic and non-academic vacancies, so check regularly for the opportunity that could lead you to a new life. Some of the positions

currently available online:

Vacancies

Student Profile

Name: Rakesh DeoProgramme enroled in: Bachelor in LawCampus of study: Nasinu1. What inspired you to take up this programme?IamworkingasaenforcementOfficerat the Suva Bus Stand and seeing how interesting this work is, made me choose this programme.2. Why did you choose to study at FNU?The Law programme at FNU is a better option compared to other universities because it is in line with London

University. 3. How long will you be studying for? Since I am a part-time student, it will take me about more 3 years to complete.4. What career will this courseprepare you to?I will be working in a as a lawyer or in the legal department of private companies.5. What is it about that career that interests you?It’s about how you can grasp the little details and save people from being sentenced.6. Whodoyoufindmostsupportiveofyour study endeavours?My family. My wife and the two little angles for giving me their full support and understanding when I need time to study.7. Who is your role model or mentor?There’s no specific but people whohave persevered in life are worth looking up to.8. How do you handle stressful situations? Taking time out with my family and friends. 9. Other than appearance, what is thefirstthingthatpeoplenoticeaboutyou? My friendly approach and the will to assist people in need.10. What are your BEST life skills?Negotiating with people and ability prove my argument.

11. The4 thingsyour friendssayyouare… Friendly, hardworking, determined and reliable.12. What are 5 things you “can’t live without?” Family, playing soccer, phone, internet and grog sessions with friend.13. What are you most passionate about? Achieving my dream career by becoming a legal practitioner.14.What are you are most thankfulfor? Almighty God and my family.15. How do you typically spend your leisure time? Playing soccer and having fun with friends16. Personal motto?Through hard work and commitment you will achieve your goals.

17. How do you juggle work and study? (If working student ONLY)Planning my commitment18. How do you manage your stress from work and then at school?Spending some quality time out with my family19. What do you believe is the main factor to consider for an individual who wish to study while working?Your attitude in your life will determine everything. Times will be tough but you must be committed.

Rakesh Deo

The Fiji National University application for graduation is currently open for December 2016 and will close on 26August2016before4pm.Twoseparategraduationceremonies is being organised in December to ac-commodate regional medical students and also due to the changes made to the Academic Calendar for Semester 2 due to Tropical Cyclone Winston.

All applications are to be submitted to thenearestAcademicofficebythisdate. Late submissions will not be considered.

Suva Graduation Date: 9 December 2016 Venue: Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, SuvaColleges: College of Business, Hospitality & Tourism Studies, College of Engineering, Science & Technol-ogy, College of Humanities & EducationGraduation Rehearsal: 8 December 2016 from 1pm at the Vodafone Arena, Suva

20 December 2016Venue: Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, SuvaColleges: College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, National Training & Productivity CentreGraduation Rehearsal: 19 December 2016 from 1pm at the Vodafone Arena, Suva

Labasa Graduation Date: 14 December 2016 Venue: Fiji National University, Naiyaca Campus, Labasa Graduation Rehearsal: 13 December 2016 from 1pm at the Naiyaca Campus, Labasa