One of the key priorities for the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) is the transformation of information and communication technology (ICT) aimed at enhancing business processes, improving data intelligence, and delivering more sophisticated services. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro provided insights into the technological advancements achieved by TSLS.
In January, TSLS introduced the Learning Enrichment Management System, which allows students to access learning materials, track their academic progress, and engage with industry speakers. This system is part of a broader strategy to improve the experience for students benefiting from TSLS services.
A notable feature of TSLS’s advancements is the integration of an AI-powered 24/7 service chatbot. This innovative tool offers around-the-clock assistance to students with queries related to scholarships, allowances, and bond details, significantly improving response times and information access.
Following recent amendments to the TSLS Act included in the 2024-2025 Budget, the agency has also assumed responsibility for managing Travel Clearance, Guarantor Clearance, Bond Enforcement, and Recovery of unserved Bonds. Minister Radrodro noted that this has positioned TSLS as a “one-stop agency,” streamlining public services by launching a new Travel and Bond Clearance Portal, which moves towards a highly efficient and paperless processing system.
In a collaborative effort to facilitate the transition from study to employment, TSLS and the Fiji National Provident Fund have partnered to streamline the verification of graduates’ employment records for bond clearance. This partnership aims to remove graduates from immigration watch lists more efficiently.
Additionally, TSLS has co-launched the Graduate Business Start-Up Grant Scheme with the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, which will provide training and resources to support new graduates in their entrepreneurial ventures. Students who complete their training will soon receive grants to implement their business ideas.
To improve the process for guarantor delisting, a QR code kiosk system was introduced at Nadi Airport, allowing returning students to automate what was once a manual process. Furthermore, the development of a Scholarship Data Intelligence Platform is underway to enhance reporting capabilities and integrate advanced data analytics.
To further strengthen connections between scholarship recipients and potential employers, the TSLS Alumni & Employer Connect Portal was launched. This initiative encourages networking and collaboration among graduates and the workforce, ultimately enhancing employment opportunities.
A new portal specifically for partner tertiary education institutions has also been introduced, allowing direct access to enrolment reports and student grades, thereby simplifying the exchange of information for improved coordination.
Overall, these initiatives represent a significant progression toward modernizing and improving the higher education system in Fiji, reinforcing the government’s commitment to facilitate both educational access and successful transitions into the workforce. By leveraging technology to create more efficient processes, TSLS is paving the way for a hopeful future for students and graduates.
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