Caption: FNU Vice Chancellor, Dr Ganesh Chand with Mie University president, Dr Atsumasa UCHIDA after the signing ceremony. Photo:SUPPLIED
Major collaboration is expected between Fiji National University and Mie University of Japan after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions on Nasinu Campus this week.
The MOU will enable academic co-operation and student exchanges between the two Universities, particularly in the fields of Medicine, Nursing, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, president of Mie University of Japan, Dr Atsumasa UCHIDA, said there was already some collaboration between the two institutions in the field of agriculture.
“From now onwards, we will extend the collaboration into other fields – for example, medical, engineering and humanities and possibly education,” he said.
“I hope this collaboration becomes stronger and stronger in the near future.” FNU Vice Chancellor, Dr Ganesh Chand, said he was happy to host the delegation from one of the oldest universities of Japan.
He said the history of Mie University of Japan dates back to 1648.
Dr Chand said the University has a very long tradition of education, knowledge impartation, and, research and development.
“It is our good fortune therefore to have you with us today and to enter into an MOU with your university,” he said.
Dr Chand said FNU’s interest in working with Mie University was kindled through a staff member of FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), Dr Alok Kala, who studied at Mie University.
“And he would often talk about your university and stress to us that there was a lot that we could learn from your university. Finally, we have with us today the time and the occasion to begin a more formal relationship with your University,” he said.
Dr Chand highlighted that CAFF was FNU’s fastest growing College and he was hoping that the trend would continue.
He said among the projects lined up for the College was the idea of eel and crab farming.
Dr Chand also said that FNU’s emphasis on research and publication was very serious.
He also acknowledged the presence of three medical staff from Mie University in their delegation, pointing the gathering to work at FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS).
“It is an area we have already decided to place a lot of emphasis in, so that at least the University becomes a focal point for not only medical training for the entire Pacific region but also for tertiary level health care in Fiji and the entire Pacific.”
The delegation is expected to visit CMNHS and Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, to look at ways of collaboration.
MEDIA RELEASE