UNSW & CUP ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS!

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IMPACT BEYOND BORDERS: UNSW SUPPORTS CUP!

Inside UNSW Article on computer donation and partnership between UNSW & CUP.

13 Apr 2026

This is what global impact looks like in practice.

A collaboration between UNSW Engineering and UNSW IT has helped Christ’s University in Pacific (CUP) in Tonga strengthen its research capability and day-to-day operations through the delivery of some of the most modern technology hardware. It includes laptops and desktop equipment – the basic technology most of us take for granted.

The donation sits squarely within UNSW’s societal impact priorities. By supporting access to technology, UNSW helps remove barriers to participation in education and research, particularly in regions where resources remain limited.

Technology that changes what’s possible

For CUP, the impact is immediate and deeply practical – it’s providing much-needed modern equipment ready for immediate use supporting teaching, administration, research and work.

“On behalf of Christ’s University in Pacific, we sincerely thank UNSW for your generous support and partnership,” said Reverend Dr Vili Vailea Saulala, Vice-Chancellor of CUP. 

“It will make such a difference for our students in developing digital skills and strengthens our University to deliver research and teaching outcomes for our community,” he said.

A shared commitment to education and research

This initiative shows what happens when faculties and professional teams work together with purpose.

The longstanding teaching relationship between Engineering and CUP was formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024. Since then, UNSW and CUP have collaborated on initiatives in Tonga, including conferences and student visits.

The idea to provide the computing equipment to CUP came from discussions Engineering and IT leadership had with Reverend Dr Vili Vailea Saulala during his visit to campus last year. They were astounded by the existing and very dated technology used in Tonga and collectively set the wheels in motion to identify, prepare and deliver the most modern solutions possible. It was also critical that these met CUP’s needs and could be deployed quickly on arrival. The collaboration highlights how UNSW extends our expertise beyond campus to support institutions operating in very different contexts, but with the same ambition for quality education and research. 

Dr Vili's (CUP VC) visit to UNSW late last year – with the MakerSpace team.

As Mark Griffith, Director of Customer Service Delivery at UNSW IT said, “It’s more than just hardware, and more than just a donation, it’s smart use of our ewaste processes to make a meaningful impact.

“This is a huge technology leap forward for the Tongan community. Sending state-of-the-art equipment, that they simply can’t get, goes beyond just studying and teaching. What it means to the team at CUP can’t put into words what many universities in Australia and around the world take for granted,” said Mark.

Working together for global impact

UNSW continues to look for meaningful ways to partner with institutions across the region, applying our resources, expertise and values to create long-term impact. This collaboration with CUP shows how even relatively small interventions can make a real difference when they align to shared goals.

It’s also a reminder that societal impact isn’t abstract. It happens when you connect people, capability and intent, and when you take responsibility for using what you have to support others.

Main image: Christ’s University in Pacific staff in Tonga with computer equipment donated by UNSW.