27 dedicated professionals have commenced their five-day evaluator training for the Fiji Business Excellence Awards (FBEA), taking a significant step towards fostering a culture of excellence across Fiji’s business landscape.
The training, held at the Fiji National University (FNU) Nasinu Campus today, 2 June 2025 and under the National Training & Productivity Centre (NTPC), marks a vital expansion of the programme’s pool of evaluators committed to driving inclusive and innovation-led growth for a resilient Fiji.
This year’s intake of 27 new evaluators joins 69 returning professionals, bringing a wealth of experience, insight, and fresh perspectives to the FBEA.
Director of Productivity and Promotions, Bob Mitchell delivers his remarks at the Fiji Business Excellence Awards (FBEA) evaluator training at the Fiji National University (FNU) Nasinu Campus today.
The programme’s Director of Productivity and Promotions, Bob Mitchell highlighted the pivotal role evaluators play in shaping the future of Fiji’s economy.
“Our evaluators are at the heart of this process, providing the critical assessments that uphold the integrity and impact of the Fiji Business Excellence Awards,” Mitchell stated.
He emphasised the significance of this year’s milestone — the 26th anniversary of the FBEA — and the thematic focus: “Driving inclusive and innovation-led productivity for a resilient Fiji.” This theme underscores the dual priorities of fostering sustainable economic growth that leaves no one behind while promoting innovation as a catalyst for new ideas, improved processes, and increased value creation.
“Fiji, like many nations, is navigating rapid changes — from climate disruptions testing our infrastructure to technological advances reshaping how we work and serve. Global economic shifts demand strategic rethinking, and communities are calling for more inclusive development. As evaluators, your role is more vital than ever in guiding organisations through these challenges,” he explained.
Mitchell highlighted that evaluators serve multiple crucial functions: reflecting the true performance of organisations, guiding them towards improvement, fostering innovative practices, and inspiring lasting change.
“Your insights can transform struggling organisations into high performers, shift organisational cultures, and fuel continuous improvement. Your professionalism, fairness, and dedication are not only vital to maintaining the credibility of the FBEA but also to supporting Fiji’s broader journey towards quality and excellence,” he added.
New evaluators are urged to approach their role with an open mind, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a spirit of collaboration. “Embrace innovation in your evaluation methods and serve with integrity, empathy, and purpose. Your growth as evaluators will be as rewarding as the organisations you assess,” he said.
The programme’s leadership was further complemented by George Wong, Managing Director and Principal Consultant for Hoclink Systems and Services Pte Limited, who is leading the facilitation once again.
First time participant, Lice Qica at the Fiji Business Excellence Awards (FBEA) held at the Fiji National University (FNU) Nasinu Campus today.
Among the new evaluators is Lice Qica, who expressed her motivation for joining the programme. “I am passionate about helping organisations improve and thrive through the Fiji Business Excellence Framework. By becoming an evaluator will deepen my understanding of business practices, assessment processes, and leadership. I aim to develop skills in evaluating organisations effectively and objectively. This experience will enable me to contribute more meaningfully to Fiji’s business community,” she said.
Mohammed Altaab Khan participating in the Fiji Business Excellence Awards (FBEA) evaluator training for the eighth year.
Another seasoned participant, Mohammed Altaab Khan, now participating in his eighth year, reflected on the programme’s impact on his career. As a consultant and owner of the Transformative Learning Hub, Khan shared, “The FBEA evaluators training has been a resourceful platform for my professional development. I started as an evaluator, then served as an assistant team leader, and now I lead my own business. The training has helped me support organisations better, leading to successful awards and recognition. It’s a continuously evolving programme that fosters learning and growth.”
The FBEA has become a cornerstone of Fiji’s efforts to promote organisational excellence across sectors, recognising businesses that demonstrate outstanding performance and a commitment to continuous improvement.
For more information visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj
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