Founder of MyDesk, Dipti Sharma and her team,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka, and a very good evening to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening to be part of Dipti’s success and to officially launch the opening of “MyDesk” co-working space.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Similar to ‘MyDesk’, I recently launched a co-working space in Suva. Like Dipti, this was an idea borne by a woman. I personally feel that’s a noteworthy mention.
I thank Dipti for designing and providing a space that empowers, fosters, and cultivates long-term job growth and positive social impact – a first for Nadi!
With Fiji now “Open for Happiness”, Nadi will be receiving visitors from all walks of professions – seeking a convenient place to work remotely. With greater reason, the launch of MyDesk today is certainly opportune and well-timed.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Whilst the concept of co-working is gaining momentum in Fiji, co-working is a long-established concept worldwide designed for new age creatives, start-ups, established and freelancers seeking to build, network, share resources and knowledge in every stage of their career.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With remote work becoming more common – ‘MyDesk’ is about realising opportunities and adapting to technology and the corporate world as they simultaneously advance.
What co-working spaces also do is – they provide a higher level of independence and flexibility that we may not otherwise enjoy in a traditional office setting.
During this pandemic especially, where we have been confined to our homes, often with our extended families or completely alone, do we find such concepts useful. This is especially true for our younger population.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am told, Dipti’s entrepreneurial pursuit began five years ago, through the launch of her digital marketing and corporate events company “Eventuros (Fiji)”.
The success of Eventuros (Fiji) has attained Dipti International recognition as a recipient of the TOP 50 Asia’s Women leaders – CMO ASIA World Women Leadership Congress in 2019.
Here at home, Dipti has been shortlisted as a finalist of the Westpac Women in Business Awards’ Aspiring Entrepreneur category in 2018 and 2019. So Dipti, your quest to push beyond individual boundaries and motivate change is highly commendable.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I was recently in Dubai where I came across a concept called “Government Accelerators”. It’s a United Arab Emirates Government initiative that integrates Government, private sector and NGOs into one space with the aim of driving innovation and achieving the UAE’s plans. Essentially, they choose projects and collectively implement them within 100 days.
Now what Dipti, and a few others have done here is similar. And I will encourage my team from the Ministry to also come and take advantage of this – to network, to accelerate, to share and to collaborate.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Whilst MyDesk opened doors in October this year, we are officially acknowledging years of blood, sweat and tears this evening.
Amidst the uncertainty of a pandemic, Dipti’s investment sends out a positive testimony that there are many ways to adapt to the new-normal we’re living in today.
As the entrepreneurial culture shifts, and our world moves increasingly online, the four-member women’s team, led by founder Dipti have created a place where local and visiting business owners, freelancers, creatives, startups and teams can collaborate to find innovative solutions, encourage each other and most importantly grow.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Given the current economic conditions, it is essential that we continue to provide support and encouragement to young Fijians with innovative business ideas.
It is also important for collaboration – to create an entrepreneurial eco-system that offers the right support. I understand MyDesk has partnered with surrounding businesses to offer package deals and add value to their experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our job, as policy makers, is to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The business environment must allow determined entrepreneurs like Dipti and her team to have confidence to become active contributors in economic activities.
I would like to encourage young Fijians with unique and innovative business ideas to be tenacious and invest in their business idea.
By encouraging determined entrepreneurs, we are contributing to their ability to make their mark – providing a starting point in making a difference in society, and introducing a sense of self-identity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I once again commend the team of MyDesk for taking this step towards encouraging collaboration and innovation across all levels of startups. I wish you the very best in your business accomplishments and success.
Vinaka Vakalevu.