Dr. Apisalome Movono has been appointed as the new CEO of the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), effective January 2, 2025. The appointment follows a thorough and competitive recruitment process in line with the regulations set forth by the TSLS Act and principles of good governance, as stated by the TSLS Board.
Dr. Movono is expected to enhance TSLS’s mission in promoting equitable access to tertiary education and skills development for the people of Fiji. He boasts a robust background in educational leadership, public sector reform, and strategic policy development, which will be instrumental in his new role. His extensive experience encompasses working within tertiary education systems, organizational leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism Management from Griffith University, Australia, Dr. Movono also possesses a Master of Arts in Tourism Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, and a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Affairs and Tourism Studies. Notably, he was awarded the Gold Medal and Vice-Chancellor’s Award during his undergraduate studies for being the most outstanding all-around student, showcasing both academic excellence and significant community service.
In addition to these credentials, Dr. Movono is affiliated with the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance and has served as Lead Expert for the International Tourism Panel on Climate Change. His leadership experience includes senior academic positions in New Zealand and Australia, with his most recent role as Associate Professor at the University of the South Pacific.
Dr. Movono’s contributions extend beyond academia; he has participated in several national and regional review committees, addressing critical issues such as the Fiji Integrated Rural Development Framework and the Great Council of Chiefs Review. He has also played a significant role in scholarship governance as a senior member of the Massey University Scholarship Committee and the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Selection Panel, managing multi-million-dollar funding portfolios.
As a prolific researcher, Dr. Movono has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book contributions that focus on themes such as public policy, education access, sustainable development, and tourism resilience in the Pacific. His commitment to human capital development and service delivery improvement across various sectors underscores his readiness to lead TSLS into a new era of growth and innovation.
The Board expresses enthusiasm for the positive impact, innovation, and enhanced public trust that Dr. Movono will bring to TSLS during this pivotal phase of the organization’s journey.