Shyla Prasad, representing the Ministry of Health at this year’s Hibiscus Festival, emphasizes the importance of happiness, health, and peace of mind. She advocates for healthcare with a focus on HIV and AIDS, non-communicable diseases, and mental health.
A Medical Laboratory Scientist with a dedication to healthcare and animal welfare, Shyla was born in Labasa but grew up in Lautoka, where she attended Natabua High School. She pursued her dream of advancing her education in Suva, earning a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences.
With three years of experience working at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, she feels honored to represent her workplace on the Miss Hibiscus platform. Shyla expressed her growing admiration for Suva and its historical significance, particularly as the hospital marks its 101st anniversary, commemorating Fijians who served in World War I.
An enthusiastic sports lover, Shyla enjoys traveling, fishing, reading, and participating in various sports. She is also committed to volunteer work, having engaged in outreach programs with the Sai Prema Foundation at the Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre and dedicated herself to caring for stray animals, with ambitions to establish her own animal shelter.
Shyla is one of ten contestants competing for the title at the 68th Hibiscus Festival, which takes place at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre from August 31 to September 7. With FMF and Vodafone as Gold Sponsors, this year’s festival promises to celebrate the talents and initiatives of Fiji’s finest.