Two Tongan Scholars Return Home with Master’s Degrees to Help Build a Stronger Future
Two Tongan women have returned home with fresh qualifications and new ideas to help strengthen government services and support community growth.
Ms. ‘Ilaisaaneliki Fonua, from the Statistics Department, and Ms. Tokilupe Takau, from the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), have each earned Master’s degrees from the International University of Japan (IUJ) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) SDGs Global Leader Program.
For two years, the pair studied in Japan, focusing their research on challenges and opportunities directly relevant to Tonga.
Ms. Fonua’s study, “Examining the Capabilities of SMEs in Tonga and impacts on their growth,” looks at the factors that help or hold back small and medium businesses. Her findings could help shape policies to create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Ms. Takau’s thesis, “Performance Appraisal for Managers,” reviews how managers are assessed at MEIDECC and offers practical ways to make the ministry more effective ,important work in a department that deals with climate change, disaster management, and environmental protection.
Both women say their time in Japan was challenging but rewarding. “It wasn’t just about getting a degree , it was about learning how to think differently and bring back ideas that work for Tonga,” said Ms. Fonua.
Their return adds to a growing pool of highly trained Tongans in government. Seven more Tongan scholars are currently studying in Japan under the same program, including two PhD candidates and five Master’s students.
The SDGs Global Leader Program is one of the key ways Tonga is building skilled leaders for the future. Applications for the 2026 intake will open in September 2025, and JICA will share details with government ministries and agencies.
For the community, these achievements are more than personal milestones ,they are an investment in better services, stronger policies, and a brighter future for Tonga
