FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata and Pakistan’s Minister for Industries and Production, Honourable Haroon Akhtar Khan

In a bold step towards international collaboration and future-focused learning, the Fiji National University (FNU) is expanding its global horizons through a recent strategic high-level engagement with the Ministry of Industries and Production in Pakistan.

Led by FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET and Head of Fiji’s National Productivity Organisation (NPO), Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, the FNU delegation was officially received in Islamabad by Pakistan’s Minister for Industries and Production, Honourable Haroon Akhtar Khan. The visit, made possible through the Asian Productivity Organisation’s Bilateral Cooperation Programme, reflects FNU’s commitment to crafting futures together by forging transformative partnerships that benefit the Pacific region.

“This engagement articulates strongly with our Strategic Plan,” Dr Tagicakiverata shared. “FNU is committed to strengthening partnerships and elevating the quality of TVET delivery across the Pacific. We must seek out institutions at the forefront of innovation to ensure our own systems remain globally relevant.”

The FNU delegation engaged in discussions about advancing collaboration in agriculture, with a focus on smart technology, innovation, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET)

Discussions centred on advancing collaboration in agriculture, with a focus on smart technology, innovation, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The Fiji delegation, which included Associate Dean TVET for the College if Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) Dr Ilisoni Leweniqila, CAFF Senior Instructor Ilaitia Ledua, and NPO Coordinator Sikeli Waqatairewa, also toured some of Pakistan’s most advanced agricultural training institutions and model farms.

A key highlight of the visit was witnessing the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, Industry 4.0 also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution practices, and drone technology into agriculture. “We were particularly impressed with the use of driverless tractors and smart farming solutions being trialled in Pakistan,” Dr Tagicakiverata noted. “These are the kinds of technologies we aspire to introduce and adapt to meet our regional needs.”

“Promising areas of collaboration include joint research in smart agricultural systems, drone technology, and traditional medicine, as well as possible support for curriculum development and postgraduate research for FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF).’’

The Honourable Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan expressed keen interest in supporting further collaboration between Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production and FNU, particularly in the areas of research, innovation, and agricultural productivity.

This high-level engagement signals a clear commitment by FNU to craft futures together, not only for Fiji, but for the wider Pacific. Through global partnerships and exposure to cutting-edge practices, FNU continues to position itself as a leading dual-sector institution, equipping its students and staff with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.