2026 Joint Forum: Strategy for a Shifting Landscape

Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises

Career central banker with almost 35 years’ experience across the various roles in the Bank including Chief Manager Economic, Chief Manager Financial Markets and Deputy Governor. Was appointed Governor in 2017 and reappointed for another 5-year term in 2022.

Justin Smirk has more than 30 years of experience in financial markets and economics. He joined Westpac’s Economics team in 1999 after beginning his career as an economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Justin provides economic and market insights to Westpac’s management, staff, and clients. During his career with Westpac, he has worked in the bank’s London office and completed a secondment as Chief Economist at St.George Bank. In addition to supporting Westpac’s Pacific banking operations, Justin leads the bank’s commodities and inflation forecasting processes. He closely follows developments across the resources and energy sectors, with a particular focus on the transition to a lower-carbon economy and the evolving economic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region. Justin has been a regular visitor to Fiji for more than 15 years. Through these visits, he has developed a deep appreciation for the country, its economy, and its people. Based in Sydney, he works closely with Westpac’s local team and draws on the insights of clients and business leaders across Fiji to deepen his understanding of the
opportunities and challenges shaping the nation’s future.
Justin is continually inspired by the warmth, resilience, and hospitality of the Fijian people. He is passionate about contributing positively to the conversation around Fiji’s economic development and seeks to be a constructive advocate for growth, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

Mr. Filimone Waqabaca is a highly respected Fijian economist, diplomat, and public sector
leader with more than 35 years of distinguished service across national and international institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from the University of
the South Pacific and a Master’s Degree in International Banking and Financial Studies from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the International Monetary Fund, and the Government of Fiji, serving as Permanent Secretary for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Waqabaca has also represented Fiji on the global stage as High Commissioner to New Zealand and Ambassador to Japan. His extensive governance experience includes chairing and serving on numerous national boards and statutory bodies across the finance, energy, telecommunications, transport, taxation, and public sectors, including the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Fijian Holdings Limited, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, and Post Fiji. He also served as Chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union and Air Terminal Services (ATS), reflecting his broad contribution to Fiji's economic and social development.

Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Development Bank and Board Chairperson of Investment Fiji, Mr. Waqabaca brings a wealth of strategic leadership, policy expertise, and international experience to the role. Widely respected for his vision, integrity, and commitment to nation-building, he continues to champion sustainable economic growth and inclusive development for Fiji. Known for his strategic leadership, integrity, and commitment to nation-building, he is also passionate about sports, farming, and sustainable living. Behind his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who remains deeply committed to serving the people of Fiji.

With three decades of expertise in the global financial sector, Saud Minam is a thoughtful leader and mentor dedicated to driving economic growth in the Pacific region. Saud joined the Asian Development Bank in September 2024 as a Senior Private Sector Development Specialist, following a successful three-year tenure as the CEO of the Fiji Development Bank.
Prior to his work in development finance, Saud spent nearly eight years as the CEO of ANZ Bank Fiji and Commercial Banking Head for the Pacific. His deep industry knowledge was forged through various leadership roles with ABN AMRO and ANZ across five different countries, including Singapore, China, and Indonesia.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Saud holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of North Texas State and a Sustainable Finance Certificate from the University of Cambridge. Beyond his professional roles, he is a dedicated community leader, serving as the Vice President of the Fiji Australia Business Council and the President of the Fiji Pakistan Business Council.

Peter was previously Deputy Head of Mission and Minister, Australian Embassy, Tokyo. He served as Australia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste 2018 - 22, during which time Australia finalised its maritime boundary with Timor and was Timor’s key COVID response partner.
He has worked as a lead negotiator on Australia’s trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea; on the security relationship with Japan; on climate change, including on resilience in the Pacific, and as a Senior Civilian Monitor in the Bougainville Peace Monitoring Group with Fijian, ni-Vanuatu and New Zealand colleagues. His first overseas posting was to Samoa.
Peter received the Order of Australia Medal for his 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami response work and the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste for his contribution to Australia – Timor-Leste relations and the COVID response.
He is married with two sons and a keen, but not very good, boxer and soccer player, and plays guitar

Emily works closely with the Fiji Government and the business community to support economic diversification, improve the enabling environment for private sector growth, and strengthen trade and investment links between Australia and Fiji. Emily has over 20 years working in both government and non-government sectors developing and implementing strategic policy and programs related to foreign policy, economic development, migration and international humanitarian issues. She has worked overseas in Cambodia and Switzerland. Before arriving in Fiji, Emily worked in Australia’s Office of the Pacific in Canberra.

Jerome Kado is the Managing Partner of Grant Thornton in Fiji. He has more than 30 years of experience in strategic planning and structuring of investments including client investment initiatives, major utility infrastructure and development projects. He also has extensive experience in dealing with client matters in the tourism, aviation, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, financial services, and retail industries.
Instrumental in submissions on business and related laws for more than 30 years, Jerome has worked with clients, the profession, Industry Groups and Government on numerous occasions in relation to different legislation.
Jerome is a past President of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants. He has also been involved in various community and social initiatives including as a past President of the Fiji Red Cross Society and Vice President of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee. He enjoys a good round of golf and celebrating life with family and friends.

Shuichi Hayashida is the Regional Manager for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for East Asia and the Pacific at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

Based in Singapore, he leads IFC's PPP advisory business across the region, supporting governments in developing and implementing sustainable infrastructure projects that
mobilise private sector investment and contribute to economic growth and development.
Prior to joining IFC, Shuichi served in several leadership roles at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), including Head of East Asia and Pacific, Head of West and Central Africa, and Head of Japan. In these roles, he helped advance the World Bank Group's mission by promoting private investment and facilitating access to risk mitigation solutions across diverse markets.

Before joining the World Bank Group, Shuichi worked with MUFG Bank in Singapore, London, and Tokyo, specialising in project finance and M&A transactions globally. Shuichi holds an LL.M. from the University of London and a Master of Science in Finance from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. He is also a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Japanese Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Matthew Rees is the Country Operations Head for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its Pacific Subregional Office in Suva, Fiji. In this role, he oversees country operations and supports development initiatives across the Pacific, working with governments and partners to strengthen institutions and deliver high‑impact projects that advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, Matthew brings a strong blend of financial expertise, strategic leadership, and deep regional knowledge. He has lived and worked in the Pacific since 2013.
Prior to joining ADB, Matthew held leadership and advisory positions with leading professional services firms and organisations, gaining broad experience in management, finance, and strategic advisory services in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Southeast Asia.

Glenis Yee is a Partner at Munro Leys and a leading legal expert in Fiji’s commercial sector. With a unique background spanning private practice, regulatory oversight, and in-house counsel, she leads the firm’s Commercial Group in navigating complex corporate law and capital markets issues. Glenis specialises in a wide array of sectors, including foreign investment, telecommunications, tourism, and intellectual property. Her multidisciplinary expertise is backed by a Master’s in Law, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, making her a formidable advisor for high-stakes commercial transactions and regulatory compliance.

Gareth McGrath is the Country Director – Fiji for the Pacific Australia Skills program, bringing over 25 years of specialised experience to the skills and training sector. He provides strategic leadership focused on strengthening Fiji’s skills systems by fostering collaboration between government, industry, and training partners. Gareth is dedicated to aligning skills development with labor market priorities to drive improved employability outcomes. Before his current role, he served as the Country Director for Fiji and Tuvalu for the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). He holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Charles Sturt University.

Carline Bentley is a Coordinator with the Market Development Facility (MDF), where she works with businesses, industry stakeholders, and government partners to address barriers to growth and unlock new economic opportunities. Her work focuses on facilitating partnerships, supporting innovation, and identifying practical solutions to constraints that affect market performance. Drawing on her experiences across the private, public, and development sectors, Carline supports initiatives that catalyse systemic change, strengthen market systems, and promote inclusive economic growth that creates sustainable benefits for businesses, workers, and low-income communities. She holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Auckland.

Jesse Riddell is Head of International at Standards Australia, where he leads the organisation's international engagement strategy and relationships with national, regional and international standards bodies. He is responsible for supporting Australia's engagement and influence in international standardisation and strengthening collaboration with government, industry and international partners to progress Australia's trade, industry and economic interests through standards. Prior to this role, Jesse led Standards Australia's government partnerships and international standards capacity-building initiatives across the Indo-Pacific. With more than 15 years' experience spanning standards, trade policy and economic diplomacy, he has worked extensively on international trade, critical and emerging technologies, digital transformation and regional development. Jesse also serves as a Director of the Australian Services Roundtable, Australia's peak body for services exporters, and is a strong advocate for the role standards play in enabling innovation, resilience and sustainable economic growth.

Professor Meg Keen is the Director of the Pacific Islands Program at The Lowy Institute and oversees the Institute's analysis, events and external engagements concerning the Pacific Islands. She is currently leading a regional project on Geopolitics in the Pacific and will draw out implications for the Australia-Fiji Business Council at the conference. Meg's work in the Pacific region spans several decades across academia, intelligence and policy-making. She has worked in nearly all Pacific island countries on diverse issues including resource management, security and economic development. Before joining The Lowy Institute, Meg was the inaugural Director of the Pacific Security College at the Australian National University (ANU), a senior policy fellow in the ANU's Department of Pacific Affairs, a senior analyst in the Oceania branch of the Australian Office of National Intelligence and a senior adviser for the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). She has also taught at and run workshops with colleagues at the University of the South Pacific and the Pacific Islands Forum. Meg is originally from Canada.

Tim is the Australian Trade Commissioner for the Pacific based in Suva. Working in the Austrade team, Tim works to increase Australian participation in the significant program of Pacific infrastructure investment. He does this by raising awareness of significant upcoming opportunities and connecting firms with local capability to improve their chances of success. He also promotes Australian food and beverage in the Pacific in both hospitality and retail, strengthening Fiji’s tourism offering with high quality supply.

Shane Hussein is General Manager Commercial at the Fijian Drua, where he leads the club’s sponsorship, marketing, brand, communications, fan engagement and wider commercial operations.

He joined the Drua in late 2021 as its first employee outside the high-performance programme and played a central role in establishing the club’s commercial and brand foundations ahead of its entry into Super Rugby Pacific. Since then, Shane has helped develop the Drua into one of Fiji’s most recognised sporting brands—building valuable partnerships, expanding supporter engagement and strengthening the club’s connections with communities across Fiji and internationally. His work has also included launching the Drua Foundation and developing platforms that support sustainable commercial growth and meaningful social impact.

Shane brings more than 20 years of experience across professional sport, aviation, media, marketing and corporate communications. Before joining the Drua, he spent more than a decade at Fiji Airways, where he led the airline’s Corporate Communications, Tabua Club, Customer Care and Onboard Advertising functions. He also led communications for the landmark transformation of Air Pacific into Fiji Airways. During the Super Rugby Pacific off-season, Shane runs his own consultancy specialising in marketing, communications, business development and market research.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific, a Professional Degree in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the United Kingdom, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and International Affairs from the University of the South Pacific.

Rokoseru Nabalarua is a highly distinguished executive and board leader with a career defined by his leadership of some of Fiji’s most significant organizations. He currently serves as the CEO of the Lyndhurst Group of Companies, where he oversees a workforce of nearly 1,000 employees. With a foundation in Civil Engineering from the University of Auckland, Rokoseru has a unique ability to lead across diverse sectors, including energy, manufacturing, finance, and property development. His extensive governance experience includes serving as Chairman of the Board for both Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) and Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL), as well as holding directorships at major financial institutions like BSP Bank.

Dr Sarina Theys is Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programme in Diplomacy and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific and an internationally recognised scholar of international relations. Her research examines how power operates beyond traditional measures of military and economic capability, with a focus on soft power, non-Western small states, security, identity, and climate diplomacy in the Pacific. She is the author of The Soft Power of Non-Western Small States (2025), which explores how small states shape global agendas and exercise influence despite material constraints. Beyond academia, Dr Theys has contributed to policy discussions and engaged with governments, regional organisations, and communities across the Pacific and beyond, providing research-driven insights on diplomacy, power, security, and international cooperation.

Vineil Narayan is a Development Finance and Social Inclusion Specialist with over 10 years of experience in national economic planning, climate finance, and sustainable development across Fiji and the Pacific
He currently serves as project manager for UNDP’s Blue Economy and renewable energy portfolio, where he has managed multi-million-dollar programmes advancing innovative public and private financing solutions to support marginalised and climate-vulnerable communities
In addition to leading ocean finance initiatives, Vineil manages the UNDP Pacific Multi-Country Office’s flagship renewable energy initiative — the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) Support Project — implemented on behalf of the Government of Fiji. The project is rolling out integrated solar mini-grids across rural and maritime communities, strengthening energy security, enabling productive use of energy, and catalysing inclusive local economic development.
Vineil has played a catalytic role in mobilising climate and blue finance, including supporting the issuance of Fiji’s first sovereign green and blue bonds and securing substantial co-financing for sustainable private-sector-led initiatives
Previously, as Head of Climate Change and International Cooperation at Fiji’s Ministry of Economy, he led national climate finance coordination, mobilised over US$30 million in climate funding, and served as Fiji’s lead technical negotiator at COP25 and COP26
His work consistently integrates Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles into financing frameworks, renewable energy deployment, and policy design, advancing resilient and inclusive energy access across Pacific Island countries.

Bruce is a Chartered Accountant and Company Director with over 40 years of professional experience in Fiji, other Pacific Islands and Australia. He currently provides professional services mainly in the areas of company valuations, due diligence assistance and internal audit consulting. He serves as an independent director and/or Chair of Audit Committees on a number of Boards in Fiji.

Mr. Kamal Chetty is the Chief Executive Officer of Investment Fiji, the nation’s investment and export promotion agency. Mr. Chetty joined Investment Fiji in 2008 as an Investment Officer, paving his way to leading the organisation as the CEO in May 2022.
He played an integral role in the strategic shift of the organisation’s focus and became a key figure in promoting this change, ensuring that the process was streamlined after the transition. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Affairs as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Official Statistics and Accounting and Financial Management.
Mr. Chetty’s professional as well as personal ambition is to further promote Fiji, as a potential investment location in markets in which it has a competitive advantage and, by doing so, contribute to the nation’s economic and social development.

Kit McConnell is an internationally respected sports executive currently serving as Chief Sport Officer for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In this role, he leads the Sport and Athlete Division covering the strategic planning and delivery of the sport programme, working closely with athlete representatives, International Federations, NOCs and NPCs to ensure an athlete-focused and globally impactful Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Prior to joining Brisbane 2032, Kit was the Sports Director at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2014 to 2025. During his tenure, he oversaw the renovation of the Olympic sport and event programme, managed relationships with International Federations, and led strategic initiatives including the integration of esports and innovation in sport delivery.
Kit’s career spans over two decades in global sport, including his role as Tournament Director for the Rugby World Cup at World Rugby (2002–2013), and earlier contributions to the Sydney 2000 Organising Committee and the IOC in various capacities between 1996 and 2002. Holding dual nationality (Australian and New Zealand), Kit brings a deep understanding of international sport governance, Olympic operations, and stakeholder engagement.

Atma Maharaj is a strategist and corporate leader with more than four decades of leadership experience spanning sport, government, investment and the private sector across Fiji, the Pacific and Australia. He currently leads the development of national partnerships and initiatives to maximise the opportunities arising throughout Fiji’s Olympic and Paralympic Decade. Since 2021, he has also played a pivotal role in shaping regional planning for the Olympic and Paralympic Games through the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Home Games Advantage Programme.

Mr Maharaj has held senior leadership roles within the Olympic Movement, including Secretary General and Senior Vice President of FASANOC, Secretary General of Athletics Fiji, President of Weightlifting Fiji, and Chef de Mission for Team Fiji. He also played a leading role in the strategic planning and delivery of the 2003 South Pacific Games and the 2019 IWF World Junior Weightlifting Championships.

Beyond sport, he has held senior executive positions across the public and private sectors, specialising in strategic planning, investment facilitation, organizational transformation and partnership development. He has provided the strategic thought leadership behind a number of national strategies, policy reforms and industry development initiatives across the sport and ICT sectors, including playing a pivotal role in the creation of Fiji’s outsourcing industry.

Known affectionately as the “Mother of Fiji Rugby,” Cathy Wong’s journey began as a physiotherapist for the Flying Fijians and evolved into a record-breaking career in global sports governance. With four decades of service, Cathy has reached the highest echelons of the Olympic and Rugby movements. She famously served as Chef de Mission for Team Fiji during their historic first Olympic Gold medal win and was the first Pacific woman elected to the World Rugby Council.
Cathy’s legacy is defined by her advocacy for women in leadership and her commitment to medical excellence in sports. She founded the FASANOC and ONOC Medical Commissions and has authored critical national policies on safety and physical activity. Her contributions have been recognised with the Officer of Fiji Medal and the IOC Women & Sport Trophy for Oceania. Today, she leads the ONOC Games Commission, supporting 17 National Olympic Committees throughout the region.

Paul Scurrah AM is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airways, appointed in November 2025. He has more than two decades of executive leadership experience across aviation, transport, logistics and tourism, with a proven track record of leading complex organisations through transformation, operational reform and industry disruption.
At Fiji Airways, Mr Scurrah is leading the airline’s next phase of disciplined network expansion, commercial optimisation and long-term sustainability, strengthening regional connectivity across Australia, New Zealand, North America and the Pacific while positioning the carrier within the evolving global alliance landscape.
Prior to joining Fiji Airways, he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight company, where he led a significant business transformation focused on operational excellence, safety reform and improved commercial performance. He previously led Virgin Australia as Managing Director and CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding the airline through unprecedented industry disruption and positioning it for recovery and long-term sustainable growth.
Across his career, Paul has consistently delivered financial, cultural, safety and operational improvements while balancing innovation, customer focus and disciplined commercial outcomes. His leadership approach focuses on safety, people, governance and long-term value creation, priorities that are critical in addressing infrastructure constraints, sustainability challenges and competitive dynamics across the Australasian aviation sector.
In 2026, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his significant contribution to Australia’s transport and logistics sectors. Mr Scurrah is widely recognised for his purpose-driven leadership, strong governance expertise and decisive, well-informed decision-making.
Paul also played a key role in establishing the Gold Coast Suns, an expansion team in the AFL, as an inaugural Director. He held this position from their inception in 2010 until 2023 and he has since been honored with Life Membership.

Emily is a seasoned corporate lawyer with close to 19 years of experience working in financial services sector and in reputable legal firms in Fiji. She brings knowledge and insights based on her broad insights to advisory and commercial transactions and has led legal teams building a career marked by integrity and excellence. Emily also has vast experience outside of legal corporate advisory in Regulatory Compliance, Anti-money laundering, Enterprise Risk Management and Governance.
No stranger to Boards Emily has served as a member to several private entities and has generously contributed her time to various community and industry organisations including fem’LINK Pacific, Insurance Association of Fiji and the Fiji Law Society.
She currently serves as a member of the FRCS Board and is Vice-President of Fiji Women Lawyers Association. Emily has recently completed a Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne and is serving as General Counsel and Actg Chief Operating Officer of Fiji National Provident Fund.

Ajay is an Entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Solar, Retail/ distribution industry and technology businesses. Skilled in Start-ups, Business Planning, Market Planning, Retail, Sales, and Entrepreneurship. A pioneer in Solar as a service business in the Pacific region having co-founded Sunergise in 2012. Past president of FABC and has also held other board positions. Believes in collaborative effort as a means of moving forward.

Peter Johnston is a leading expert in energy security and environmental management with decades of experience shaping policy across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Currently serving as the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI), Peter has been a pivotal figure in Fiji’s development, serving as the nation’s first Director of Energy and a Chief Planner in the Central Planning Office. His technical expertise is backed by a diverse academic background in aerospace engineering, technology policy, and environmental management, making him a primary architect of regional strategies for renewable energy transition.