Dr. Apisalome Movono has been appointed the new CEO of the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), starting January 2, 2025. His selection follows a rigorous recruitment process aligned with the TSLS Act and adheres to the principles of good governance, as affirmed by the TSLS Board.
Dr. Movono is set to further the organization’s mission of ensuring equitable access to tertiary education and skills development in Fiji. He comes with a wealth of experience in educational leadership, public sector reform, and strategic policy development. His expertise spans various aspects of tertiary education systems, organizational leadership, and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism Management from Griffith University, Australia, along with a Master of Arts in Tourism Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, and a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Affairs and Tourism Studies. His academic achievements include the prestigious Gold Medal and Vice-Chancellor’s Award, recognizing him as the most outstanding all-around student during his undergraduate studies, highlighting both his academic success and community engagement.
In addition to his academic qualifications, Dr. Movono is a member of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance and has contributed as Lead Expert for the International Tourism Panel on Climate Change. His professional journey includes senior roles in academia across New Zealand and Australia, with his latest position being Associate Professor at the University of the South Pacific.
Beyond academia, Dr. Movono has participated in various national and regional review committees, tackling important issues such as the Fiji Integrated Rural Development Framework and the Great Council of Chiefs Review. He also has significant experience in scholarship governance, having been a senior member of the Massey University Scholarship Committee and the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Selection Panel, where he managed multimillion-dollar funding portfolios.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Movono has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and contributed to books on topics such as public policy, access to education, sustainable development, and tourism resilience in the Pacific. His dedication to improving human capital development and service delivery across multiple sectors positions him well to lead TSLS toward a transformative era of growth and innovation.
The TSLS Board has expressed optimism regarding Dr. Movono’s leadership, anticipating his ability to foster positive changes, drive innovation, and strengthen public trust during a crucial period for the organization.