The Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Yutaka Yoshizawa, and the representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), officially witnessed the handing over of keys to the new Japan-Pacific ICT building on Laucala Campus, from the Japanese Building Contractors to the University of the South Pacific on Monday 12 April 2010.
The Project will strengthen USP’s ability to provide cutting-edge ICT services to the Pacific region through the introduction of new Computer and Information Science degree programs, enhancing the utilization of USPNet for the delivery of distance learning, and supporting maximum utilization of the new Japan-Pacific ICT Centre as a regional centre of excellence.
Construction of the new Japan-Pacific ICT Centre, a $US 21.5 million (F$43 million), Japanese Grant Aid Project, was completed last month on schedule.
The Japanese Ambassador also announced, “Japan is now in the process of awarding another tender, to the tune of 857 million yen which is equivalent to FJD$16.1 million, for phase II works on the construction of a multi-purpose Lecture Theatre, and work on this should commence as early as June this year”.
In her address, the Pro-Chancellor of USP, the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, who was in attendance along with the Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra, said that the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre is a shining example of the strong and strengthening relationship between Japan and USP. She said that this investment must surely reflect Japan’s confidence in USP’s role as a quality provider of higher education in the region, especially its ability to increase access to higher education through its Distance and Flexible Learning programmes.
“Let me say that we feel very strongly that our relationship with Japan is deepening and strengthening and we are fully committed to demonstrating to Japan, that we will use its assistance to the fullest advantage of our students and especially our regional member countries, while strongly supporting Fiji’s aspirations to develop ICT related industries” the Pro Chancellor said.
The ‘soft’ opening was also attended by other dignitaries, and the Education Minister of Vanuatu. The Fiji government was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and the Acting Permanent Secretary for Education.
All 12 USP member countries are expected to benefit from the project, which is being implemented under JICA’s Pacific Regional Programme to utilize ICT for advancing human development and ensuring human security in the Pacific Region.
The official opening of the new Japan-Pacific ICT building will be held in a few month’s time.
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