Announcement of FIB scholarship recipients
• The FIB Scholarship covers tuition fees up to $2000 per semester this year and is awarded to two successful applicants:
• Ratu Peni WAINIQOLO: currently a Settlements Officer with BRED BANK (Fiji) Limited and is pursuing his studies on Professional Diploma in Business Management at the University of the South Pacific’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) this year.
• Mr Freddy Lawrence RAJ: currently a Clerk (Grade 1) with BANK of Baroda and is pursuing his studies on Professional Diploma in Business Management at the University of the South Pacific’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) this year.
Associate Membership upgrade
• Mrs Maureen Shah-Imraaz, a current General member of FIB, is presently employed with HFC Bank as a Senior Risk Management & Compliance Officer, and has been with the bank for twelve years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from USP (1999-2002); double major in Accounting & Financial Management and Information Systems.
At the moment Maureen is currently doing a LLB Advance Program with USP, which is her final year.
Thus, she has successfully completed approved higher level courses offered by educational institutions recognised by FIB and today she has been awarded as an ASSOCIATE Member of the Institute. She is now entitled to use the title ‘AFIB’ beside her name. Congratulations Maureen.
FIB priorities
Digital
• The priority for banks now is to remain technologically relevant to the times. Investment in technology is the only way forward and all financial institutions need to make a concerted effort towards developing and implementing digital solutions for their customers.
Cyber-security
• The digital approach goes hand in hand with driving awareness among customers on safe banking. Financial institutions must continuously urge customers to remain diligent with safeguarding their personal bank account details and cards as incidents of attempted online scams continue.
• In fact earlier this month the Fiji Institute of Bankers organised an awareness seminar for members on cyber-crime and its impact on the banking and financial sector with a presentation by Mr Serupepeli Neiko of the Trans-national Crime Unit of the Fiji Police Force. You can expect more of this sort of awareness-building by the Fiji Institute of Bankers as we collaborate to address industry issues for the safety of our customers and sustainability of our businesses.
Financial literacy and inclusion
• Financial institutions must collaborate to drive a savings culture in Fiji – we believe strongly that this is important for the long-term prosperity of all Fijians. This is why all banks have an obligation to drive financial inclusion initiatives that help communities adopt sound financial practices, such as budgeting, saving and planning for their future. In ANZ’s case we actively deliver MoneyMinded, ANZ’s flagship financial literacy program, to communities and corporates across Fiji and the region, and other banks are driving similar programs.
What’s next for Fiji Institute of Bankers?
• We will continue to focus on learning and development initiatives for members, such as seminars on pertinent issues facing the financial sector.
• We will also continue to organise fun events that bring our members together in a more social setting, such as our indoor and outdoor sports activities and quizzes.
• Not a member yet? Jump onto the website and apply. It’s very easy and general membership only costs $15.
Launch of the FIB website
• I am now delighted to launch the newly revamped website of the Fiji Institute of Bankers.
• The website is at www.fijibankers.org.
• Members and the general public can expect news and special announcement updates here; find out about our upcoming events and general information for members such as learning and development opportunities.
• The new website features a new more current look and feel and was designed and developed by The Greenhouse Studio owned and operated by Ronna Sekiguchi and her team. Ronna was one of the ‘Aspiring Entrepreneur of the Year’ finalists for the recent Women in Business Awards – congratulations Ronna. We were very happy to support an aspiring and successful business like yours.
• So please take some time to visit www.fijibankers.org and let us know what you think.
• We’ve also started our Twitter account – follow us – our Twitter Handle is @FijiBankers
Thank you to our FIB Committee of Management
• I would like to acknowledge the work of the FIB Committee of Management. Our team has done a great job in reviving the Institute, which was almost dissolved early last year.
• The Committee of Management is chaired by Mue Bentley Fisher, ANZ Head of Communications Pacific & Fiji, and includes senior members of banks in Fiji nominated by FIB Council Members.
• Thank you team – you’ve done a great job.
Thank you to the FIB Secretariat
• And last but not least, thank you to the excellent work of the FIB Secretariat, which is also the Secretariat for the Association of Banks in Fiji – ABIF. Eta Bilitaki, Executive Secretary does an amazing job supporting the work of both bodies – thank you for your commitment and contribution to the financial sector in Fiji.
For further information please contact Eta Bilitaki at fib@connect.com.fj or Mue Bentley Fisher, Chair of the FIB Committee of Management mue.bentleyfisher@anz.com