Shahil Ram has been honored with the prestigious 2024 FETA Rising Star Award, marking a significant achievement in his career. His recent cross-exposure placement at Sheraton Sydney provided not just a professional landmark but also an insightful view into the future of sustainable hospitality on a global scale.
As the Farm Executive at Sheraton Fiji Farm, which spans five acres and complements the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and Sheraton Denarau Villas, Mr. Ram’s role is pivotal in advancing local sustainability efforts. The FETA Rising Star Award, which was presented in February 2025, included a return flight sponsored by Fiji Airways, allowing Mr. Ram the opportunity to exchange the rural environment of Fiji for the urban landscape of Sydney.
This experience proved crucial for establishing benchmarks for the sustainability initiatives being executed in Denarau. Mr. Ram expressed that receiving the FETA Rising Star Award was a humbling experience, affirming the significance of their work at Sheraton Fiji Farm. Their initiatives have led to a considerable reduction in food miles—an estimated two tonnes annually—by supplying fresh produce to seven restaurants and bars, thereby also decreasing packaging waste.
During his time in Sydney, Mr. Ram observed innovative urban solutions for sustainability challenges. Highlighting the impressive hydroponic Greenspace initiatives, which conserve up to 40 percent more water compared to traditional farming practices, he was especially inspired by the integration of nature into urban settings, including the rooftop beehives that Sydney showcases.
Drawing from these insights, Mr. Ram has implemented actionable changes back home in Fiji. He and his team introduced three beehives at Sheraton Fiji Farm, and their inaugural honey harvest yielded an impressive 40 kilograms, which is now featured in various restaurant menus and cocktails.
Mr. Ram credited FETA and Fiji Airways for significantly enhancing his career progression, helping him achieve in a much shorter time what might have otherwise taken years. He advocates for such platforms that illuminate the crucial behind-the-scenes roles in tourism, spotlighting the importance of sustainability and agricultural practices.
As the next awards ceremony approaches in 2025, Mr. Ram encourages aspiring young professionals to actively seek opportunities for growth and to step beyond their comfort zones, as that is where true development occurs.