Approximately 372 students from the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) became proud alumni of the institution following their graduation in Suva this morning.
Chief Guest, Krishika Narayan, the Chief Executive Officer for the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) and its subsidiary company, Central Share Registry Limited, challenged the new graduates to strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

“Make a difference. Don’t hold back due to traditional mindsets,” urged Narayan.
“Graduating from a national university is indeed a great achievement to be proud of, but this is just the beginning of many milestones that you should aspire to achieve.”

“As fresh graduates, you are full of optimism and optimism leads to achievements. But the sense of achievement will come at different times for different people. It does not matter how slow you are, as long as you don’t stop.”
Narayan encouraged graduates to become innovators, pursue ideas that would enhance efficiency and in turn maximise profits for corporates and bring about positive change in the economy.
As a strong advocate for women progression in commerce, Narayan said she was overwhelmed to note that of the total number of graduates, 250 were females.

After leading a round of applause to acknowledge these females, she urged them to never give up despite the challenges they would face in their careers.

“Say yes to career opportunities, even though you are seven months into your first pregnancy. Remind yourself that a working mother is acceptable and manageable,” Narayan said.

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Healey congratulated the students and said today’s event was a culmination of their sacrifices, late nights, perseverance and the will to succeed.

“During the course of your journey, you have acquired technical skills and competencies, theoretical knowledge and the transferrable soft skills like team-working, independent thinking and leadership that will allow you to make a full contribution to your chosen field,” Professor Healey said.“I hope that, in the years ahead, we may welcome you back to the University to take further qualifications, to enable you to keep up with changes in the workplace and society.”
“Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have helped our graduates to reach this important milestone in their lives.”

Bachelor of Commerce (Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management and Management) graduate Rebecca Christina Virend said she was overjoyed to finally receive her degree.
“I came back to FNU to upgrade my qualifications after graduating with a Diploma in 2012. So this has been quite an achievement for me,” an elated Virend shared.

“I encourage others to always pursue your studies because only you will feel that sense of accomplishment once you’ve completed it successfully.”

Abdul Shahid, a Bachelor of Accounting graduate, echoed similar sentiments. His passion for the field of study was evident, as he stated that he is currently enrolled in the Postgraduate programme and is already planning to undertake Masters studies later.
“I’m excited, satisfied and ready to contribute towards the economy, as the chief guest had said,” 33-year-old Shahid said confidently.

“I’m also humbled that my mother was able to come from Australia for a few days just to witness my graduation.”
Special awards were also given to outstanding students of the College. Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Economics) graduate Kaushik Nikhil Prakash was awarded the Pherrus Pty (Fiji) Ltd Prize for Best Student in Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and TK Jayaraman and Family Annual Prize Topper in Bachelor of Commerce (Economics).

Master of Commerce in Accounting graduate, Bijen Singh was awarded the Office of the Auditor General (Fiji) Prize for Best Postgraduate Auditing Student.

The graduating students consisted of 41 Masters, 50 Postgraduate Certificate and Diplomas, 175 Bachelors, 81 Diplomas and 25 Certificate recipients.

Rebecca Christina Virend (middle) and family at the FNU graduation for CBHTS students.