Shyla Prasad, representing the Ministry of Health, will be participating in this year’s Hibiscus Festival, where she emphasizes that true wealth lies in happiness, health, and peace of mind. With a commitment to promoting healthcare, Shyla will focus particularly on raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and mental health.
A qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist, Shyla hails from Labasa but spent her formative years in Lautoka. After completing her education at Natabua High School, she pursued her dream of studying in Suva, eventually earning a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences. She has gained three years of professional experience at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), where she feels privileged to represent her workplace during the Miss Hibiscus event.
“My love for Suva grows stronger as I work in Fiji’s largest and historical hospital,” Shyla expressed. The CWM, established to honor those who served in the First World War, celebrates its 101st anniversary this year, adding to the city’s rich history.
Outside of her medical profession, Shyla is passionate about sports, travel, and animal welfare. Her interests include fishing, reading, and participating in various sports. She is also actively involved in charitable work, contributing to outreach programs organized by the Sai Prema Foundation at the Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre. Her dedication to animals is reflected in her efforts to care for and find homes for stray animals, with aspirations of establishing her own animal shelter in the future.
Shyla is one of ten contestants competing for the title at the 68th Hibiscus Festival, which will be held at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre from August 31st to September 7th. Supported by Gold Sponsors FMF and Vodafone, this year’s festival is set to be a spectacular celebration of talent and advocacy in Fiji.