Turbocharging the private sector in the Highlands

On 19 March 2025, Australia Awards PNG partnered with the Western Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry to showcase Australia Awards PNG at an event in Mt Hagen.

The event welcomed businesses, industry, academia and alumni to give local business and industry better understanding of the benefits of engaging with Australia Awards PNG, and opportunities for doing so.

Australia Awards PNG representatives, Program Director Rebecca Gitsham spoke about the AAPNG model and how businesses can get involved, whether as employers or in providing professional development opportunities.

“There are so many bottlenecks to the education system in PNG. I am encouraging the members of the commerce and industry to encourage staff to apply for the scholarships so they can return and contribute to the community,” said Dr Alan Kulunga, President of the Western Highlands, Chamberof Commerce and Industry.

Over 300 alumni live in Western Highlands Province, with over 800 across the broader Highlands region, creating an impressive pool of potential resources for local businesses. Four local alumni also spoke at the event, to share their experiences as scholars and how they have been working with the PNG private sector since completing their studies.

“The Australia Awards scholarship built my confidence and professionalism. It has enabled me to take on a leadership role where I am upskilling school dropouts and encouraging young men and women to farm and conserve the environment,” said Samuel Walbo, Manager at the Faith Christian Assembly Missionary Home, Dobel, Western Highlands Province

Businesses interested in learning more about how they can benefit from engaging with alumni or Australia Awards PNG should contact the team at partnerships@australiaawardspng.org