Culture and faith combine for Tim at Brisbane Graduation ceremony

By Greg Chapman

The CQU Brisbane graduation was a very special event for Master in Information Technology graduate Tim Pouniu with his family adorning him in brightly-coloured cultural clothing to recognise his achievement. 

Tim wore a lei made from flowers, chocolate and money and a Taovala mat around his waist as a mark of respect to his Samoan heritage and his partner’s Tongan heritage.

“I’m full Samoan and my partner is full Tongan. The mat that I am wearing around my waist is a Tongan cultural piece called a Taovala that you wear for special occasions, in this case my graduation to represent my partner’s Tongan culture,” he said.

“The leis are a representation of the lei flower and how the flower blossoms embarking on its new journey, which in my case is embarking on a new journey after graduating. It is used on special occasions and often given by family members and friends as a sign of respect and also a sign of congratulating you.”

Tim said being the first in his family to graduate with a Master’s degree was a significant moment.

“I graduated with Master of Information Technology, majoring in Application Development. Graduation made me feel very proud and very emotional as all my sacrifices and hard work have all paid off,” he said.

“It made me feel extra special because my mum passed away to cancer after graduating from my Bachelor’s degree, so it made me very emotional not having her here to witness this milestone of mine but I know she’s smiling down celebrating from the heavens above.”

As he crossed the stage, the gathered crowd heard his aunty sing Thanksgiving Unto the Lord God, not just for Tim, but for all the graduates.

“In my Samoan culture, faith is very big and is something that is embedded to our culture. The song that was sung but my Aunty is a song about giving thanks to God for his guidance upon me to achieve my goal,” he said. 

Originally born in Sydney, Tim was raised in Otara, Auckland in New Zealand before he moved to Brisbane when he started high school.

He now works full time as an IT technician but he also aspires to become a university lecturer and complete a PhD in the field. 

Learn more about the Brisbane Graduation