35-year-old Fijian student Laurie O’Neal Singh has become the only Pacific islander recognised by the Australian National University (ANU) with the Elspeth Young Prize for Social Contribution in 2025.
The award highlights the impact of a student within ANU’s development and environment community, and Singh was named one of only five prize-winners in this year’s graduating cohort.
Singh, who was born and raised in Suva and is of both Indo-Fijian and iTaukei heritage with maternal links to Cicia in Lau, said the recognition came as an unexpected honour.
“I thought of the long nights of study, the challenges of being away from home, and the constant support from my wife, my two young daughters, and parents who carried me through this journey,” He said.
“It also felt deeply meaningful to be the only Pacific student to receive a prize in the 2025 graduating cohort.
“It reminded me that someone from a small island nation can walk into a globally recognized institution and still rise to the top.”
Most of Singh’s professional career has been in civil service, including roles in national planning, budgeting, climate finance and long-term development strategy.
He currently serves as a Principal Planning Officer in the Ministry of National Planning, Development and Statistics.
“Climate change is a daily reality in Fiji, and my work in the Ministry of Finance showed me how deeply it affects families and communities.
“Drafting the National Development Plan revealed the gap between global climate policy and the lived experiences of Pacific people.”
He chose to study at the Crawford School to strengthen his skills in development planning and hopes his achievement encourages young Pacific people to pursue opportunities in global policy spaces.
“My hope is that this shows Pacific students that their dreams are valid and that their voices belong in the highest levels of global learning and policy.”
While the official handover of the prize has concluded the graduation for the cohorts is expected to take place at the University this coming February.
