Topics & Events

Wednesday, September 10, 2019 - Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Ms. Pule during her presentation to both staff of JICA and her Ministry at the Tourism Conference Room

Ms. Melesungu Pule is one of the four members of the Pacific-LEADS 1st group from Tonga, who left for Japan in August 2016 to study at the Graduate School for International Development, Nagoya University for two and a half years. She successfully graduated with a master's degree, majoring in Tourism Development. Her thesis focused on factors affecting the viability of whale watching as well as its sustainability as an industry in Tonga.

Recently she returned to Tonga and resumed her job but with a new task in the newly established "Whale Watching Division" within the Ministry. Whale watching has become one of the fastest growing industries in Tonga and has been recognized as a vital sector that will enhance Tonga's economic development. Given that this sector has hardly been studied in Tonga, the knowledge and experience she acquired in Japan will significantly contribute to leading and assisting the development of the whale watching, more broadly, tourism industry.

Ms. Pule in one of the outer islands trainings for whale watching tour operators

In the new division as a team leader, she has been a force to reckon with, and has conducted various trainings for the local whale watching tour operators. She is well aware of the competitive tug in this market, and works very hard to raise the operators' awareness of regulations and importance of establishing close ties with the government and communities.

There is great hope that in the foreseeable future, whale watching will move up to a new level of professionalism and bring a positive impact on Tonga's economic development. And also, there's an increasing desire among young Tongans who want to follow suit her career path.

About Pacific LEADS

The main objective is to foster young leaders who play a vital role towards the resolution of development challenges in Pacific Islands Countries as well as to further strengthen the relationships between their countries and Japan by providing them with the scholarship to study in Japanese universities.