PNG PM Marape Congratulates Albanese on Re-Election, Reaffirms Strong PNG-Australia Ties

 The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) has taken a major step toward enhancing its global engagement by appointing a Director for its newly established Office of Strategic Internationalization. This initiative is part of the university’s broader commitment to building robust international partnerships and positioning itself as a globally recognized institution.

Papua New Guinea University of Technology Expands Global Outreach with New Leadership [photo by PNG Unitech]

With this new office, PNGUoT aims to strengthen academic and research collaborations with leading universities around the world, expanding opportunities for staff and student exchanges, joint programs, and cross-border innovation. The appointment of Ms. Ainsley Hemming to lead the office marks a strategic milestone in driving these efforts forward.

Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi said the creation of the office reflects the university’s vision to align with global standards and capitalize on current international affiliations, including its ongoing collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He emphasized that the recent international accreditation of the engineering programs by Engineers Australia under the Washington Accord has positioned PNGUoT on a promising path toward global competitiveness.

“Our university may be small, but we have big aspirations,” Professor Renagi noted. “To compete on the world stage, we must not only ensure our programs meet international benchmarks but also build an ecosystem that supports global engagement.”

Ms. Hemming, who holds academic qualifications in sociology and international relations, expressed excitement about her new role and the university’s direction. Speaking from PNGUoT’s Taraka campus, she described the appointment as an opportunity to harness recent successes and industry interest in advancing the university’s influence across the Pacific region.

“There is great momentum here,” Ms. Hemming said. “This is more than an administrative role—it's a chance to contribute to PNGUoT’s emergence as a regional academic leader and an agent of change for Papua New Guinea and its neighbors.”

Professor Renagi also acknowledged the strong financial support received from key industry stakeholders to fund the director’s role. Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL), and the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV) were all recognized for their contributions.

He praised the support as a vote of confidence in PNGUoT’s mission to lead in higher education while building productive international and industry linkages that will benefit the nation in the long term.

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