15 Mar 2018

NZ contributes over $US4M to USP

10:10 am on 15 March 2018

New Zealand has given the University of the South Pacific in Fiji $US4.1 million to go towards its USPNet upgrade.

Jonathan Curr, New Zealand’s High Commissioner and Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and President of USP following the visit and discussions at the Laucala Campus.

Jonathan Curr, New Zealand’s High Commissioner and Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and President of USP following the visit and discussions at the Laucala Campus. Photo: Supplied/ USP

USPNet is a university owned network providing for video, audio and cyber facilities across its 12 member countries.

The USP has welcomed the donation as "an excellent contribution marking the institution's 50th Anniversary celebrations".

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr, visited the University this week and says a constructive and progressive relationship with the USP is an important part of his country's programme in the Pacific.

The university's anniversary celebrations will include the unveiling of a monument at the Laucala Campus by Fiji's Prime Minister and New Zealand's Minister of Defence next week.

The USP's Vice Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra said the university had come a long way since starting with 200 students.

He said USP now had 30,000 students, with over 4000 graduates every year.

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