H.E. Masahiro Omura, Japanese Ambassador to Fiji,
H.E. John Feakes, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji,
Mr. Levan Bouadze, UNDP Resident Representative,
Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions,
Management and Staff of APTC and FHTA,
Participants,
Ladies and Gentleman,
Bula Vinaka and a very warm welcome to you all.
I am delighted to witness such a great turnout for the launch of the “micro-credentials online course”.
This core-curriculum designed for the tourism sector workers is a forward-looking initiative by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association (FHTA), in partnership with the Japanese Government.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As economies around the world gradually re-open, in line with the Fijian Government’s Economic Recovery Framework, so is the Fijian economy. While we may not be fully open, there is a lot we can do to prepare, to use this time to learn and adapt.
A lot remains uncertain as to when the pandemic ends, you will see a significant shift in how we not only go about our daily lives, but how we do businesses. And make no mistake, this new normal will remain for the foreseeable future.
Similarly, online education is likely to become permanent as more services like learning opportunities move online.
A recent IFC-led Business Survey commissioned by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, revealed that only about 6 percent of tourism businesses and 10 percent of non-tourism businesses are using this time to improve workforce skills. With the right resources and opportunities, businesses are willing to invest in their workers. This is why partnership between industry, Governments and development partners is critical.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The main objective of this partnership is to provide relevant training opportunities to Pacific tourism and hospitality industry in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga and Vanuatu – all of who have been tremendously affected by the pandemic.
The online course will place strong emphasis on Digital Literacy Skills and Communication Technologies for business success. These aren’t skills you’ll need just for today or tomorrow – they are lifelong skills.
What this means for us, in Fiji, is that approximately 1,500 Fijians in the industry, will have an opportunity to learn new skills and enhance productivity. It may also encourage these employees to start their own business.
As we use this time and opportunity to upskill employees, the Fijian Government is also working hard to improve the doing business environment. For those interested in starting a business, you can get all the information on bizfiji.com. This is a one stop portal, which provides information on starting a business, programmes available for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other business related information.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Now is not the time for us to be complacent. These trainings provide an opportunity for you to explore new horizons. You need to embrace technology and diversify into new territories. Challenge yourself and re-engineer your strategies going forward – for the new normal.
I wish to reiterate, that we must remain motivated and venture into small business or entrepreneurial development to continue being productive, even if it involves venturing into new businesses and stepping into a new direction or career path. Learning is a continuous and ongoing process, and we need to keep learning innovative skills and acquire new knowledge in order to live and work more productively and effectively.
This initiative has shown the continued support from the Fijian private sector. We wish to extend our appreciation to Vodafone Fiji and Digicel, for providing subsidised data packages to course participants.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are in an industry that is affected by external factors and susceptible to threats, such as pandemics and natural disasters. So, as leaders, we must always be a part of the solution and encourage young and eager Fijians to elevate and develop their skillset whenever possible, to journey towards success.
Needless to say that through the introduction of the “micro-credentials online course”, participants will have the right platform to develop new skills that will be beneficial for the organisation that they work for and for their personal gain.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Japanese Government and the United Nations Capital Development Fund team, for their commitment towards developing this programme and the Australian Government for their continued support.
I also encourage potential course participants to take advantage of these courses and equip themselves with additional formal qualification, whilst we look forward to opening our hotels and resorts to guests yet again.
Many thanks again to all of you for your presence and your continued support.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.