ALFRED Tuikoro Tora has a deep commitment to his people, culture, and the future of the Pacific.
The doctoral candidate at the University of the South Pacific has embarked on a research which explores how Indigenous Fijian worldviews can guide land-owning communities in building both psychological and economic resilience in the face of climate change.
For Tora, this is a calling grounded in identity and purpose.
“I want to validate and uplift indigenous knowledge as legitimate and effective foundations for economic and psychological resilience,” he said.
“I have a desire to support sustainable economic development that aligns with cultural values, contribute original insights to both academic literature and policy development and make an impact in communities by enhancing their autonomy, voice and capacity.”
A proud son of Koro Island in Fiji with maternal ties to Rotuma, Tora recently returned to Fiji after six years in Utah, USA, where he lived with his wife Grace and their three sons.
His educational achievements include a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and Public Administration at the University of the South Pacific (USP) to a Master’s in Organisational Psychology at the University of London’s Birkbeck College.
Now, back on familiar shores, he has embarked on a PhD in Psychology at USP’s Laucala Campus.
“My research focuses on how mataqali-owned businesses draw from iTaukei worldviews to become more resilient, psychologically and economically, amid climate pressures,” he explained.
“I’m particularly interested in how our indigenous communities define resilience, what values and practices they lean on, and how they mobilise these systems to adapt and sustain their enterprises.”
Tora’s work aims to amplify Indigenous voices and centre their knowledge in the development discourse.
“Our ways of knowing are not less valid, they are deeply rooted in place, community, and sustainability.”
Though early in his PhD journey, Tora is excited about the potential his research holds for practical application and academic contribution.
“This PhD gives me the space to explore something I’m deeply passionate about while also learning from regional thought leaders,” he said.
“My long-term goal is to contribute to regional and national development through knowledge sharing, through applied research and teaching
Tora also shared his aspirations to work in roles such as an Indigenous knowledge systems strategist, an indigenous contributor to think tanks, or a curriculum developer, contributing to both national and regional progress.”
With humility and clarity, Tora is carving out a path that combines academic excellence, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
“For me, this is about making a real difference – about making sure our people’s voices and ways of knowing shape the future of our region.”
Students and those interested in learning more about academic and research opportunities at USP can visit the KPMG USP 2025 Open Day at the Laucala, Lautoka and Labasa campuses on Friday.