Fiji National University (FNU) Vice Chancellor Professor Lyn Karstadt with Bavyln Muktar.

Fiji National University (FNU) student, Bavlyn Muktar bagged herself a gold medal at a recent annual chefs competition held in Nadi. The 33-year-old had participated in the Live Cake Decoration category at the FMF Salon Culinaire 2022, Class 12 competition held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Nadi.

Originally from Sigatoka, the mother-of-two said it was hard being away from her two children whilst studying in Suva.

“I am a mother of two wonderful children, and my husband has been extremely supportive in taking care of them throughout my studies and a full-time job. After classes on Friday, I rush to the West to spend quality time with them,” Muktar shared.

“The toughest times were not being there when they had celebrations and events at school or when they would call me during their functions.”

Muktar is currently studying in the Certificate in Baking and Patisserie (Level 3) programme at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS).

“It was a tough competition, with some of the industry’s best, and the win was humbling and a learning experience,” she shared about the competition.

Muktar said she has gained vast experience from renowned resorts in Fiji as well as the Cook Islands.

“I am the first in my family to take up the profession. I became involved in the profession to start work somewhere. I then worked for five-star resorts, such as Shangri-La Fijian, Warwick, Outrigger, and Aitutaki Island Resort.”

She was among six students from FNU’s Nasese campus that participated in the FMF Salon Culinaire 2022 competition.

CBHTS Dean, Professor Arun Elias said it was a great feat for CBHTS that all six students from Nasese campus won medals.

“CBHTS is a dual-sector business school and hospitality and tourism studies play a very important part in our TVET stream of learning,” Elias said.

“Education is about broadening your mind, and I hope students, that we have given you an opportunity to broaden your mind.”

Hospitality and Tourism Studies Acting Head of School, Aman Narayan said it is a big achievement for the school.

“This competition involves chefs from hotels, resorts and universities from all over Fiji that take part to showcase their talents and artwork.”

“Our chefs took part in the Local category, which involved chefs from the local industry, and this has provided them with exposure to the talent within their industry.”

One gold medal, three silver medals and two bronze medals were won by students from the Nasese campus, whilst nine medals were won by students from the Namaka campus.

Apply Now

FNU is now accepting applications for Semester 1, 2023 studies.

Students interested in studying the Certificate in Baking and Patisserie (Level 3) programme or other TVET courses at FNU can apply now for one of the 4,600 placements available through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS).

Eligible students must obtain a pass in Year 12, Certificate I, Certificate II or secure a final offer letter for any Certificate Level III, IV or Diploma level 5 programmes offered at FNU.

For further information, students can visit our website at www.fnu.ac.fj, email the Academic Team via admission@fnu.ac.fj, or Text (Toll-Free) 857 for Vodafone and Inkk users.