In a remarkable celebration of academic excellence, the University of Fiji at Saweni Campus hosted a transformative Afternoon Coffee Seminar for PhD and Master’s scholars on Wednesday, 28th May 2025. The Main Hall buzzed with intellectual energy as PhD scholars gathered to draw inspiration and gain valuable insights from distinguished academics and experienced researchers.

Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem set an inspiring tone, illuminating the path of scholarly inquiry through powerful “why” and “how” questions. Her passionate advocacy for rigorous literature reviews and the profound value of doctoral qualifications resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing tomorrow’s thought leaders.

Professor Kishor Meher, Chair of the Post Graduate Committee, captivated the audience with his compelling address on “The Journey to Completion.” He highlighted that this seminar marks the beginning of continuous learning through conducting research seminars with experts. His visionary strategies for navigating research challenges—from structured flexibility to building vibrant research communities—offered a beacon of hope to scholars at every stage. He proudly showcased the University’s cutting-edge research infrastructure, including ProQuest and Wiley databases, and training on referencing managers for speeding up literature review—empowering students to reach new heights of academic achievement.

Distinguished guest Professor Gokulananda Patel from Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), India, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on advisor selection, emphasizing this pivotal relationship as a cornerstone of research success. The seminar gained further depth through powerful testimonials from fellow PhD scholars at various stages and a dynamic question-and-answer session where researchers addressed practical challenges: Dr. Amar Singh on data integrity, Mohammed Riaz Azam on overcoming research obstacles, and Sheik Tanzil on the transformative power of mentorship.

As Master of Ceremony, Mohammed Riaz Azam concluded with heartfelt appreciation to the organizers, Registrar’s office, Facilities, IT, and other departments for their seamless support. Attendees continued vibrant discussions over refreshments, with this landmark event kindling a renewed passion for scholarly pursuit at the University of Fiji.