Twenty-eight staff members from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) have successfully completed the Pacific Leadership Programme, a joint effort with the New Zealand Customs Service aimed at bolstering leadership skills within the agency.
Initiated in February 2025, this program brought together participants for bi-monthly sessions. Graduates emerged from various departments such as Customs, Tax, and Corporate Services, focusing on essential leadership concepts including purposeful leadership, emotional intelligence, relationship building, and driving positive change.
The program’s finale included a Talanoa session, where participants shared their personal leadership narratives with a panel led by Joe Cannon, the Deputy Chief Executive for International and Governance at New Zealand Customs. Cannon commended the graduates for their preparedness to face the forthcoming challenges in the Pacific, reiterating the significance of progressive leadership in their roles.
Udit Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of FRCS, extended his congratulations to the graduates, highlighting that the program fosters leadership rooted in influence, empathy, and integrity. Singh also expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the New Zealand Government and the New Zealand Customs Service, as well as the program facilitators, Shane Panettiere and Nicky Mark.
Participants noted that the skills gained from the training would profoundly affect both their professional trajectories and personal growth, enabling them to become more effective leaders and proactive community members. This initiative not only enhances individual skills but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and development within the FRCS, significantly benefiting Fiji’s customs and revenue sectors.