The University of the South Pacific (USP) hosted its 2025 Entrepreneurial Fair under the theme Pacific Entrepreneurship – Innovate, Inspire, Influence at the Laucala Campus last month.
The event reaffirms USP’s commitment to empowering young Pacific Islanders to lead change through innovation and enterprise.
The Fair has attracted large numbers over the years, and organisers anticipated 300 participants in 2025.
In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia stated that, “This is more than just an event; it’s a movement encouraging students and graduates to become entrepreneurs who serve their communities, challenge the norm, and inspire future generations.”
The Fair brought together students, alumni, industry experts, small businesses, and policymakers from across the Pacific, creating a platform for mentoring, workshops, and pitch competitions designed to turn ideas into sustainable businesses rooted in Pacific values.
One of the key sessions was led by Neel Sharma, Registrar of Companies at the Fiji Ministry of Justice, who provided a practical guide on business registration and legal compliance.
“Whether you’re a sole trader, in a partnership, or running a company, understanding your business structure is essential,” he explained.
He demonstrated how to use Fiji’s online platform for business registration, filing returns, and accessing government services. “Proper registration gives you legal protection and builds your credibility,” he added.
Adding a financial perspective, Kenny Baro led a session on budgeting, saving, and smart spending.
“Saving isn’t about how much you earn—it’s about discipline. I encourage students to be financially aware, set realistic goals, and avoid unnecessary debt,” he advised.
Miss Hibiscus 2025, Melania Tora, also spoke about the Westpac Women and Girls Education Grant, highlighting the importance of financial literacy. “Financial literacy helps turn dreams into action,” she said, urging young women to pursue their goals with confidence.
A key session on Intellectual Property (IP) was presented by prominent lawyer Jon Apted. His presentation outlined the importance of legally protecting innovations.
“Intellectual property protection is not just a legal matter; it’s a vital step for entrepreneurs to secure their creative and scientific outputs in an ever-evolving global marketplace.”
Apted explained that patents protected new devices, methods, or processes and grant inventors’ exclusive rights to commercialise their inventions for 20 years.
Among the participants was Amelia Tagicakibau, a project specialist from the island of Bau, Fiji. With a background in herbal products and women-focused project development, she has been working to empower women to build sustainable businesses.
“I’ve diversified my business into herbal products and projects to help women become self-sustainable,” she shared.
She attended the Fair to learn more about the current business landscape in Fiji and expand her understanding of government regulations and requirements for starting a business.
“The Fair provides invaluable consultations from professionals across various fields,” she explained. “This will help me add value to what I know and support my own business growth.”
She also expressed her desire to pass on her knowledge and become a trainer for women aspiring to enter business. “I want to make an impact and inspire women to succeed in business,” she said.
On the second day, the Fair continued with discussions focused on digital marketing, e-commerce, and sustainable business practices.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions on using social media for business growth, building online stores, and incorporating environmental sustainability into business models.
While the event was hosted at the Laucala Campus in Fiji, it had a strong regional dimension. Students from USP’s regional campuses joined the sessions via Zoom, ensuring inclusive participation from across the Pacific.
The 2025 USP Entrepreneurial Fair was a powerful showcase of innovation and community-driven entrepreneurship.
With expert insights and opportunities for growth, participants like Amelia Tagicakibau are now better equipped to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality.
