Catherine Mahima Singh, a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student at The University of the South Pacific (USP), recently represented Fiji at the Falling Walls Lab in Aotearoa New Zealand.
She was one of 21 participants and the only representative from the Pacific region at this international platform, which brought together innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to share breakthrough ideas on society’s most pressing challenges.
“I honestly did not expect to be selected,” Singh recalled. “Seeing the calibre of participants in previous years, many of whom had doctorates or advanced research experience, I assumed my chances were slim.”
“Being chosen was both a surprise and a huge honour, it reminded me that passion and vision can matter just as much as qualifications.”
Singh’s pitch, titled Breaking the Wall of Legal Inaccessibility: An AI-Powered Legal Companion for the Marginalised, focused on providing a first point of communication for people who often struggle to access legal help.
“This isn’t about replacing lawyers,” she explained. “It’s about understanding the challenges marginalised communities face, so technology can truly empower them rather than distance them.”
Her journey toward this idea began during her internship with Social Innovation Fiji (SIF), where she founded the Law In Our Hands project.
The initiative allowed her to work directly with communities, educating people about their legal rights and learning firsthand the barriers they encounter in seeking legal assistance.
“Only by understanding people and their needs can an AI tool be designed to truly empower them,” she noted.
Stepping into the Falling Walls Lab, Singh admitted she initially felt nervous.
“I was still completing my degree, and compared to the academic and professional backgrounds of others, I seemed like the least experienced participant. But the environment quickly turned my doubts into motivation.”
“The encouragement from the organisers, the fairness of the judging, and the respectful engagement of my fellow participants showed me that what truly matters is the strength of an idea and the passion behind it.”
Though she did not take home the top prize, the experience itself was transformative. “Standing on that stage and sharing my idea was a victory in itself. The feedback I received broadened my perspective and gave me practical insights into how I can refine and expand my work further,” Singh said.
For Singh, the Falling Walls Lab was a catalyst for personal growth, confidence, and the determination to innovate within the legal field.
As she continues her journey to become a lawyer, she is committed to advocating for solutions that not only address legal barriers but also create lasting social impact.
“The Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa 2025 was a transformative journey of recognition, growth, and empowerment,” Singh reflected.
“It strengthened my confidence to use my voice boldly, approach legal challenges creatively, and advocate for innovative solutions that benefit my community and beyond.”
The LLB programme is offered under the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS).
Courses offered under SoLaSS are in the disciplines of government, development and international affairs, law, and social sciences.
USP congratulates Singh on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to supporting her continued work in making justice inclusive and accessible for all.
Watch her Falling Walls Lab presentation, here: https://youtu.be/7GjpFd8YKe0?si=xb_cp4WlJ_Vo7NN7
