FNU Staff with Fiji Bureau of Statistics representatives during the virtual MOU signing event.

The Fiji National University (FNU) and the Fiji Bureau of Statistics have forged a partnership that will pave the way for the exchange of data, expertise, knowledge and sharing of equipment and facilities in the mutually agreed areas.

While participating in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson said the event brings together the national source of reliable data with real national expertise in data analysis, a win-win combination.

“For a dual-sector University like FNU, accurate demographic and economic data helps us to ensure that the programmes we offer are aligned to the evolving labour market needs of the country.  FNU has considerable expertise at its College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) in the analysis of data,” said Professor Wilkinson.

“In today’s fast-changing and unpredictable world, accurate data and expert data analysis have never been more important, and this MoU recognises that importance and provides a solid platform for future cooperation.”

Through the partnership, the University will assist the Fiji Bureau of Statistics in conducting research and training, provide support in obtaining data documentation in research and analysis, and allow respective personnel from the institution to conduct data analysis.

The Fiji Bureau of Statistics will allow the Fiji National University to access data for research purposes, organise workshops and seminars in conjunction with FNU and will permit FNU researchers to conduct surveys on various subject areas.

The new partnership will also enable FNU students to undertake industry attachment subject to the terms and conditions by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics.

Fiji Bureau of Statistics Chief Executive Kemueli Naiqama explained that apart from providing FNU with statistical data and information, the Department will gain more through the capacity and professional development of its officers.

“We note the importance of data and statistical information for your research work and studies. It will also add value to what students have learned theoretically during their studies with evidence-based statistical information to further understand the reality on the ground on areas of interest to them,” said Naiqama.

FNU’s Acting Dean College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies Dr Avanish Shukla said the collaboration with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics is a long-term partnership that will strengthen FNU’s cooperative academic and statistical pursuits.

“This memorandum of understanding is an excellent example of our commitment to serving the country and community as a national University. By signing this agreement, we demonstrate our commitment to achieve the second pillar of our Strategic Plan 2021-2016, which provides an emphasis on research with real-world impact,” Dr Shukla commented.