The new Manager Business of Investment and Commercial Services (BICs) at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Samson Bisafo has just completed his Master of Management.
He did his studies at the University of South Australia (UniSA) in Adelaide in July 2024.
Acquiring a Master of Management in Australia and a new position at the National University in 2024 was a huge career step for Samson Bisafo.
Bisafo was conferred his Master of Management in Tourism and Events at the University of South Australia in Adelaide on Tuesday 24th September 2024.
He was on a Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Scholarship for his studies from February 2023 to July 2024.
Bisafo was interviewed by SINU whilst still in Adelaide and successfully taken up his role as the Manager Investment and Commercial Services for SINU.
“I am humbled to gain the trust and confidence of the University as I step into a new role as the Manager of Business Investment and Commercial Services at SINU. I am looking forward to driving significant positive changes for the University,” Bisafo said.
He had an outstanding career in the local tourism industry before moving to Adelaide for his studies in 2023.
A pioneer tourism trainer at SINU with the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Business and Tourism. He was the Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality from 2020-2022 and assistant lecturer at the same school since 2013.
Reflecting on his academic journey at UniSA, Bisafo said the experiences of the past one and half years have been truly transformative and enriching – both professionally and personally.
“I have gained skills and insights that are invaluable in my career, particularly in improving business development. The experiences have also played a significant role in my personal growth, as I stepped out of my comfort zone and gained more confidence in embracing new challenges.”
He was grateful for his fellow cohort, UniSA Australia Awards team, Solomon Islands Wantoks Association (SIWASA), friends and families for their support.
“The shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and lasting friendships have enriched my learning experience beyond measure. I had the best moment sharing my achievement with my wife and daughter in Adelaide,” Bisafo added.
Bisafo previously attained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2015 and a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management in 2009 – both from the University of the South Pacific.
He hails from Dairana village in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province and attended Saint Stephen Pamua and Selwyn College for his secondary education.
The Solomon Islands Wantok Association of South Australia (SIWASA) congratulated Bisafo and another Solomon Islander Jim Tawa Biliki from The University of Adelaide upon competition of their studies in July 2024.
“Your dedication and passion for learning have led you to this impressive milestone,” SIWASA stated in a congratulatory message to both Solomon Islanders.
Meanwhile there are currently seven Solomon Islanders enrolling at Adelaide-based universities, three (two undergraduate, one postgraduate) at Flinders University and four (two undergraduate, two High Degree Research) at The University of Adelaide. UniSA and The University of Adelaide are set to be merged and be called Adelaide University in 2026.
