FNU COMMENDS FDB FOR NATIONAL AWARDS INITIATIVE

The Fiji National University (FNU) commends the Fiji Development Bank for its national awards initiative which focuses on small and medium enterprises. Although it’s the first time for FNU to sponsor such an award, the University believes that the younger generation needs to be mentored in becoming job creators instead of just being job seekers.

Providing access to quality education and encouraging young people to become entrepreneurs is also part of the Fiji National University’s goals.

Q: Why does FNU support Fiji’s only Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Awards, the FDB’s 2019 National SME Awards?

A: 1.The reason for sponsoring the Rookie Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award, in particular. Sponsoring the Rookie Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award signals a significant change in the direction for the national university.

FNU’s new national strategic plan emphasises on job creation and business start-ups therefore the sponsorship came at a perfect time.The Rookie Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, a new award under the Empowerment Awards category, will provide recognition to small and medium enterprises for being innovative and for sustainably approaching growth.Alongside this sponsorship, the Fiji National University plans to further strengthen its support for young entrepreneurs through new initiatives this year (2020).

2.Background information or profile on FNU in relation to entrepreneurship/ SMEs/ promoting employment and other themes covered by the awards etc. More information on the awards can be found here: https://www.fdb.com.fj/2019nationalsmeawards/ Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) play a pivotal role in creating employment and contributes to national economic growth. The Fiji National University believes that in the present day, the establishment of an SME is very important since they involve in job creation.

Globally, entrepreneurship has been associated with poverty alleviation, better utilisation of resources and economic development.

The University provides career management skills to all its students. Our specialised training qualifications have a higher probability of both employment and entrepreneurship. FNU graduates are workplace ready through firsthand experience at workplaces during the practical (attachment) component of the programmes. FNU’s National Training and Productivity Centre also works closely with Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in promoting its short term training to ensure that they are well equipped for the business world.

The NTPC offers training that is collaboratively developed with its industry partners and stakeholders. For instance, the fashion industry, we provide short courses in garment production, pattern making and more that would benefit anyone wanting to start up a sewing business or become a fashion designer.FDB