The Fiji National University (FNU) has always been committed to providing its students with world-class education that prepares them for the challenges of the global landscape.

FNU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air Terminal Services (ATS) Fiji that would allow both entities to embark on joint research initiatives and innovation projects over the next five years.

Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) and Associate Professor, Dr Jimaima Lako said the MoU between FNU and ATS Fiji was designed to create unprecedented opportunities for our students.

“One of the key areas of collaboration is the provision of internships and placements for our students within Air Terminal Services Fiji,” Dr Lako said.

“This hands-on experience will expose our students to the real-world challenges and intricacies of the aviation and service industry, enhancing their skills and making them highly sought-after professionals upon graduation.”

Dr Lako further added that the academic expertise of our faculty, and the industry knowledge and resources of ATS Fiji, would contribute significantly to the development of the aviation and service industry in Fiji.

“Through research and innovation, we seek to identify new ways to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, thereby bolstering the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry and overall economic development in Fiji,” she said.

College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) Associate Dean TVET, Eric Jioje said this MoU signifies a commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and skills development.

“It is a testament to the belief that when academia and industry collaborate, the possibilities are limitless, which is why collaboration with industry partners is also an important pillar in our new Strategic Plan for 2024-2026,” Jioje said.

ATS Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Alan Suchin added that Air Terminal Services Fiji was partnering with technical institutions to address the issue of skills gap in Fiji.

“Fiji has lost a lot of skills as a result of migration, and we are going back to the grassroots to try and build a new Fiji,” Suchin said.

“We want more intensive collaborative efforts with institutions such as FNU to provide hands-on experience that will allow for students to be exposed to the real-world experiences and intricacies of the aviation and services industry.”