Persistence pays off with second gold

For Christopher Chand, the path from newsroom deadlines to academic distinction has been driven by discipline, sacrifice and a relentless push to improve.

The British American Tobacco Fiji Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs received his second gold medal at the University of Fiji graduation on Friday, marking another milestone in a journey shaped by lifelong learning.

Mr Chand, who previously earned an MBA Gold Medal in 2021, was awarded top honours again for his Postgraduate Diploma in Public Law.

His academic journey began in 2015 while working full-time, steadily building his qualifications over the years. He completed his Master of Business Administration in 2019, followed by a Master of International Relations and Diplomacy in 2023, and now public law.

“This achievement represents years of hard work, sacrifice and the belief that it is never too late to invest in yourself,” Mr Chand said.

“What started as a personal challenge in 2015 to attain academic excellence has transformed into Two Masters, a postgrad diploma in Public Law and two gold medals. It has been a fulfilling journey, one that has allowed me to excel academically and to broaden my perspective from business to international relations and now public law. It has strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully.”

A former journalist with the Fiji Sun and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Chand said his newsroom experience helped shape his drive to succeed.

“The drive will constantly push you to excel. In the newsroom it was always the front page or back page, lead for radio and lead for the evening TV News. Eventually it manifested into the drive to attain qualifications that would open opportunities,” he said.

“If I could, I would tell my younger version to start investing much earlier. I hope my journey makes some impact by inspiring others who are working full time and especially my colleagues in the newsrooms balancing careers and family commitments that education is always within reach.”

Also a former Fiji Under-20 and Nadi football representative, Mr Chand continues to encourage working professionals to pursue further education.

He said he remains committed to further development and contributing to national progress through his work in governance, policy and regulatory affairs.