The Australia Awards Papua New Guinea is now offering the inaugural Georgina Kiele Scholarship for Women in Cybersecurity following the launching today at the Australia High Commission in Port Moresby city. The scholarship for Women in Cyber Security, honors the Late Ms. Georgina Kiele (1985-2025) who contributed immensely Papua New Guinea’s information technology sector. This also offers female cybersecurity professionals an opportunity to undertake world-class education and training in Australia. She was dedicated to the public service and through her work with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for more than eleven years, she pioneered cybersecurity and digital policies that shaped the country’s technological landscape. Minister Counsellor Health, Economy, and Infrastructure Dr. Kate Rogers, whilst speaking on behalf of the Australian High Commission, stated that this new scholarship offered through the Australia Awards program, is a testament to her lasting legacy and her dedication to public service. “From the stories that I heard about her and instantly knew that she was an inspirational person; she was a trailblazer and a leader in her field.” “She pioneered cybersecurity and digital policies that shaped the country’s technological and digital landscape. She was a fierce advocate for women and believed in the power of education.” “The scholarship will ensure her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women to make their mark in cybersecurity and in wider society.” Cybersecurity is vital in promoting investment, growth and development. This scholarship underlines Australia and Papua New Guinea’s shared commitment to building cybersecurity and supporting the development of women in critical sector. Meanwhile, Secretary of DICT, Mr. Steven Matainaho, also shared sentiments to the contribution that Georgina during her time at DICT. He said that this initiative is one of the best ways to commemorate and maintain the legacy of late Georgina and the principles and values that she stood for. “I’ve worked with her for at least five years during my time as the secretary of DICT and the focus was always on growing the ICT sector in PNG and one of the most important conversations we would also have, is about ensuring that there is more participation, equity and equality as well as inclusion within the ICT sector and the region as a whole.” “With that, I would like to thank particularly Australian High Commission for driving this initiative to where it is now as we witness the launch of the Georgina Kiele scholarship and as a department, we are also grateful towards this initiative and thank the family of Georgina for allowing this occasion to take place.” Mr. Matainaho further stated that this initiative along with its values and principles that late Georgina was so passionate about was growing the ICT sector, driving development in PNG through the use of ICT as well as ensuring that there is inclusion particularly with females in the ICT sector and specifically in the cyber security. Furthermore, applications are now open to eligible women, including women with disability and those from provinces. Applications must be received via https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/ by 30th of April of this year 2025 for studies beginning in 2026. Applicants must follow the application process for Australia Awards Scholarships in PNG.