_{by Ednal Palmer}

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau has challenged staff and students of the country’s national university to embrace change and grow the institution.

Speaking to mark SINU’s open day today, Professor Transform said the Open day is not just a showcase of the many talents, skills and accomplishments of students and staff but also a moment of reflection, time to think of what SINU stands for, and the value that guide the journey.

The theme of the celebration “Empower the mind today, meet excellence tomorrow and grow with SINU” was organized to coincide with the World Tourism Day today. The open day was held to celebrate the vibrant ideals, purpose and achievements of SINU.

“At SINU we believe that education is not just about passing exams and getting degrees, but it is about nurturing a deep curiosity for the world around us, encouraging critical thinking and developing skills needed to drive in an ever-changing world,” professor Transform stated.

He said the aim is to equip students with technical skills and the ability to think innovatively, question assumptions, and seek solutions to the challenges tomorrow brings.

“As we reflect on the theme “Empower the mind today, meet excellence tomorrow, and grow with SINU,” we are reminded that growth is not just about expanding our knowledge or skills but about growing as individuals and as a community. It is about becoming better versions of ourselves, pushing beyond our comfort zones, and striving for excellence in all we do.

“For SINU, growth means expanding our reach, enhancing our programes, and continuing to innovate in the way we teach and learn. It means building partnerships with other institutions, both locally and internationally, to ensure that our students are receiving a world-class education. It means investing in our infrastructure, in our faculty, and in our students to ensure that we are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

“But growth is not just about the physical or academic aspects of our university. It is also about growing as a community. It is about creating a space where students feel supported, where faculty feel valued, and where everyone feels like they belong. It is about building a university that is not just a place of learning but also a place of connection, collaboration, and of inspiration.

“As we look to the future, we must also remember that growth requires us to be bold,
to take risks, and to embrace change. It requires us to be open to new ideas, to challenge the status quo, and to push ourselves to think differently. It requires us to be leaders, not just in our fields but in our communities, in our country, and in our world.”

Professor Aqorau encouraged students to continue to dream big, to push beyond their limits, and to never stop learning.

“The future is yours, and it is through your hard work, dedication, and passion that you will achieve greatness. “To our faculty and staff, I thank you for your commitment to our students and to our university. Your work is invaluable, and it is through your efforts that we are building a brighter future for all.”