At a time when remittances are increasingly shaping Pacific economies, Shasnil Chand has emerged as a voice helping to unpack their deeper impact.
The Fiji National University lecturer recently received a major academic honour from the University of the South Pacific, where his PhD thesis was recognised with the Outstanding Thesis Award.
The achievement marks more than personal success for Mr Chand but years of persistence and a desire to better understand the economic lifeline that remittances provide to countries like Fiji.
Growing up observing the reliance many families place on money sent from overseas, Mr Chand said he was driven to explore the subject beyond its surface.
“Remittances are often seen as household support, but I wanted to understand their wider macroeconomic effects,” he said.
His research examined data from more than 50 developing and emerging economies over a 25-year period, analysing how remittance inflows influence sustainable development, inflation and exchange rates.
The findings revealed that while remittances can significantly boost long-term economic growth, they can also present challenges such as inflationary pressure.
The journey towards completing his doctorate was not without sacrifice for Mr Chand because despite being on study leave, the demands of handling large datasets and complex econometric models required long hours and unwavering focus.
“It meant giving up personal time and staying disciplined throughout.
Behind the academic success, however, is a strong family foundation.
He credited his wife and daughter for keeping him grounded during the most demanding periods of his research.
“My wife carried significant family responsibilities while I studied, and my daughter reminded me every day why I started.”
Now back in the lecture halls, Mr Chand is determined to translate his research into practical learning for students and policy-relevant insights for the region.
He hopes his work will contribute to stronger economic strategies, particularly in Pacific Island countries where remittances remain a critical source of income.
His award is not an end point, but a stepping stone towards shaping more informed economic policies for the future.
