(from Left) Swire Shipping General Manager, Mr Alex Pattison FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and the FNU Foundation Executive Director, Kanito Lovobalavu with the signed partnership.
The Fiji National University (FNU) and its FNU Foundation were honoured to receive four prestigious scholarships from Swire Shipping following the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement titled “Madigi Vou” project at the FNU Nasinu Campus yesterday, 10 February 2026.
Madigi Vou, meaning New Voyage or New Path, formalises Swire Shipping’s support for four students who will undertake maritime studies at FNU’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS). The scholarships include two awards in the Diploma in Marine Engineering (Level 5) and two in the Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5), strengthening pathways for young Fijians to enter and thrive in the maritime sector.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, described the partnership as a reflection of trust, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to investing in Fiji’s people and its maritime future.
“Fiji is, and will always be, a nation shaped by the ocean. For generations, the Pacific Ocean has not separated our islands, it has connected us, carried our ancestors, sustained our livelihoods, and shaped our identity. Today, through this partnership, we honour that legacy while preparing the next generation to lead Fiji’s maritime future with knowledge, innovation, and resilience,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.
“One of our key priorities is strengthening industry partnerships to ensure our programmes remain responsive to workforce demands and emerging global trends. The maritime industry remains a critical pillar of Fiji’s economic growth, international connectivity, and employment opportunities.”
Pattison FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba signs the MOA.
Professor Nabobo-Baba also conveyed her sincere appreciation to Swire Shipping for its vision and investment, noting the broader social impact of such initiatives.
“By supporting these scholarships, you are helping to shape Fiji’s maritime workforce and contributing to the sustainable growth of our region’s shipping and logistics sector,” she said.
FNU Foundation Executive Director, Kanito Lovobalavu, highlighted the Foundation’s critical role in supporting the University’s mission through scholarships, student support initiatives, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships.
“Every partnership we nurture, every scholarship we champion, and every life we impact is grounded in our unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders for Fiji and the Pacific. We believe that education is not simply about gaining qualifications, but about creating pathways for individuals to uplift their families, strengthen industries, and contribute meaningfully to national and regional development,” Lovobalavu highlighted.
FNU Foundation Executive Director, Kanito Lovobalavu sign’s the MOA.
Swire Shipping, one of the Pacific’s longest-standing carriers, has served the region for more than 80 years. Swire Shipping General Manager, Alex Pattison, said that throughout this time, the company’s purpose has extended far beyond logistics.
Mr Pattison explained that supporting Pacific communities, investing in education, and enabling sustainable development are core to their identity.
“What makes this partnership even more meaningful is that it does not end at the classroom door. I am pleased to announce that eligible scholarship recipients who meet Swire Shipping’s training, safety, and performance requirements will be given the opportunity to join our vessels as cadets. This pathway, from scholarship to sea time, offers students not only academic training, but a genuine career trajectory within the maritime industry. It reinforces our long-term commitment: to train, mentor, and help shape seafarers who will go on to navigate the vessels that keep the Pacific connected,” Mr Pattison explained.
Swire Shipping General Manager, Mr Alex Pattison delivers his remarks during the “Madigi Vou” project partnership at FNU Nasinu Campus.
He added that such integration between education and industry experience is essential for the region’s future.
“This bridging of academic achievement with real-world experience is exactly the kind of industry to education linkage our region needs. It ensures that young Fijians are not only prepared with knowledge and qualifications but are supported to transition directly into maritime careers with global relevance.”
Among the four scholarship recipients is Lania Alexander Robertson, a 19-year-old aspiring marine engineer who hails from Rokovuaka, Nalawa in the province of Ra, with maternal links to Scotland. Raised in a single-parent household by her mother, Christina Aileen Robertson, Lania described the scholarship as life-changing and a powerful affirmation of her dreams.
“Marine engineering has always been my dream. Even though it is a male-dominated field, I never allowed that to define my limits. My mother has been my pillar of strength. She taught me to believe in myself, to break barriers, and to pursue my passion with courage and determination,” Lania said.
Expressing gratitude to both Swire Shipping and the FNU Foundation, Lania stated the support has given her confidence and hope.
“This scholarship means more than financial support — it means opportunity, belief, and a future I once only imagined. I want to prove that women belong in maritime engineering and that with the right support, we can succeed and inspire others to follow,” she added.
Lania Alexander Robertson receives scholarship to pursue a Diploma in Marine Engineering Level 5 at the Pacific Centre for Maritimes Studies.
The Madigi Vou agreement represents a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between industry and higher education, reinforcing Fiji’s position as a maritime nation while opening new horizons for aspiring seafarers.
For more information, visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj.
ENDS