HE PRESIDENT RT. WILIAME KATONIVERE'S ADDRESS AT THE 25TH FIJI BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA, 2024

The Chancellor of the Fiji National University, Mr. Semesa Karavaki,
The Vice-Chancellor of the Fiji National University, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba;
The Pro Vie Chancellor, TVET, Dr. Isimeli Tagicakiverata;
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh and Mrs. Singh;
Members of the Fiji National University Council,
Members of the 2024 FBEA Panel of Review,
Leaders and Executives from the Private and Public Sectors,
The Senior Leadership Team of the Fiji National University,
The 2024 Panel of the Fiji Business Excellence Awards Evaluators,
Distinguished Guests, and
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Miau sa bula re and a very good evening to you all.
 
I am humbled this evening to celebrate with you this 25th Fiji Business Excellence Award. This milestone Silver Jubilee commemorating 25 years of recognizing and honouring business excellence throughout Fiji is indeed worthy of celebration. The Gala event is an opportunity for us to celebrate past accomplishments, reflect on how far we have come, and set our sights on the future of business and productivity in our nation.
 
I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership powerhouse of the Fiji National University. To the Chancellor, Mr. Semesa Karavaki, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, and all the members of the FNU Council, I extend my appreciation for your continued support and dedication to nurturing excellence in education and productivity across the nation. Your leadership inspires the broader community, encouraging us all to aim higher.
 
I acknowledge also those whose leadership laid the foundation for these awards. I pay tribute to my predecessors who have served as patrons of the Fiji Business Excellence Awards over the past two decades.

Special recognition goes to our nation’s first President, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, for his foresight and pioneering spirit in championing the FBEA. His legacy of promoting excellence and fostering a culture of achievement continues to inspire us, guiding our efforts to uphold and strengthen these values in Fiji today. I am confident that my successors will build on this legacy, ensuring that excellence remains at the core of our nation’s progress.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, the pursuit of excellence is no easy task, but it is essential for our nation’s progress. At the core of Fiji's development lies our commitment to improving productivity. Since the early 1990s, the Fiji National Training Council (FNTC), the predecessor of the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), has spearheaded efforts to raise productivity standards across various sectors. This mission has positively impacted Fiji’s competitiveness and growth in both the public and private sectors.
 
The NTPC’s productivity initiatives have fundamentally reshaped how we approach efficiency, sustainability, and innovation within our industries. Our longstanding partnership with the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) has provided valuable resources, frameworks, and international collaboration.

This relationship has helped Fijian businesses adopt global best practices that contribute to socio-economic development, equipping us to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
 
At the heart of Fiji’s productivity journey is the Fiji Business Excellence Awards. Established in 1999 as the Fiji Quality Awards, FBEA brought together government, unions, and business leaders with a shared goal – To shape a prosperous future for Fiji. Since then, the FBEA has evolved into a national symbol of quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am confident that the FBEA Panel of Review, together with the Secretariat, has undertaken a thorough review of the Business Excellence (BE) initiative.

This work ensures the FBEA's continued relevance and encourages more organizations to be excellence driven. At its core, the Business Excellence framework serves as a roadmap for sustainable performance and building resilience to meet the challenges of the future economy.
 
Earlier this year, following this comprehensive review, the FBEA Secretariat introduced new products and services. NTPC, as the home of NPO Fiji, stands ready to evolve as a Centre of Excellence in Business Excellence, committed to facilitating best practices and advancing Business Excellence  frameworks among leading Fijian enterprises.

The NPO is actively engaged in setting up Model Organizations focused on Innovation, Sustainability, Transformation, Productivity, and Quality, creating important benchmarks for Fijian organizations. This platform provides a roadmap for organizations to achieve viable performances and build resilience. We look forward to the support of Business Excellence organizations and industry partners in this continued journey.
 
For tonight’s award recipients, the impact on their organizations has strengthened their leadership, improved workforce morale, and deepened customer relationships. These achievements not only benefit individual businesses but contribute significantly to the national economy.
 
The Fiji National Productivity Master Plan 2021–2036 underscores that productivity is essential for raising living standards in Fiji, enabling citizens to afford goods and services. Organizations involved in the FBEA process, support this national vision, aligning their growth with Fiji’s broader economic objectives.
 
It is essential to recognize the global trends influencing productivity and business excellence in 2024. Technological advancements like automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are reshaping industries globally. Fiji is no exception. These innovations offer significant opportunities for Fijian businesses to optimize operations, improve accuracy, and make data-driven decisions that anticipate future challenges. For Fijian businesses to remain competitive and adapt to the global market, embracing digital transformation is essential.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, since its inception, the Fiji Business Excellence Awards has recognized 136 organizations and presented 305 awards over the past 24 years. This achievement symbolizes the commitment and hard work of Fijian organizations across all sectors.
 
To all the organizations recognized tonight – Congratulations! Being recognized by the Fiji Business Excellence Awards validates your values. May your success inspire others to find solutions to challenges, adapt, and aim higher.
 
I commend the FBEA Panel of Review for overseeing the awards process this year, and for upholding the integrity and credibility of these awards. To the evaluators from both the public and private sectors, your rigorous and impartial assessments ensure that the FBEA remains a respected platform for recognizing business excellence.
 
I acknowledge also the organizers of tonight’s event especially Mr. Bob Mitchell, Director of Productivity and Innovation, and his dedicated team at the National Training and Productivity Centre. We wish the Secretariat all the best in the next 25 years of Business Excellence.
 
Finally, I commend the Fiji National University, through its NTPC for sustaining the FBEA since 2010. I wish the institution every success in the years ahead. As we celebrate 25 years, we also look further afield exploring avenues to secure sustainable support for this important programme.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish you all an enjoyable evening ahead. I also take this time on behalf of my wife, Vilo and our family to wish each and every one of you a Blessed Christmas  and a prosperous New Year.
 
May God bless us all and may God bless Fiji.
 
Thank you, Vinaka vakalevu, and Dhanyavaad.