The groundbreaking ceremony for the US$9.8 million KOICA-FNU Simulation Centre at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Pasifika Campus, marks a major investment in the future of healthcare education in Fiji and the Pacific.

The state-of-the-art facility will provide students with a modern learning environment, where they can develop and practise clinical skills in a safe and controlled setting before applying them in real healthcare environments.

The project is the result of several years of planning and collaboration between the Government of Fiji, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and FNU, reflecting a shared commitment to developing a skilled and capable health workforce.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, said the occasion was the result of years of planning and collaboration.

“The Fiji National University plays a vital role in advancing our national development priorities through education, research, and professional training. Its contribution to developing the skilled workforce required by our economy and public services is of enduring national importance,” the Prime Minister said.

He said this role was particularly evident through FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), which plays an important role in healthcare education and workforce development in Fiji.

“The College’s contribution extends beyond the preparation of health professionals; it strengthens the capability and effectiveness of our broader health system,” he added.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Simulation Centre would further support this work by giving FNU greater capacity to prepare future healthcare professionals and contribute to the advancement of healthcare education in Fiji and the wider Pacific.

“Investments such as this reflect our enduring belief that the prosperity of our nation rests upon the strength of our people. The Simulation Centre is a herculean step in the future of healthcare education in Fiji,” the Prime Minister reiterated.

He said the project was about more than constructing a modern facility.

“Beyond the facility itself, this initiative is about empowering future healthcare professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience required to deliver the highest standards of care,” said the Prime Minister.

The project will also create opportunities to expand curricula, strengthen academic learning and encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise between Fiji and the Republic of Korea.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the project brought together people and institutions with a common goal of giving students the best possible preparation for their future careers.

“As Fiji’s national university, we take that responsibility seriously. We want our graduates to leave FNU not only with qualifications, but with the confidence, practical skills and values they need to make a difference in the lives of others,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

She added that the groundbreaking represented more than the start of construction.

“Today, we are laying the foundation for a building. But more importantly, we are laying the foundation for better learning, better preparation and, ultimately, better care for our people. That is something worth celebrating,” said Professor Nabobo-Baba.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Fiji, His Excellency Kwon Young-Seup, welcomed the project and expressed confidence in its benefits for students.

“I believe that this centre is the first for Fiji and I sincerely hope this centre will be a meaningful steppingstone to upgrading the skills of the students. I am very confident and very optimistic for the completion of this project,” Ambassador Young-Seup said.

He also highlighted the strong commitment to the project and noted that Fiji and Korea were working together on other areas of cooperation.

Once completed, the KOICA-FNU Simulation Centre will provide students in medicine, nursing and other health disciplines with opportunities for hands-on training and simulation-based learning.

Students will be able to practise clinical procedures, develop decision-making skills and build confidence in responding to different healthcare scenarios before entering real clinical settings.

The centre will further strengthen FNU’s capacity to provide practical and industry-relevant training, supporting the development of healthcare professionals who are ready to serve Fiji and the wider Pacific.