Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives my great pleasure to address you all at this auspicious opening ceremony for the new Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre built under the Government of Japan’s Assistance, at the grand Information and Communication Technology Centre Complex at USP –the Pacific’s largest regional tertiary institute. The inauguration of the new Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre will further advance development of ICT in the region as well as help the USP to close the gap of “Digital Divide” in the Pacific. During the handing over of Phase I of the project which includes the beautiful ICT Centre Building Complex adjacent to the new Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre, from a grant of JPY 2.2 billion (approx. F$43 million) in July 2010, the Government of Japan had pledged an additional JPY 857 million (approx. F$18 million) for Phase II works, which included this Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre with a seating capacity of over 300 persons. Such a commitment was undertaken to not only to complete this project but also to make the Japanese grant provide a broader perspective for ICT development. I am confident that this new Lecture Theatre will provide a state of the art learning environment and comfort to students of USP. I hope that installation of fixtures and fittings in this facility, such as stage lights and video cameras, will be completed soon.

In view of regional cooperation, harmony and to embody the ‘Pacific Spirit’, the design concept of the new Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre symbolises the different Pacific traditions. The images of 12 different tapa cloths behind the columns, each characterizing a Pacific nation’s indigenous art and tradition, that is prevalent in the region, portrays the twelve member countries of USP, endowing further elegance and uniqueness to the building.

In addition, Japan, whilst acknowledging the importance of upgrading technical skills and training necessary manpower for efficient and effective utilisation of this facility, further committed approximately F$6million in Technical Cooperation through JICA, implemented from 01st February 2010 to 31st January 2013 for ICT Human Resource Development in the South Pacific to deliver two new ICT bachelor programmes, to optimise the performance and scalability of USP-Net and to introduce mobile technology into the current distance learning. 

Since 1996, Japan has developed a significant relationship with USP and continues to strengthen the friendship between itself and USP. In the past years, Japan has also very generously donated funds to upgrade facilities at USP, such as the marine science complex.

I wish to acknowledge the hard work of the Japanese consultant Azusa Sekkei Company Limited and the Japanese contractor, Konoike Construction Company Limited for a job very well done. I also wish to call your attention to the fact that without the assistance and cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Fiji and USP, this project would not have eventuated.

Ladies and gentlemen, with these few words I warmly welcome you all to witness the handing over ceremony of keys for the new Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre. It is my hope that this project will become a benchmark in the development of ICT education in the region as well as a model for cooperation between Japan, USP and the Government of the Republic of Fiji.  

Thank you.