The University of the South Pacific (USP) proudly hosted the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Chemical Society of the South Pacific (CSSP), held at Laucala Campus in Suva earlier this month. The milestone event brought together students, educators, and distinguished guests in a vibrant showcase of scientific excellence and innovation.
This year’s CSSP Annual Competition Awards formed the highlight of the celebration, recognising the achievements of young chemists from across Fiji. Preliminary rounds were held in July across several centres at USP, Nadi Muslim College, DAV College Ba, and Labasa Sangam College. More than 270 students from over 70 secondary schools participated.
The finals brought together 35 top-performing schools for an inspiring and intellectually charged competition that tested students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Shreya Shail, Head Girl of Natabua High School, said it was an inspiring experience to be part of the event.
“Being part of this celebration has truly inspired me to pursue a future in science. Meeting academics and students from across the region reminded me how chemistry connects us all and not just in the lab, but in solving real-world challenges”.
“As a young woman in STEM, it was empowering to see the achievements of female scientists and to know that our voices and contributions matter. It’s an honour to represent Natabua High School at such a milestone event,” she said.
The 2025 competitions featured the Chem-Battle, Titration Competition, and Poster and Video Projects, with a remarkable 60% female participation – a reflection of the Society’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting women in STEM.
His Excellency, Honourable Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Fiji, officiated as Chief Guest. In his remarks, Ambassador Michii commended the CSSP and USP for their contribution to scientific education in the Pacific, emphasising the value of regional and international collaboration in nurturing young scientists.
Welcoming the guests, CSSP President and USP’s Associate Professor David Rohindra reflected on the Society’s four-decade journey and its enduring partnership with USP.
“The University has been the home of CSSP since its inception, and we are proud to see how our programmes continue to inspire students to explore the wonders of science and innovation.”
“Over the years, the Society has not only fostered a passion for chemistry among young Pacific Islanders but also strengthened the link between education, research, and community development. Through our competitions and outreach activities, we aim to nurture critical thinkers and innovators who can apply scientific knowledge to address real-world challenges faced by our region,” he said.
The event also welcomed Nilesh Kumar, Vodafone Fiji Head of Recharge and Distribution; Professor Bibhya Sharma, Acting Head of School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans and Natural Science (SAGEONS) and Dr Desta Gedefaw, Discipline Coordinator for Chemical and Biological Sciences at USP, among other distinguished attendees.
Over the years, the CSSP Annual Competitions have become a hallmark of Fiji’s secondary school science calendar, cultivating generations of aspiring chemists, researchers, and innovators.
As USP continues to support platforms that empower young minds, the 40th anniversary celebration stands as a testament to the University’s enduring partnership with CSSP and its shared vision to advance scientific excellence across the Pacific.
2025 Competition Winners
National Chem-Battle Competition
1st Place: Rishikul Sanatan College
2nd Place: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School
3rd Place: Savusavu Secondary School
Titration Competition (Senior – Year 12)
1st Place: Labasa College (Vaiydesh Naicker)
2nd Place: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School (Alysha Singh)
3rd Place: Votualevu College (Risha Raj)
Titration Competition (Advanced – Year 13)
1st Place: Tavua College (Nilanshika Kumar)
2nd Place: Bhawani Dayal Arya College (Vedika Shriya)
3rd Place: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School (Aaniyah Chetty)
Poster Competition1st Place: Cheryl Kumar – Swami Vivekananda College
2nd Place: Tavua College – Aeesha, Nilanshika, Rahil, and Neha
3rd Place: Kamil Muslim College – Aryan, Nuhela, Anamika, Amyra, and Mohammed
Video Competition
1st Place: Central College Lautoka
2nd Place: AD Patel College
3rd Place: Sabeto College
