The Fiji National University’s (FNU), Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) continues to receive global recognition that reflects the calibre of the teaching and discipline imparted to its students.

This recognition is reflected in the selection of two FMA Diploma of Nautical Science students for a three-month cadetship at the Korean Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KMFT).

Students selected for Korean cadetship, with FMA Head of Department Nautical Science and Principal Lecturer Nautical Science, Captain VilIvo Valenitabua.

FMA Head of Department Nautical Science and Principal Lecturer Nautical Science, Captain VilIvo Valenitabua said that this was the first time two FMA students were undertaking a cadet-training programme in South Korea.

“Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) is privileged to be given this opportunity, and this is an indication that our Academy is being recognised globally. Our achievements and milestones are being acknowledged by international institutions such as KMFT who want to include the Fiji Maritime Academy in its cadetship programme in Busan.”

KMFT is a maritime education and research institute operated by the government of South Korea, located at Yeongdang-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, with an auxiliary campus on Yeongdo Island near Busan Port.

Captain Valenitabua said the cadetship opened further opportunities for FMA in the future.

Diploma of Nautical Science students, Mereoni Liga Toayalewa and Inia Tarai will be part of the Korean Government’s fully-sponsored cadet training programme and departed Fiji week.

Diploma of Nautical Science students, Mereoni Liga Toayalewa and Inia Tarai.

“The Academy selected Mereoni and Inia for the three-month training in South Korea. Both students stood out in terms of their intellect and discipline at the Academy over the last two years,” Captain VilIvo Valenitabua shared.

“The two cadets will be training on a Korean training vessel, and it is a good opportunity for our students to have the exposure of being trained on a foreign vessel; majority of our students only experience industrial training on local ships during their attachment.”

Cadets Tarai and Toayalewa expressed their excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and acknowledged the guidance from Captain Valenitabua.

From Tau Village in Nadroga, Toayalewa said, she is grateful to the FNU and Korean Government for making it possible for her to be trained internationally.

“I am looking forward to flying, after already sailing. This is a great opportunity, and I am so excited.

“I want to serve as a role model to all females, to let them know that anything is possible if you set your mind to it!” she said.

Tarai added that he looked forward to seeing how the training will be conducted in Korea, and the different skills he would attain on international waters.

“Looking forward to going to Korea, this is my first time traveling on an aircraft, so I am feeling excited,” he said.