Laurie O’Neal Singh, a 35-year-old student from Fiji, has made a remarkable achievement by becoming the first Pacific Islander to receive the esteemed Elspeth Young Prize for Social Contribution from the Australian National University (ANU) for the year 2025. This prestigious award honors those who have made a significant impact within ANU’s development and environment community, with Singh standing out as one of only five recipients in this graduating class.
Originating from Suva and representing both Indo-Fijian and iTaukei heritage, Singh has maternal roots in Cicia, Lau. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for this unexpected honor, reflecting on his academic journey filled with challenges and support from his family. “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 noted. Singh believes that his success serves as a powerful reminder that individuals from small island nations can thrive in globally recognized institutions.
With a career rooted in civil service, Singh specializes in national planning, budgeting, climate finance, and long-term development strategies. Currently serving as the Principal Planning Officer in the Ministry of National Planning, Development, and Statistics, he is keenly aware of the urgent realities posed by climate change in Fiji. His experience in the Ministry of Finance has deepened his understanding of the devastating effects of climate change on families and communities. His work on the National Development Plan has highlighted the gap between global climate policies and the actual experiences faced by Pacific nations.
By choosing to study at the Crawford School, Singh aimed to refine his skills in development planning, aspiring to inspire young Pacific individuals to pursue opportunities in global policy fields. He stated, “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.”
Although the official award ceremony has already occurred, the graduation for Singh’s cohort is set for February at ANU, marking an important milestone in his inspiring journey. His achievement stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring students from the Pacific, emphasizing that commitment and resilience can pave the way for significant accomplishments on the global stage.