USP STEMP Academic Orientation Programme
The 2025 STEMP Academic Orientation Programme was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant cohort of first-year students and fostering strong engagement from faculty and staff. Designed to introduce students to university life, academic expectations, and key support services, the event provided an interactive and enriching experience.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of STEMP-BoT, an AI-driven chatbot designed to provide student support 24/7.
First-year students actively participated in sessions such as the USP Survival Guide, which covered essential insights on academic integrity, student responsibilities, and navigating campus life.
USP-CFLI RTI Competition Awards
Funafuti, Tuvalu – The USP-CFLI RTI Competition successfully concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the creativity and dedication of its participants. Supported by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the initiative underscored the significance of transparency, accountability and access to information in Tuvalu.
The Chief Guest, Acting Chief Education Officer, Mr. Tovia Faalo Tovia, officiated the commending participants for their contributions towards advancing Right to Information (RTI) awareness. He emphasised RTI’s role in empowering communities and fostering good governance.
JICA/Fiji Government Cybersecurity Training Project
Ms. Priynka Sharma attended a training session at the Ministry of Defense in Suva, focused on fostering a better understanding of the local training needs and available resources. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance and support cybersecurity efforts across the Pacific Region through comprehensive training programs, seminars, and planned events. This project has already seen success in countries like the Philippines, Mongolia, and nearly four more countries, with detailed information expected soon.
The project’s timeline spans from September 2025 to August 2028, covering a 36-week period. As part of the implementation, they anticipate hosting two training sessions per cycle, along with one seminar. Looking ahead, there is a potential long-term opportunity to support Master’s programs in cybersecurity.
Empowering Women in STEM: Building a Legacy of Inclusion and Innovation
STEMP proudly hosted the Global Women’s Breakfast (GWB) 2025, spearheaded by a devoted team of women in STEMP and SAGEONS. Our involvement in the GWB 2025 initiative reaffirmed our dedication to advancing gender equity in science and technology.
A new initiative to bolster women’s participation in STEM gained momentum with the soft launch of the Women in STEM Society (WISS). WISS aims to create a strong support network by providing mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a platform for collaboration and discussion on gender equity. The society’s initial efforts include a mentorship program designed to support 30 exceptional female students from USP member countries, aiding their academic and career paths in STEM.
STEMP/SAGEONS Hosts a Successful TA Workshop
STEMP & SAGEONS) successfully hosted the Teaching Assistants (TA) workshop on Saturday, 8th February at the Postgraduate Lecture Theatre. The workshop aimed to equip our TAs with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their teaching, research, and professional development. The workshop featured insightful themes and expert-led sessions. The themes included Professionalism and Time Management, Gender in Academia, Research and Grants. Keynote Speakers included Ms Dulari Traill, Ms Afshana Anzeg, Ms Charlotte Taylor, Prof M Rafiuddin Ahmed and Associate Prof. David Rohindra. The organizing
School visit under Community Project
A collaboration between the University of the South Pacific (USP) (STEMP), BSP Financial Group (Fiji) Pte Limited – (BSP)’s Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki branches, and the Burevanua community, has provided a sustainable solar energy system to power the school with classroom and security lighting, and support computers and essential office equipment. The project also included the installation of a water filtration system, four taps, the construction of new toilets – significantly improving the school’s water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. An additional four computers were also provided for their computer lab. Associate Professor in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mr. Utkal Mehta, highlighted the importance of industry-academic collaboration.
STEMP Health and Wellness
Considering the numerous benefits of Health and Wellness activities, the Health and Wellness committee, led by Mr. Rovin Kumar, launched their first initiative on February 6th – an afternoon walk for the staff. This has now been established as a weekly event for the semester, taking place every Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The inaugural session concluded with health refreshments.
Space Port Project
Dr. Darius Singh along with his team of experts met STEMP academic, Professor Sushil Kumar, on February 5, in regards to a potential Space Port project in Fiji. The project team aims to build Astro tourism, which will be a new and innovative project for Fiji. The team is excited to recreate talent and expertise building, training of engineering and science graduates, research, and provide internship and employment opportunities for Engineering and Physics graduates under the project. As progress continues, discussions between STEMP and the Space Port team will remain ongoing.
Please visit: rainforest / river / wellness resort (https://youtu.be/1E3_SWgw7x0)
