Linda Fong Vakatawa (second from left, front row) with Diploma in Marine Engineering graduates from the Fiji National University’s (FNU), Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Linda Fong Vakatawa stood out as the lone female decked in her brown Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) uniform during the recent Fiji National University (FNU) graduation.
Vakatawa attributed her motivation to succeed as the driving force behind her progression from an all-girls secondary school to succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated learning academy.
Originally from Kadavu with maternal links to Rewa, the 26-year-old received her Diploma in Marine Engineering from FMA.
“Success is what motivates me to do a better job. Knowing that my consistency and perseverance will help me achieve my goals is what keeps me going,” Vakatawa said.
“It was one of the most exciting and transformative time in my life, going from an all-girl high school to a university campus full of male counterparts. However, the services provided by the tutors at the Academy made it a positive experience,” she said.
Currently employed as a Marine Engineer at Sea Quest Fiji, the former St Joseph Secondary School student said the maritime industry gave seafarers an opportunity to travel and learn through their encounter with people from various cultures.
“From attending career expos in school, I understood that marine engineering is a lucrative career not only locally but overseas as well. The benefits of traveling the world for free to is also a bonus.”
Apply Now
Students interested in the Diploma in Marine Engineering or other TVET courses at FNU can apply now for one of the 4,600 placements available through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Services (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.
FNU is now accepting applications for Semester 1, 2023 studies.
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.
Open Day 2022
Prospective students can also attend the University’s annual Open Day event to learn first-hand of the academic and career pathways they could pursue at the national institution.
The Open Day will be held at the Nasinu Campus, Natabua Campus in Lautoka and Naduna Campus in Labasa on Friday, 21 October and Saturday, 22 October at the Nasinu Campus only.