Fiji National University (FNU) gold medalist Bryce Rajat Raj expressed gratitude to the University for providing him with the opportunity to explore and excel in his field of interest.
The 34-year-old was amongst 541 students who graduated from the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) and the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) during the University’s second graduation ceremony in Suva yesterday.
Originally from Labasa, Raj was one of three gold medalists and was honoured with a gold medal in Automotive Engineering for Heavy Vehicle from CEST.
“I would like to thank FNU because when I decided to study, they allowed me to, and I am grateful because I felt that my age would mean I did not qualify. I was an Accounting and Economics students in secondary school and then I grew interested in automobiles,” Raj said.
“Despite my background in accounting and economics, I am still able to purse studies aligned to my passion through the Level 4 Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Heavy Commercial Vehicle).”
Chief Guest and Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) Chief Executive Officer, Charles Goundar applauded the 106 women graduates from the CEST and FMA.
“It is encouraging to note that you make up a total of 20 percent in today’s numbers in a field which is mainly male- dominated. I hope that you all will be role models for future females to follow and this number will increase in years to come,” Goundar said.
“Telecom and FNU have shared a long history of strategic partnership and it has been further strengthened recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding allowing both organisations to jointly explore projects and initiatives of mutual interest and benefit.”
“These include Telecom providing industrial training attachment to FNUs engineering and computing science students, undertaking joint research in emerging ICT industry trends such as cybersecurity and predictive analysis, partnership for jointly sponsoring industry forums and events, gold medal award for high achievers, and industry related project work leading to employment opportunities with the company,” he said.
FNU Chancellor, Ms Tessa Price added that graduation was one of the most anticipated events of the year for any learning institution.
“After two years of cancelled ceremonies due to COVID-19 restrictions, our graduation ceremonies today and tomorrow are a welcomed return to a sense of normalcy and community.”
Ms Price further added that education was critical to economic development and can transform the lives and livelihoods of our Pacific communities.
“As the national institution, FNU must play a key role in being the catalyst for change, and with the continued support of the Fijian Government and the FNU Council, we will continue to help improve living conditions, assist many to achieve their academic aspirations, and take tertiary education in the country to greater heights,” she said.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt said that university education builds qualities that are critical for future success, qualities that future employers value and qualities that enable a good life.
“This afternoon is truly a time of great celebration, a time to celebrate your achievements, to acknowledge all the hard work that may have spanned years; and to mark this as an important milestone of your lives,” Prof Karstadt said.
A total of 1734 students will graduate from FNU during its September graduation ceremonies.