The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has welcomed a second cohort of students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) into a specialised internship programme linked to a major international research initiative.
Fourteen students have been selected to participate in the project, which places them at the centre of a high-impact global research effort aimed at strengthening agricultural systems in the Solomon Islands.
The internship is part of a strategic partnership between SICCI and SINU, delivered in collaboration with GeoPoll—a U.S.-based research organisation—and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The initiative seeks to improve national agricultural data systems, support monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators, and inform evidence-based policymaking in areas such as productivity, sustainability, and gender inclusion.
SICCI Chief Executive Officer James Dolarii said the Chamber is proud to support the next generation of Solomon Islands professionals.
“We are delighted to onboard this second group of students and offer them a rare opportunity to contribute directly to a project of national and international significance,” Mr. Dolarii said.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to linking education with industry needs. These students are not merely observers—they are gaining professional skills, building confidence, and contributing to efforts that will help strengthen and grow the Solomon Islands economy.”
For participating students, the internship offers a vital bridge between academic studies and real-world application. It provides hands-on experience engaging with both public and private sector systems, exposing them to the practical demands of today’s workforce.
The programme reflects SICCI’s mission to ensure that emerging professionals are not only academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills that align with national development priorities.
The partnership between SICCI, GeoPoll, FAO, and SINU highlights the strong outcomes that can be achieved when the private sector, international partners, and academic institutions work together to build human capital.
SICCI expressed its appreciation to SINU for its continued collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that help develop a skilled and competitive workforce for the Solomon Islands.