Fiji's Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) and Fiji National University (FNU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen professional standards in the country's real estate sector through structured education, industry-focused training and continuing professional development.
The agreement, signed at FNU's Nabua Campus, establishes a framework for delivering training that aligns with licensing requirements while equipping real estate practitioners with the technical knowledge, ethical standards and practical skills needed in the profession.
The initiative combines REALB's regulatory oversight with FNU's training expertise through its National Training and Productivity Centre. It is expected to create clearer career pathways for aspiring real estate professionals while enabling licensed agents and salespersons to upgrade their skills through ongoing education.
Fiji's Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, said the partnership is aimed at strengthening institutions and building a more professional and accountable real estate industry.
"This partnership is about investing in people, strengthening institutions and laying the foundation for a more professional, accountable and future-ready real estate sector," he said during the signing ceremony.
Immanuel noted that for many Fijians, purchasing a home is the largest financial commitment they will ever make, making it essential that property transactions are handled by competent and ethical professionals.
He said while legislation provides the framework for regulating the industry, public confidence depends on continuous learning, ethical conduct and professional excellence.
"Public confidence cannot be achieved through legislation alone. It is built through continuous learning, ethical practice, accountability and a shared commitment to professional excellence," he said.
The minister also commended REALB for broadening its role beyond regulatory compliance to include professional development, saying regulators have a responsibility to help build the professions they oversee.
He encouraged REALB and FNU to benchmark their training programs against international best practices while ensuring they remain relevant to Fiji's land tenure system, legal framework and cultural context.
Immanuel said the real estate profession is undergoing rapid change as technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital marketing platforms, virtual property inspections and data-driven decision-making become more widely adopted.
He said future practitioners will need to combine technological capabilities with strong ethical standards and customer service to meet evolving market expectations.
Officials said the partnership is also expected to create new employment opportunities for young Fijians seeking careers in the increasingly specialized property sector while supporting workforce development through accessible and practical training.
The collaboration forms part of the Coalition Government's broader efforts to strengthen professional standards, improve consumer confidence and develop industries that contribute to Fiji's long-term economic growth.
As Fiji's property market continues to expand, officials said the agreement is expected to help develop a new generation of skilled and trusted real estate professionals, supporting greater confidence among homebuyers, investors and businesses in one of the country's key economic sectors.
