30 PNG scholars head to America for STEM studies

A cohort of thirty young Papua New Guineans is set to depart for the United States after being officially farewelled at a ceremony in the nation's capital, part of a continuing push to build local expertise in science and technology fields.

Tuesday's event at the National Library in Port Moresby served as a final briefing for the students before their journey, giving them practical guidance on what to expect as they settle into American academic life.

 Thirty PNG scholars head to America for STEM studies/Photo supplied

Addressing the scholars, US Embassy chargé d'affaires to PNG Andy Covington described their achievement as a reflection of the close working relationship PNG has built with the United States in the education space, involving government departments, universities and the embassy alike.

“This orientation reflects a true commitment between PNG's education department, leading US higher education institutions, and the US Embassy to prepare PNG's brightest minds to lead in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he said.

The group is headed to a spread of institutions across the US, including South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University, South Dakota Mines, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Houston-Texas, where they will pursue their respective STEM disciplines.

Covington pointed out that American universities rank among the world's foremost centres for scientific and technical learning, and said the students were fortunate to be entering that environment at such a formative stage of their education.

He also acknowledged the financial backing of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited as principal sponsor of the scholarship initiative, along with the continued support of Education Minister Francis Siune, DHERST Minister Kinoka Feo and Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra in advancing education opportunities across the country.

“By choosing to study Stem in America, you are placing yourselves at the very centre of global scientific progress,” Covington said.