Fiji National University former Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr William May (right) with Director of RC Manubhai & Co PTE Limited, Mr Ashok Patel after the MoU signing.

The Fiji National University (FNU) is committed to providing students with an enriching learning experience that allows them to gain practical and work experience through the latest signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RC Manubhai & Co. PTE Limited.

The MoU was signed last week at FNU’s, College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) by the FNU former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May, and RC Manubhai (RCM) & Co PTE Limited Director, Ashok Patel.  

The agreement will allow the engagement of FNU students and other resources for project-related work. RC Manubhai & Co PTE Limited will identify specific projects for students that are based on real-world, industry-specific problems.

These project opportunities may be related to construction development and engineering for FNU students to research and implement. The agreement will also strengthen engagement between FNU’s civil, mechanical, and structural engineering at FNU work better with RCM. It would also include the joint sponsorship of any construction industry-related forum.

FNU former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May, said the partnership between the University and RC Manubhai & Co PTE Limited is something the University is proud to be a part of.

“The MOU signing is a testament to the commitment of the two organisations to ensuring employment opportunities for the students, and for the two organisations to achieve their desired goals,” Dr May said.

“At FNU, we work hard to make sure that when students graduate, they have the right knowledge, skills, and qualifications to work. This partnership has come at an opportune time as Fiji is well on its way to the path of recovery from COVID-19.”

“This is surely an exciting journey for both organisations, where RCM will identify specific projects for students which are based on real-world, industry-specific problems as part of the agreement.”

“FNU will continue to engage proactively with national and regional employers in the co-design and continuous improvement of all our programmes, embedding digital and core skills, high-level English-language competency, workplace values, entrepreneurship, and innovation.”

RC Manubhai & Co PTE Limited Director, Ashok Patel acknowledged the University for the partnership, that would enable the company to work with students in enhancing their skills and experience towards a better career path.

“Today, we embark on a new journey with the Fiji National University (FNU), which allows us to jointly explore areas of mutual interest that can benefit both RC Manubhai and FNU, along with students who wish to explore various pathways in business, engineering, and other technical areas of work,” he said.

“The MoU establishes the scopes, terms and conditions and responsibilities which we will carry when engaging with students under specific industry-related projects and work attachment programmes moving forward.”

CEST Dean, Professor Tibor Pasinszki, added that the collaboration will benefit students’ studies and employment opportunities.

“This is an exciting time for the students and for Fiji National University, as the reason we exist is to provide students with the best possible experience that allows them to develop personally, morally, and spiritually as well as intellectually, and to thrive, learn, question, and succeed as global citizens,” he said.

“FNU’s Pillar Three of the Strategic Plan 2021–2026 is aligned with the core objective of the National Development Plan. All Fijians will be empowered with education and skill sets so that they may be easily absorbed into the workforce. A key focus will be on skills development and turning job seekers into job creators.”

The collaboration will also focus on strengthening the connections between FNU’s civil, mechanical, and structural engineering programmes and RCM. It would also include the joint sponsorship of any construction industry-related forum.

RCM will also provide selected FNU students pursuing certificates, diplomas, or degree programmes in engineering or any other relevant field with industrial experience.