STEMP Monthly Update: April – May 2025

2025 April Graduation

A hearty congratulations to our graduating students. Click on the link below for more information.

https://www.usp.ac.fj/usp-stemp/laucala-graduations-day-2025/

Women in STEM Launch

The Women in STEM Society (WISS) Support Programme has been officially launched, aiming to empower the next generation of female leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This initiative connects 35 exceptional first-year female STEM students, providing them with opportunities for continuous skill development, professional mentorship, and practical experience. Women are not merely participants; they are integral to the efforts, actively contributing as engineers, scientists, and innovators who will shape the future of the Pacific. The launch event took place on April 11 at the 4th Year Engineering Lab and was attended by esteemed leaders from the University of the South Pacific, including Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President for Education Professor Jito Vanualailai, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President for Regional Campuses and Global Engagement Dr. Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, and Professor Bibhya Sharma, Head of the School of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP) as well as the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS). During the event, Chief Guest Professor Pal Ahluwalia underscored the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of women and girls in STEM. The programme will now offer targeted workshops, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and internship sessions to help these 35 talented female students navigate academic challenges, build valuable connections, and cultivate the confidence needed to excel and lead in STEM fields. As the WISS Support Programme develops, it remains committed to promoting inclusive excellence, celebrating achievements, and advancing equity in STEM. Its launch represents a significant regional response to the global movement advocating for greater representation of women and girls in science.

Visit by Dr. Andrew Cleland of Engineering New Zealand to USP

The visit by Dr. Andrew Cleland of Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) to USP from the 9^th to the 10^th of April provided an opportune time for the USP Engineering teams to update, clarify and inform EngNZ of the current state of affairs of their programmes, specifically the Electrical/Electronics (EE) and Mechanical (MM) Engineering disciplines. This was especially critical for the EE and MM disciplines, whose programmes are up for accreditation renewal by the end of this year. For the Civil Engineering (CV) discipline, on the other hand, this visit saw to the building and development of their initial report submission in seeking accreditation of the CV programme from EngNZ. This required a full day of working sessions with the CV Team throughout the first day of the visit, with the second day consisting of an afternoon meeting with the EE and MM disciplines thereafter.

Outcomes:

 Civil Engineering (April 9th)

• CV discipline successfully worked through building examples of requirements in each section of the accreditation submission report template, guided by Dr. Cleland
• CV discipline is actively working on a draft submission on which Dr. Cleland has kindly offered to provide feedback. This is due to be submitted within the next week or two (before 16th May)
• Evaluation visit is expected to be in late July.

 Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (April 10th)

• Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (April 10th). Improvement areas were highlighted by Dr. Cleland, such as enriching third-year content, ethics in application, industry involvement/input, and formalizing industry engagement programmes, which staff had discussed were already in the works in most of these areas.
• Progression of first year to second year was raised and a possible “launch pad” programme was suggested as a solution (similar to the “Apollo” programme in NZ) Support of students (example at-risk students, female students against sexism) and staff (workload) were also mentioned in Dr. Cleland’s points.

 

Visit to the Technical University of Sofia to Strengthen ERASMUS+ Collaboration.

Prof. Bibhya Sharma and Dr. Utkal Mehta recently visited the Technical University of Sofia (TUS), Bulgaria, in April. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen research collaboration and build upon initial discussions regarding a potential inter-institutional agreement for the 2025–2026 academic year under the ERASMUS+ program.

As a result of this engagement, we have now received an invitation for two postgraduate students to visit TUS for research and collaboration.

Discipline of Computing Science & Information Systems Programme Advisory Committee Meeting (PAC)

Industry professionals participated in the inaugural CS/IS PAC meeting for 2025 hosted by the discipline on Wednesday, 14 May at Laucala Campus. Their active engagement, insightful feedback, and valuable networking have played a crucial role in shaping and strengthening our CS/IS programmes.

Discipline of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Industry Advisory Committee Meeting (IAC)

The Discipline of EE ENG hosted its first-ever IAC meeting on Tuesday, 18 March at Laucala Campus. A total of 17 industry professionals from diverse organizations participated in meaningful discussions on current industry trends, potential collaborations, and the future direction of EE ENG in the region.

Discipline of Civil Engineering Industry Advisory Committee Meeting (IAC)

The discipline of Civil Engineering hosted its first IAC meeting for the year at Laucala Campus on Thursday, 13 March. Present were industry professionals from various organizations who engaged in insightful discussions and collaboration. The discipline looks forward to more collaboration with its industry partners.

Climate Resilience Pathways: Water Security & WASH in Asia-Pacific Bangkok Conference

A recent collaboration between Griffith University and USP led to the successful implementation of the Water Security & WASH Conference. Held over three days, from 29 May to 1 June, the conference took place at the Japan ICT Theatre and was officially opened by Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau. Welcome remarks were delivered by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.

In preparation for the event, a dedicated team from USP, comprising staff from STEMP and SAGEONS, along with student volunteers, coordinated the planning and logistics. The conference attracted representation from approximately 48 countries, including Fiji, and ran concurrently with a sister event in Bangkok. Participants from both venues were connected online for the plenary sessions, fostering a dynamic and collaborative international dialogue.

Presentation topics included the following:

• The criticality of GEDSI for climate-resilient WASH and broader climate resilience.
• Beyond Boundaries: Market-Driven and Public-Private Partnerships for Inclusive and Climate-Resilient WASH.
• Supporting sub-national leadership and planning for climate resilient inclusive WASH.
• Enabling ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate resilient water security and WASH in Asia;
• Navigating and financing options for adaptation and mitigation.
• Transition to climate resilient – What have we learned about delivering access to WASH services?
• Water security and planning. Climate Resilient and Inclusive Water Safety Planning in the Mekong Region.
• Risks, resilience, and adaptation. Sea-level rise in Java: The health and social impacts on women and children.
• Leadership/Governance/Financing. Influence strategies to strengthen SDGE: WASH security lessons from Asia.

https://www.usp.ac.fj/news/usp-hosts-landmark-conference-on-climate-resilience-water-security-sanitation-and-hygiene/

USP Strengthens Research Collaboration with UNSW through Project Halo

Professor Ahmed, Deputy Head of School (Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Affairs), recently joined a delegation of nine representatives from USP on a visit to the University of New South Wales in May. The visit is part of the ongoing Project Halo partnership—an initiative focused on advancing tidal restoration and floating mangrove technologies throughout the Pacific region.

The USP delegation included four PhD scholars funded through Project Halo, academic leads from the university, and the Project Coordinator. Mr. Muzammil Ali, a PhD candidate from STEMP and recipient of the scholarship, was also a part of the delegation. This collaborative visit marked a key milestone in strengthening the alignment, coherence, and complementarity of the research efforts being conducted at both institutions.

      

STEMP Inspires Pacific Commissioners on Digital Transformation

STEMP recently received a letter of thanks from the Public Service Fale, New Zealand. This recognition celebrates STEMP’s significant contributions to the Fale – Singapore Joint Training Programme: Leading a Future Ready Public Service in the Pacific.

Representing STEMP, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Mr. Vineet Singh, Mr. Krishan Kumar, and Mr. Jashvir Bir delivered a highly engaging session specifically for Pacific Commissioners, focusing on Digital Transformation in the Pacific. Their ability to provide insights into both their academic work and the practical delivery of digital transformation was particularly appreciated by the attending Pacific Public Service Commissioners.

During the session, the team shared insightful projects, showcasing real-world applications of digital innovation. They also highlighted various digital initiatives and introduced USP’s upcoming Bachelor of AI Programs. The Commissioners expressed keen interest in further engagement with these innovative programs for upskilling their civil service.

Tania Ott, Deputy Commissioner of Public Service, Fale, New Zealand, extended their gratitude for STEMP’s invaluable contribution. They emphasized that the team’s expertise and engaging delivery significantly enhanced the learning experience for the Commissioners. The positive feedback highlighted how the USP STEMP team’s session inspired participants to embrace digital transformation in the Pacific.

The Public Service Fale looks forward to continued collaboration with the STEMP team, recognizing their vital role in advancing the digital transformation priorities of the Pacific Public Service Commissioners. This partnership is crucial for building a future-ready public service throughout the Pacific region.