USPUSPBeatBeat VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER 2012 in this issue 33 NEW GOVERNMENT SERVICE CENTRE

55 75th USP Council Meeting ANNUAL REPORT WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD he 75th meeting of the University of the South Pacific was Professor Sally Kift, who spoke inspiringly on ‘A Council was held at the University’s Laucala Campus from Transition Pedagogy for First Year Student Success’. She T5 - 6 November 2012. is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at James Cook The Council is the highest decision making body of the University University and is President of the Australian Learning and and comprises representatives of the 12 member country Teaching Fellows; 7 governments, academic staff, and student, community and • A number of major initiatives were discussed at the Forum Ministers of Education meeting in Port Vila, TALKS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICE business leaders. Representatives of Australia and New Zealand and a member of the CROP agency are also part of the Council. Vanuatu from 12-18 May 2012. One of them included the DELIVERY IN THE PACIFIC new ICT in Education framework that was jointly developed The two-day meeting was chaired by the Pro Chancellor and by USP and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community; Chair of Council, Mr Ikbal Jannif. Mr Jannif said that although • The University Grants Committee (UGC) held its Triennial the meeting was intense, the time spent on finalising the new Meeting 2013 - 2015 at the Laucala Campus from 16 July six-year Strategic Plan was well worth it. USPBeat to 20 July 2012. The UGC was pleased to observe that Magazine “The open and frank discussions have meant that the USP’s the University was on track to achieve the objectives of USPBeat is published by Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018 now has the approval of all the current Strategic Plan by the year’s end. The UGC the Development, Marketing stakeholders.” also noted that the University is the most successful regional and Communications The newly appointed Visitor of the University, Sir James Bruce institution in terms of its longstanding positive impact on Office, The University of the Robertson of New Zealand, visited and briefly addressed all member countries, and acknowledged the very South Pacific, Suva, . the University Council at the invitation of the Pro-Chancellor & important role that USP plays in fostering regional Chair of Council. Sir Bruce, as he is known, is a retired judge of solidarity. UGC accepted the University’s proposal to Managing Editor the Court of Appeal in New Zealand. He is a graduate of the keep member government contributions at the 2012 level of Ashley Gopal University of Otago and the University of Virginia. He holds an FJ$47,946,462 for each of the three years of the triennium Tel: (679) 323 2039; honorary LLD from the University of Otago. He is currently the 2013-2015; email: [email protected] President of the Court of Appeal in Vanuatu. • The signing of the first loan agreement with an international In presenting his report, the Vice Chancellor and President development bank in the University’s 44 year history has of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra highlighted the following been completed. The University’s US$19million Multi-tranche Desktop Publisher Financing Facility (MFF) soft loan from ADB for major capital Imraan Sheik achievements since the last Council Meeting in May, which the Council acknowledged with appreciation. development works has several major components, which Pre-press and Printing will have separate loan sub-agreements. The signing of the Some of these achievements include: loan agreement (Tranche 1) pertaining to the new • The finalisation of the University’s new Strategic Plan 2013- Kiribati campus, worth US$2.6million, took place at the 2018; Laucala Campus on 19 June 2012;· • Successful graduation ceremonies for the Laucala, Tonga, • The new extension to the Cook Islands Campus was Solomon Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands officially opened on 27 August 2012. The extension includes (RMI) campuses; a conference room, a student lounge, and a furnished Circulation • The progress by the Strategic Total Academic Review (STAR) reception area. The project was funded through 3000 copies are distributed project in working closely with the Curriculum Advisory the incentive funding provided by AusAID amounting to throughout the University’s Program, the Planning Office, the Credit Point project NZ$600,000; member countries and interna- (implemented by Student Academic Services), and the • Signing of a lease agreement for an additional 14 acres tionally. The views expressed in Associate Deans (Learning and Teaching) to ensure a USP Beat are not necessarily of land for USP Tonga campus. This will include priority smooth transition and successful implementation of the developments like fencing; a building for the Institute of the views of the University or the Council-approved new degree structure and the adoption of Managing Editor. Education, a new building for graduate teaching (including a Credit Point System; the MBA programme) and facilities for expanded science Next issue - December 2012 • A successful Vice-Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Forum teaching, sports and other amenities; on 10 September 2012 at the Multi-Purpose Theatre, Japan- Pacific ICT Centre, Laucala Campus. The keynote speaker Continued on page 2 University finalizes new Strategic Plan

Council members discuss the new Strategic Plan of the University.

he University of the South Pacific Council He explained that this will be achieved through significant change in mindset and performance of at its 75th meeting held on 5 - 6 November improvements in the following areas: people and systems, which the new Strategic Plan T2012 approved the new Strategic Plan for the • Quality: greater focus on quality and is focused on achieving. University. International accreditation of most programmes; According to the Vice-Chancellor, USP will ensure The new USP Strategic Plan, which is for a period of • Regional Campuses: significant, comprehensive, that staff are able to deliver the University’s vision 6 years starting from 2013, will guide the University time-lined development and improved of excellence. This will involve developing a culture to its 50th anniversary in 2018. governance and management model for of excellence and personal growth for all staff to An early draft of the Strategic Plan was discussed regional campuses; achieve the highest institutional outcomes. by the USP Council in its meeting in May this year. • Postgraduate Studies: much stronger focus on The new Strategic Plan also puts significant focus postgraduate growth including PhD and Since then, the Plan has been further developed on enhancing the role and potential of regional Masters research; and consulted on widely in the region with the campuses. • Research: more and greater impact of research, different stakeholders of the University including Professor Chandra said that new Plan will be global recognition in selected areas including member countries, development partners, parents, instrumental in ensuring that the physical facilities Pacific societies and cultures, Pacific Ocean and employers, USP alumni, staff and students. throughout the region are improved significantly. marine resources; The consultations were led mainly by the Vice- • Global leadership: in Pacific Studies/Arts and The 7 priority areas of the new Plan are: Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Culture; Pacific Ocean Studies and ICT • Learning & Teaching; Chandra, but the Pro Chancellor, Mr Ikbal Jannif leveraged flexible learning and new pedagogies; • Student Support; led the consultations in three countries. The • Enterprising University: a more enterprising • Research and Internationalisation; University’s Senior Management Team and other University/students to leave with entrepreneurial • Information & Communication Technologies; senior staff also assisted in the consultations. skills – job creators not just job seekers; • Regional and Community Engagement; Professor Chandra said that the consultation • Regional Exemplar: in Tertiary Education and • Our People; and process was extremely valuable and strengthened assisting national institutions where needed and • Governance, Leadership, Management & the Plan considerably by incorporating the needs appropriate; and Continuous Improvement. and aspirations of USP member countries. • People: growing talent; leadership The Vice-Chancellor thanked the Council for The Vice-Chancellor explained that the overarching and supervision, HR and change management, the approval of the Strategic Plan and gave his aim of the new Strategic Plan is to lift the vision of investment in people. assurance and commitment on behalf of the staff the University from good to excellent. Professor Chandra elaborated that the challenge of to energetically and effectively implement the new moving from good to excellence will require a very Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018.

Continued from page 1

• Ground breaking ceremony for a new campus total income of $170.37m, and a proposed total Appointment of Members to the Executive in the Marshall Islands by the President of expenditure of $170.22m. Committee: Named Cook Islands, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, H.E. Mr. 2013 Tuition Fees and Charges: As the Nauru as well as Fiji to the Executive Committee. Christopher Loeak and the USP Chancellor at The Council also appointed Dr Jeremy Strudwick,

| NOVEMBER 11 | Issue 10 USP Beat | Volume 2012 University had not increased its tuition fees since the time, Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui; 2008, and to compensate for inflation and other Senior Education Adviser, Pacific Division, 2 • USP’s partnerships with Australia and increased costs, the Council approved a 5 percent AusAID, Dr Kabini Sanga, an academic from New Zealand will conclude this year. Both the increase in the University’s tuition fees for next Victoria University in Wellington and Mr Rex Horoi, Governments have indicated that they intend year. Director of the Foundation of the People of the South Pacific to its Executive Committee which has to continue their support to the University New Academic Programme: The Diploma delegated authority to carry out assigned duties on for the duration of the new Strategic Plan 2013 - in Leadership, Governance and Human Rights behalf of the Council. 2018; and programme was instituted. Honorary Degrees Committee: The Minister Professor Chandra said that the outlook for the Accreditation: The Council noted that two new for Education, Tokelau and Dr Kabini Sanga were University going into 2013 remains strong, adding professional degrees in Computing Science - re-appointed to serve on the Honorary Degrees that, enrolment growth is around 11 percent in Bachelor of Software Engineering and Bachelor Committee for a term of two years from 1 January equivalent full-time students (EFTS) for 2012. This, of Net Centric Computing received provisional 2013 to 31 December 2014. he explained, is already surpassing the record accreditation from the Australian Computer Society. growth in 2011. It was also agreed that the University seeks Western According to the Vice-Chancellor, this was one of “On the whole, the University has made excellent Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) the most crucial meetings of the Council. progress in a difficult time, increased its reputation accreditation following stipulations in the WASC Professor Chandra said that the approval of the and standing, the goodwill of its stakeholders, and accreditation guideline for institutions external to new Strategic Plan for 2013-2018 provided a bold stands on the cusp of exciting development to the U.S. vision of excellence, relevance, and strong regional transform itself from good to excellent in the next New Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee: engagement with an exciting set of initiatives to Strategic Plan,” he added. Mr Iowane Naiveli is the new Chair of the Audit take the University to its 50th anniversary in 2018. The Council deliberated on a number of reports and and Risk Committee. He is a Chartered Accountant The Council also approved the 2013 Annual Plan - papers. Some of the key decisions taken by the and has served previously on the USP Council. Ms the first year of the new Strategic Plan. It also noted Council were: Susan Kumar was re-appointed as the independent that the USP regional Ministers of Finance had USP Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018: Approved member on the Audit Committee for two years from approved the University’s government contributions the University’s new Strategic Plan. The Council 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014. Ms Kumar is for the next three years. also commended the Vice–Chancellor, the Senior the General Manager for Corporate Service at the “These approvals and other decisions will ensure Management Team and staff for the consultative Reserve Bank of Fiji. a very bright future for the University. I am pleased process undertaken for the new Strategic Plan and Appointments to the Finance and with the outcomes of the Council,” stated Professor the bold aspirations of the new plan. Investments Committee: Named Kiribati, Chandra. Annual Plan 2013: Approved the financing of Solomon Islands and Fiji to be members of the The next Council meeting will be held in Tonga in the Annual Plan 2013 to be within the proposed Finance and Investments Committee for the term, mid-May 2013. 1 January 2013 – 31 December 2015. University collaborates with Fiji Government to improve public service delivery

The Honorable Prime Minister of Fiji Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama takes a tour of the new GSC in Nausori. He is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Commission, Mr Parmesh Chand and the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra.

he Government of Fiji worked with the University of the South Pacific in In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh establishing the first Government Service Centre (GSC) in Nausori which Chandra, congratulated the Prime Minister and his Government for taking the Topened on 12 November, 2012. initiative to establish GSCs to improve the delivery of services to the public. Located at Hemron Plaza, the new centre is expected to make government “This initiative is an excellent example of how Information and Communication services and facilities more accessible to the general public. Technologies (ICTs) can be used to improve the delivery of government The University was approached through the Pacific Centre for Public services and to promote social and economic development,” he stated. Administration (PICPA) to assist Government with the initiative. Professor Chandra added that the University was pleased to have been During the opening of the centre, the Honorable Prime Minister of Fiji approached by the Government to work with it on this project. Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama assured his Government’s commitment “When the PSC approached the Pacific Centre for Public Administration towards providing adequate service delivery to the public. (PICPA) to help the Government establish this centre, we were delighted “I regard the delivery of basic services to all as the Government’s main to agree immediately as we saw this as an excellent way of working closely priority,” he stated. with the Government to improve public services - the core function of PICPA,” mentioned the Vice-Chancellor. According to the Prime Minister, such service centres would bring the Government closer to its people. The University’s Regional Centre for Continuing and Community Education (RCCCE) that provides professional and vocational education joined with | NOVEMBER 11 | Issue 10 USP Beat | Volume 2012 “Government has to be present in our communities and actively engage with PICPA and PSC in a working committee to develop an implementation strategy them. These centres will provide a single point - a one-stop shop - for at least for the new GSCs. The strategy included identification of civil servants from 20 separate Government agencies,” he added. GSC offices in the three divisions. 3 Commodore Bainimarama pointed out that his Government is working to Professor Chandra said that RCCCE developed a diagnostic tool to change the culture of the civil service so that it responds better to the needs ascertain the level of knowledge on customer service, supervisory skills and of our people. management. Based on the diagnosis, RCCCE recommended a four-module He appealed to those who would resource these GSCs to set a new standard training programme that the candidates took over a period of four months of service and show people that the Government really cares. covering administrative skills, working in a conducive work environment, The Prime Minister pointed out that this was part of the vision for a new Fiji, business communications and customer service. to make life easier for every Fijian dealing with Government departments and A total of 21 civil servants successfully completed the training and received agencies. their certificates during the opening of the GSC.

Conference highlights importance of internet

The Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society Zealand and Ms Maureen Hilyard, PICISOC Board member countries, members of PICISOC and other (PICISOC) conference known as PacINET 2012 Chair, who is based in Cook Islands. ICT stakeholders work together, using a multi- was held at the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre at the The ‘Access for all’ theme-based conference stakeholder platform, then people in many walks of University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus brought together many stakeholders from the life - ICT professionals, technicians, policy makers, in Suva from 22-26 November, 2012. various organisations to a single platform to government agencies, telecom operators, internet The annual forum on ICT and internet governance discuss the dynamics of ICT and the internet, and service providers, academics, lawyers, police in the region was hosted jointly by USP and the how to make it accessible to all Pacific Islanders. forces, the informal sector and ICT students - will be able to share ideas and learn from experience Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), along The five-day conference saw presentations and about using ICT and the internet for development. with other partner organisations and sponsors. panel discussions from major ICT and internet This will go a long way towards providing access The conference was opened by the Vice-Chancellor development stakeholders. to all. and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra. While it will take time to bridge the digital divide This year’s event also marked the 10 years of Among the distinguished speakers who attended and provide internet connectivity and access, PacINET conferences. The very first one was held and presented at the opening session were Mr participants were told that if partner organisations, Martin Cocker, Executive Director of Netsafe, New in Nadi in 2002. Pacific Universities TEAM UP TO PROMOTE Science, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Director of UNESCO’s Division for Science, Policy and Capacity-Building, Professor Lidia Brito, delivers her keynote address.

ajor universities from Pacific Island enable a fundamental shift from a region dependent in one part of the world can affect people in other Countries converged at the University on outside help to address the societal challenges parts of the globe. Mof the South Pacific in Suva from 5 -7 to one that is able to address those challenges from While rapid scientific and technological issues November, 2012. within. can provide potential solutions, Professor Brito Vice Chancellors and senior representatives from The issue of networking universities for research said social transformations were needed as well. USP, , University of Fiji, and innovation was further looked into by Ms Judith She explained that this is where research plays a University of Papua New Guinea, PNG University Francis, Senior Programme Coordinator, Science significant role in monitoring change, determining of Technology, Pacific Adventist University PNG, and Technology Policy division of CTA based in the thresholds, developing new technologies and University of Natural Resources and Environment Netherlands. processes and providing solutions. PNG, National University of Samoa, University of She said that Pacific universities were not sufficiently Given the increasing vulnerabilities faced by SIDS, New Caledonia and University of French Polynesia engaged. She mainly attributed this to universities Professor Brito explained that new approaches to attended the dialogue on the formation of a Pacific lacking connection to productive sectors, lack of sustainability were required. Islands Regional Universities Network to advocate innovation in products, processes and services “Science and technology have a crucial role to play on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) as well as limited research and development on but fulfilling its potential requires the development issues and to ultimately develop a Pacific-owned priority issues. and implementation of clear and strategic polices,”

| NOVEMBER 11 | Issue 10 USP Beat | Volume 2012 and Pacific-driven ST&I Policy Framework. Ms Francis pointed out that Pacific universities she said. The initiative was hosted by USP in partnership can make a greater impact through networking She elaborated that what is required is regional with the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural 4 to formulate and focus on common issues to and inter-regional collaboration through university Co-operation (ACP-EU CTA) from the Netherlands, collectively improve performance and impact at the networks and science policy forums; collaboration and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and policy level. and dialogue between academia and policy- Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “Countries are asking and expecting more of makers; and consideration of the role of Pacific Representatives from regional university networks their universities given the complex challenges local and indigenous knowledge and its relation to in Africa and the Caribbean were able to share confronting society,” she added. scientific knowledge. their successful experiences to inform the Similar views were expressed by the UNESCO Professor Brito proposed the need for a critical dialogue. Representatives of The Higher Education Programme Specialist for Small Islands and mass of students and researchers to be trained Commissions in Fiji and PNG, as well as IRD Indigenous Knowledge, Mr Hans Thulstrup. at various levels including Masters in ST&I fields (Institut de Recherche pour le Development) were related to the country/regional priorities. also present to discuss ST&I policy frameworks. He said that the meeting was an opportune time to share views and ideas and be more explicit about This critical mass needs to be carefully estimated to The USP Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and the role of ST&I in Small Island Developing States match with potential future job offers in the labour International), Professor John Bythell welcomed the (SIDS) as a build up to the upcoming major SIDS market, she added. Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Research and Global Conference in Samoa in 2014. senior academics of the different universities as The outcome of the three-day dialogue was a well as representatives of regional and international ‘Science, Technology and Innovation Polices for resolution to collaborate on the establishment of organisations to the three-day meeting. sustainable development in the Pacific’ was the a Pacific Islands Universities Research Network topic of Professor Lidia Brito’s keynote address. (PIURN). The participants issued a communiqué He told those present that the ambition of USP’s establishing a working group, hosted by USP and new Strategic Plan is to take the University from Professor Brito, who is the Director of UNESCO’s directed by Dr Jito Vanualailai in the Research good to excellent, adding that, a large part of that Division for Science, Policy and Capacity-Building, Office, to draw up the terms of reference and is excellence in research including areas of ST&I. reminded those present that the Earth system was profoundly interconnected and interdependent. working practices for PIURN. USP will also host the Professor Bythell also touched on the importance She stated that interconnected issues require network Secretariat for the first three years. of increasing research capacity and collaboration interconnected solutions, adding that local actions especially among universities in the region to in theprovision of educationthatenables children torealise theirfullpotential. needed support the provide and particular, in teachers primary of the role crucial to credit give to fitting is it that demonstrates publication 168-page The achieving agood quality educationthatistheteaching workforce. in inputs critical most the of one on stresses Lingam Dr book, second the In is aseniorlecturer withtheUniversity’s SchoolofEducation. Lingam,who Dr authoredby was Education' Primary in Perspective Qualitative on book second The the mould that DrLingam.citizens ofourfuture,” said systems education the of and levels improvement all at leadership development to ongoing attention immediate for argues book “The systems. transformative and contextualized to enhance the quality of work in educational both is that leadership educational effectivefor need the highlights book This of thesignificantcontributorsinthisbook. one also was Lingam.He Govinda Dr academic, USP by edited was Practices' titled, book first The workforce of theSouthPacific, Professor30 November, RajeshChandra teacher on 2012. and leadership educational planning were launched by the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University on books innovative Two T raiain t poie ult rprig n blne dslsrs n their in disclosures balanced and reporting quality provide to organisations charitable and bodies government companies, encourage to seeks corporatecalendar, SPSE’s in event prominent a become has which competition, The same the in University the for category. row a in win second the marked award The • • CategoryC:OtherPublic CompaniesandUnitTrusts; and • Similar to previous years, the other three categories in the competition included: at theReserve BankofFiji. category on 7 November 2012 Organisations’ and at Charitable a function held Non-Profit ‘Co-operatives, the in awarded was Report Annual USP 2011 The Category D:Listed Companies Category A:StatutoryAuthorities,Government Bodies&UnlistedTrusts;· organised bytheSouthPacific StockExchange(SPSE). 2012 for Awards Competition Report Annual the of categories four the of one of winner the announced was Pacific South the of University he 'Educational Leadership: Emerging Issues and Successful Successful and Issues Emerging Leadership: 'Educational 'Teacher Workforce Planning in the Pacific: Towards a Towards Pacific: the in Planning Workforce 'Teacher Photo courtesy:fijilive N ew well asother invitedguests. as media the of members students, and staff University unions, teacher and The launch was well attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education added. he of,” capable are we that scholarship of quality the of speak books “These of School the release of USP’s the two books will that go issues, to some educational extend in feelsimportant changing this on perception.research regionmore undertake should the Education while that said Chandra Professor workforce teacher and leadership educational planning whichare crucialprioritiesineducation. as and topical such very issues with deal important books the that elaborated Vice-Chancellor The outcomes,” hesaid. and educational of collaboration quality and systems international educational our good influence to potential of the hallmarks the all have his books “The for Lingam Dr congratulated Chandra outstanding achievement inpublishingthetwobooks. Professor launch, the During planning establishment teacher a better approach,” heexplained. requires firstly education primary in standards the raising that argues book the this, of light In achieved. be to is teachers of supply the unless adequate in both qualitative that and quantitative terms, is quality education is unlikely book the of contention major “The

books The ActingExecutive MrKolinio Director Boila,receives ofFinanceatUSP, Ernst &Young. Peni Mr and from Tora Office General’s Auditor the from Narayan Ritnesh Sunil Sharma from AliZ Pacific, Ms Glenis Yee from FijiBSP Life Limited, Mr Mr Pacific, South the of University the ProfessorfromwereWhite Michael members other and KPMG, at Partner Chand, Renu Ms was panel the of The judging panel consisted of six independent members. The Chairperson any to seehowtheycanimprove thereport even further. of account take reports annual the on made have will may panel selection the that University comments the that said Vice-Chancellor The the AnnualReport. Mr Communications, & of design the and content, Marketing the editing and coordinating for Karan Jaindra Development, of Director the and Gregory Michael Dr of Quality), efforts and (Planning the Vice-Chancellor Pro acknowledged former particular, in Chandra, Professor Report, Annual USP 2011 the of production the in involvedeveryone thanking In that theaward wasagoodexternalvalidationoftheUniversity’s work. Professor PresidentChandraThesaid Vice-ChancellorUSP, and Rajesh of to tellacompellingstoryoftheirsuccessover thepastyear,” sheadded. reports annual used have companies some how see to encouraging is “It disclosure accounting extant the requirements to aswellcorporate governance principles. adhering and the reporting improving on of endeavour quality to companies within edge acompetition an such puts of which part being of benefits the see can organisations The Chief Executive Officer of MsSPSE, Jinita Prasad,said that participating to available made informationstakeholders. the improve to move a in reports annual education the award from theChairpersonofjudgingpanel,MsRenuChand. prestigious The Vice-Chancellor andPresident Professor ofUSP, Rajesh Chandra withDrLingam atthebooklaunch. A

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5 USP Beat | Volume 11 | Issue 10 | NOVEMBER 2012 The Prime Minister of Samoa, Honorable Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi cuts the ribbon to launch USP’s Ku-band network for the University's Savai’i Centre. Also seen in picture is the Alafua Campus Director, Ms Ruby Va’a.

Ku-band services FOR USP centre on Samoa’s largest island

he University of the South Pacific’s Savai’i Centre in Samoa has joined Malielegaoi launched the Ku-band satellite services as part of the USP the USP’s expanding ICT educational network, USPNet. The USP’s expansion of the USPNet services to support University services to its students TKu-band network – launched on 1 November 2012 on Salelologa, at regional campuses. Savai’i – will connect students in Savai’i to USP’s real-time lecture In his keynote address, the Prime Minister stated that the service was the crux conferencing and other course management applications. of his Government’s rural education initiative. The Prime Minister of Samoa, Honorable Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele “The great thing about it is that students in Savai’i can now study at institutions

| NOVEMBER 11 | Issue 10 USP Beat | Volume 2012 such as USP without leaving their homes or the care of their parents and the safety of their homes and villages,” he said. 6 The Ku-band service provides the capability for students to access lecturers/ Stakeholders meet for tutors based at other USP campuses, in particular, Laucala, Emalus or Alafua. Students can participate from Savai’i Centre via live classes, lectures and provincial coastal tutorials. The Prime Minister acknowledged the leadership of USP for the development of management planning such technology and also the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the generous funding support. The University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Applied Sciences in The launching ceremony was organised by Ms Ruby Va’a, Alafua Campus partnership with the Fiji Department of Environment recently hosted Director, and Mr Kisione Finau, Director ITS, connecting the Savai’i Centre to the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) planning meeting of the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre in Suva with live video via the Ku-band link. stakeholders for the Ra Province in Fiji. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Regional Campuses), Dr Esther The Ra Province is one of the 14 provinces in the country and is Williams and the Deputy Resident Representative, JICA Fiji Office, Mr Yutaka located on the northern part of Viti Levu, the largest island of Fiji. Fukase, delivered congratulatory speeches from Suva via the new Ku-band system and demonstrated the capability of the system to the invited guests The meeting, which was held on 8 November, 2012 at the Ra in Savai’i. Among those present were Samoa’s Minister of Education, Sports Provincial Office, was well represented by about 60 participants and Culture, Honourable Magele Mauiliu, the Minister of Police, Prisons and from the Government, NGOs, private sector and communities. Fire Services, Honourable Sala Pinati, as well as other members of Parliament, The meeting was led by the Director of the Institute of Applied government officials and members of the Savai’i community. Sciences (IAS), Professor Bill Aalbersberg. Dr Williams said that the launch was another milestone for USP as the University Professor Aalbersberg explained that the main aim of the meeting moves towards closer communication throughout the University region to the was to bring together key Ra provincial stakeholders from the rural areas from the more populated towns and cities. public and private sectors to share progress and challenges, in a She added that similar facilities had been installed in Tonga, Solomon Islands participatory approach, in regards to ICM issues and to develop a and Vanuatu which are expected to be expanded further. common vision towards the development of an ICM plan for the province. The University of the South Pacific (USP) is implementing the Ku-band satellite communication network, in partnership with JICA under its technical cooperation Main outcomes from the meeting included the development of project ‘USP-JICA ICT for Human Development and Human Security Project’. broad statements towards a vision for the Ra Province ICM Plan, the This Ku-band satellite network deployment will provide low cost solution for the prioritisation of six main issues that will form the basis of an action expansion of USPNet throughout the region. The network, once operational will plan and the formation of a Ra Province ICM Committee comprising ensure that USP centres located in remote islands with limited resources for representation from each of the stakeholder groups that will oversee distance learning will be enhanced with ICT for distance education and learning. the implementation of the action plan for the province. One of the JICA experts, Dr Kader Pramanik, stated that the satellite Ku-band This activity was undertaken as part of the Coral Triangle Pacific solution can provide broadband internet services to the remote islands which project which is jointly being implemented by the Fiji Department will boost expansion of tertiary education in the region, and at the same time, of Environment and the Institute of Applied Sciences in cooperation with government coordination, can be utilised as communication infrastructure with NGOs. for emergency communication and disaster management. The aim of this project is to improve the resilience of coastal and The installation of Ku-band systems at USP’s remote centres commenced in marine ecosystems and climate change within five countries 2011. Savai’i Centre is the 8th Ku-band USPNet site after Ha’apai Centre and including Fiji. Ra province is the pilot site for Fiji with the focus of Vava’u Centre in Tonga, Emalus Campus and Malampa Centre in Vanuatu, Lata efforts to develop an integrated coastal resource management plan Centre in Solomon Islands, Campus and Adi Maopa School in the Lau for the province. Group of Fiji. T h cneec, r aisn xlie, was explained, Davidson Mr conference, The employment creating and opportunities,” he stated. activity economic confidence, but also investor confidence, fostering public only not raisesadministration public “Good on government systems. to central is it democratic processes, and critical in building trust how and administration good public of importance John the about Mr spoke Davidson AusAID, for conference, Minister-Counsellor PICPA the inaugural the launching In • • The key objectives ofconference were to: Islands, Solomon Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu andVanuatu. Guinea, New Papua Palau, Niue, Nauru, Islands, Marshall Micronesia, from Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Federated States of delegations had Suva, in Inn Holiday the at 2012 November, 21 on began which conference, The and foster economicgrowth. people their to delivery service improved enable to administration public strengthened for Countries (PICs) Island Pacific by identified plans and the Australian and Government. (USP) It is designed to Pacific respond to the needs South University the the of between initiative joint is PICPA Administration to betterserve(PICPA) theregion. for Public Centre Islands Pacific the with engage and understand to and countries R al delivering workplanpriorities. regional priorities andpartnershipsin work planbyidentifyingregional andsub contributing tothedesignofPICPA’s forward inassessingandactively Engage withPICs and could befundedbyPICPA; andotherproviders which offered byUSP including training andlearningopportunities Share information itsservices, onPICPA, o ics pbi sco nes f their of conference needs sector three-day public discuss a to for gathered epresentatives of 14 Pacific Island Countries ks delivery in the Pa the in delivery Conference participants with the Minister-Counsellor for AusAID, MrJohnDavidsonandtheVice-ChancellorConference andPresident participants withtheMinister-Counsellorfor ofUSP, AusAID, to i to mp rove rove pu xedtr - ht s oe oe n vr three every in one over country is, regional that the - expenditure of accounts percent 35 administration almost public for Pacific, the In the in Pacific. particularly make, administrations public that contribution vital the underlines and timely is conference PICPA’s that said Chandra Professor for programmes PICPA inthenextthree years. planning forward on conference the Vice- to Chandra, the by welcomed Chancellor and President of ProfessorUSP, Rajesh were delegates The citizens ofourregion andourcountries.” the for lives better – work our from want all we is and it what get to us foryourselves as “money such leaders of that, out experience need to combine with the commitment pointed he However, increasing itsaidprogram tothePacific. rapidly is and moment the at situation economic stronga Australiain Davidson, Accordingis Mr to added. he management,” financial public and monitoring delivery, service improving in assist that activities development capacity and expertise technical to ensure that Pacific Island governments havehelps access PICPA as such institutions to support “Our effective and efficient public servicesacross theregion. promote to efforts their strengthen and together work can governments Pacific how see to designed forum important an such supporting be to pleased is Australia said, their for USP Davidson conference,Mr the organising in efforts and PICPA commending While you,” with representatives were told. consultation in identified been have support for areas these that but needs, regional relevantonly not responsiveis and and national to that assistance provides PICPA that ensures“This by PICs. supply-driven beyond approaches to ones that meet the needs identified move to opportunity an bli Professor RajeshChandra (bothingarland). c c i

f s i ervi c c e e The conference ended on23November. sustainability and priority,” heconcluded. to change, of sequencing considers which countries strategy national a broad into fits stakeholder assistance that ensure for programming requestspredictable with together notice short to at received responses quick balance to PICPA allow will which plan work multi-year a develop to week this conference the organised have “We between “conversation” a anditsstakeholders. PICPA of beginning the is Siosiua that Utoikamanu, the who conferencesaid Mr PICPA, of Director the by shared was PICPA of role the and conference the on background A agreed reflecting priorities. countries with partnership tailor-made agreements of lead development the will to engagement further and discussions Professor Chandra said that the outcomes of these needs and prioritiesare,” representatives heard. their hear what on we countries that the from imperative directly is it countries, Island Pacific for initiatives and programs development “Toensurerelevant implement and design we that of activities going forward. PICPA’s quality shape will it as the critical, be will that elaborated conferencethe of days three the over discussions further He raise servicedelivery toourcitizens.” will effectivemorefacilitatewhich government will and identify to is prioritise specific capacity development needs that conference this at task “Our this opportunityandbevery openandfrank. Professorrepresentativesutilize urgedChandra to for for theirsupport. Australia of stakeholders GovernmentUSP other as well as PICPA, funding the thanked He Bank report. World 2011 the to referring Vice-Chancellor, the said services, public managing on spent is dollars

7 USP Beat | Volume 11 | Issue 10 | NOVEMBER 2012 Workshop promotes information sharing in agriculture and forestry sectors

Participants of the Web 2.0 Learning Opportunity and Training workshop.

he opportunities facing the agriculture sector As a follow-up to the first Web 2.0 Learning in what context,” Mr Turagacati reminded those will change, and are already changing, Opportunity and Training workshop in 2011, the present. Tbecause of the underlying changes in Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), in Participants from the agricultural sector said that information technology. How people publish collaboration with the EU-funded Technical Centre while Web 2.0 technologies and web tools are and use information on the World Wide Web has for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and useful to create a community network between transformed in recent times. USP, committed to strengthening and facilitating agriculture extension officers, exporters and other These were the comments of the Acting Head of technology-driven services in the dissemination stakeholders, there was also a need to reach out Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, and sharing of information. to farmers and show them the potential of using H.E Alistair MacDonald at the opening of the Web SPC’s Mr Samu Turagacati explained that the such technology. 2.0 Learning Opportunity and Training workshop use of Web 2.0 tools for communicating with Deputy Director of USP’s IT Services, Mr Fereti on 22 October 2012. stakeholders and sharing information can bring Atalifo, acknowledged the participants from the “Agriculture, forestry and rural development will advantages to any organisation concerned with agriculture, forestry and rural development sectors the satisfaction of its stakeholders.

| NOVEMBER 11 | Issue 10 USP Beat | Volume 2012 have a prominent place in the EU’s development and the collective support by the European Union, cooperation agenda in future years, whether Workshop participants were made aware of CTA and SPC. addressed directly through classical rural the need to understand organisational policies, The second week of the workshop, targeting 8 development projects, or indirectly in addressing strategies and governance on the use of social youths and stakeholders in the area of agriculture/ climate change adaptation and natural disaster media. forestry and rural development, began on 29 risk reduction,” participants were told at the “As organisations that provide key services to the October. Japan-Pacific ICT Centre located at the University region, we need to use good judgement about of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva. what materials should be uploaded online and

Publication to help students learn about renewable energy

Dr Anirudh Singh presents copies of his latest book to the Deputy Director of Education, Mr Jai Narayan.

A new introductory book on renewable energy the physical principles are described in simple and the private sector. was released in Suva, Fiji on 9 November, 2012. everyday English as far as possible. The book has evolved out of the activities of Project The book was launched by Fiji's Deputy Director of He added that the multi-disciplinary nature of DIREKT - a renewable energy project undertaken Education, Mr Jai Narayan. the subject of renewable energy is emphasised by five universities from the ACP region and Titled ‘All about renewable energy - a basic throughout. Germany. renewable energy kit for decision-makers’, the 64- According to the author, the publication will Dr Singh elaborated that a part of the project was page publication introduces the basic concepts of provide a resource material for students and to provide enough knowledge and information to renewable energy with a quick assessment of the others who may not have a scientific background decision-makers in government, NGOs, and the relative merits of the different types of renewable for studies in the area of renewable energy. private sector to make wise decisions about which energy. “It will provide a first step for teachers to plan renewable energy technology to acquire. It was The book has been authored by an academic from their curricula, and for students to learn about the later decided to convert this learning kit into text the University of the South Pacific, Dr Anirudh basics of renewable energy without needing any form. This book is the result. Singh, who said, “the book is a crash course in special knowledge of physics or other sciences,” The production of the book has been funded renewable energy for anyone who knows nothing highlighted Dr Singh. entirely by Project DIREKT, which is an EU-funded about renewable energy and wants to find out as The launching ceremony was attended by more renewable energy project. quickly as possible.” than 40 participants from the departments of Copies of the book are available upon request from The book provides an ideal primer for the study Education and Energy, the International Union for the Project DIREKT Technology Transfer Centre at of renewable energy at any level, explained Dr the Conservation of Nature, UNDP, universities USP. Singh, as the language used is non-technical, and