Papua New Guinea's oldest public service training institution, the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance witnessed 406 ambitious public servants, obtain their diploma certificates in their respective courses in SILAG's third graduation. SILAG Board Chairlady and Department of Personnel Management Secretary Ms Taies Sansan said, SILAG has trained many public servants for over 60 years with the aim to up skill public servants to better serve the people of Papua New Guinea. “For 71 years, SILAG has trained a lot of public servants over the years standing as a foundation of governance long before Papua New Guinea gained independence." "Its legacy is one of the dedications, transformation and nation building.” “It is fitting that today’s graduation occurs as PNG commemorates its 50th anniversary, reinforcing the deeply rooted connection between SILAG’s mission and our nation’s progress.” Ms Sansan thanked the Australian government’s support throughout the years for enabling the institute to come to where it is today, as we celebrate the AZAC day today. She urged the graduates that service to the state and people must come first and also to serve with excellence and integrity. “Our focus as public servants must be service to the state. So as public servants, our purpose must be clear from the start of entry into the civil service. And that is to deliver to our people and offering that service to the state which become primary overall matters. We need to lead by example.” She added that, as SILAG continues to advance their leadership programs with a clear purpose, plans are in place to transform SILAG into a public servants University by 2027. “To support the governments vision and the steadfast support of the Public Service Minister and under the leadership of SILAG CEO Mr. Barobe, the institute is breaking new grounds, advancing leadership programs, forming strategic partnerships across PNG and the Pacific, progressing legislative amendments to make public trading mandatory." "In doing so, laying down the foundations for our transformation and transition into a public sector university by 2027.” She reaffirmed that, that is the board's goal, and they are working tirelessly to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, four graduates received four academic excellence awards, which includes; Stewart Sikaras- Advanced diploma in leadership and management, Kaspar Solo Puli - Diploma of Government leadership and Governance, Fits Lualuba - Certificate 4 in Leadership and Management and the leadership award was awarded to Joanne Clarkson - Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management.