Westpac is reinforcing its commitment to education and skill development in Fiji and the wider Pacific region through its collaboration with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and its annual scholarship program. Established in 2015, this initiative supports three students each year by covering full tuition fees for first-year, second-year, and third-year students at USP.
This scholarship program embodies Westpac’s mission to enhance local skills and cultivate future professionals in industries vital to economic advancement and innovation. Shane Smith, CEO of Westpac Fiji, highlighted the transformative nature of education, asserting, “Our partnership with USP and support of these students is our way of investing in the next generation who will help shape Fiji’s and the region’s economic future.”
In addition to the USP Scholarship Program, Westpac manages the Westpac Women & Girls Education Grant (WGEG), which has provided girls and women in Fiji with access to quality education for over 15 years, spanning from primary to tertiary levels.
Smith emphasized the significance of supporting educational initiatives at all stages, pointing out that such investments pave the way for youth to acquire essential skills and knowledge that enable meaningful contributions to their communities and involvement in the broader economy.
Siosiua Utoikamanu, the pro-chancellor and chair of council at USP, expressed the importance of lasting partnerships that invest in the futures of students and the regional community. He remarked, “Westpac’s continued commitment to the USP Scholarship Programme reflects a shared belief that education is central to building resilient economies and empowered Pacific communities. Together, we are creating clear pathways for young people to succeed and give back to their communities. For many students, financial support can be the difference between aspiration and achievement.”
The USP scholarship is open to students majoring in diverse fields, including Accounting, Economics, Finance, Computing Science, Information Systems, and those pursuing degrees in Network Security, Software Engineering, or a Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accounting.
Through this partnership, Westpac is not only promoting academic excellence but also empowering students to concentrate on their studies and achieve their full potential, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of their communities and the broader region. This commitment highlights the positive impact that educational support can have on the future of Pacific nations.