Academic research plays a crucial role in advancing our region by providing the ideas, truths, and data necessary to address various challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, emphasized this while launching a book he co-edited, titled “Waves of Change: Media, Peace, and Development in the Pacific,” at the Pacific International Media Conference in Suva.
Prasad noted that the book, which he co-edited with USP Head of Journalism Dr. Shailendra Singh and Former USP Lecturer Dr. Amrit Sarwal, combines experiential wisdom with research to discuss development and progress in the region.
He highlighted the need for researchers to find innovative ways to disseminate their work in an increasingly crowded information age, marked by the rise of AI, social media, and the internet.
“We have a problem similar to Houston’s. The advent of AI, social media, and the internet age presents challenges. Research must be accessible to the public, as they fund your research. By making your research comprehensible and useful to the wider public, you advocate for better research funding,” Prasad stated.
The event also celebrated the 30th anniversary edition of the Pacific Journalism Review and the contribution of its founder, Professor David Robie, who recently received the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to journalism and Asia Pacific media education.
Professor Prasad paid tribute to the late Vijendra Kumar, a prominent figure in Pacific journalism and the first local editor of The Fiji Times. Kumar, who later became the deputy editor of Courier Mail, passed away earlier this year.
Offering his condolences, Prasad expressed Fiji’s gratitude for Kumar’s service, saying, “To the media fraternity, my sincere tribute to this gentle giant of our region. The late Vijendra Kumar inspired many, especially during those challenging years when newly independent Pacific countries were establishing their national media outlets and capabilities.”