WESTPAC has confirmed its commitment to education and skills development across Fiji and the Pacific, with its partnership with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and its annual Scholarship program.
The scholarship program, first established over a decade ago in 2015, annually supports three students at USP: one first year, one second year and one third year, with full coverage tuition fees.
The initiative forms part of Westpac’s focus on building local capabilities and developing future professionals in key sectors critical to economic growth and innovation.
“At Westpac, we see education as a powerful enabler of opportunity and progress,” Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said.
“Our partnership with USP and support of these students, is our way of investing in the next generation who will help shape Fiji’s and the region’s economic future.”
The USP Scholarship Program complements Westpac’s wider investment in education, including its flagship Westpac Women & Girls Education Grant (WGEG), which for more than 15 years has supported girls and women across Fiji to access quality education at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary level.
“By supporting education at all levels, we are helping to create pathways for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to contribute in a meaningful way in their own communities and the wider economy,” Mr Smith added.
USP pro-chancellor and chair of council Siosiua Utoikamanu said USP valued long-standing partnerships that invested meaningfully into the future of students and the region.
“Westpac’s continued commitment to the USP Scholarship Programme reflects a shared belief that education is central to building resilient economies and empowered Pacific communities.
“Together, we are creating clear pathways for young people to succeed and give back to their communities. For many students, financial support can be the difference between aspiration and achievement.
“These initiatives enable talented students to focus on their studies and realise their full potential.”
The USP scholarship is open to students majoring in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Computing Science, Information Systems or those pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Network and Security, Bachelor of Software Engineering or Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accounting.
Siosiua Utoikamanu. Picture: USP/SUPPLIED
