Meet the YES Awardees
The Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) is an extension of the overall mission to empower our younger generation.
This was the words of the Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali at the YES launch on Thursday night.
The launch at the Grand Pacific Hotel was officiated by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.
The scheme comes under the umbrella of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. Mr Ali said: “We are ensuring young people, who want to work hard and improve their lives - have all the opportunities available to do so.
“And today, we witnessed the first recipients of YES getting their certification from the honourable Prime Minister.
“These five young Fijians have demonstrated that they are willing to work hard in order to achieve their dreams – and YES will provide the vehicle to their success.
“We wish Atunaisa, Rovil, Sandhiya, Siwan and Vincent the very best. And we look forward to many more young Fijians- joining them.” The success of YES has been due to the commitment from the Government and also the buy-in from the private sector.
“We are proud of this public-private partnership that has established a comprehensive programme for young Fijians to benefit from.”
The key decision-making body for YES is the YES Selection Panel, which primarily comprises of private sector players. “Highly accomplished members of the Private sector have given up their valuable time to be mentors to the young recipients under the YES,” Mr Ali said.
“These mentors will guide the young entrepreneurs and help them to understand the realities of doing business and the ingredients for successful entrepreneur.
“In fact, our first five have started to receive this guidance and direction from their respective mentors.
“I also wish to thank the all students who are attending this launch. The YES is for you. Your interest augurs well for the scheme’s success - in creating new business; more employment and more innovative young entrepreneurs.
“We also thank the students here tonight, displaying their innovative ideas and research.”
Mr Ali thanked the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for his continued guidance during the inception of the Scheme and approval of the budget, to enable this idea to reach fruition. “To all our young Fijians, the Fijian Government, through YES, is investing in your future, the onus is now on you - to grab hold of these opportunities and contribute towards our dynamic and modern Fiji.”