The Government, through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), yesterday presented a cheque of K1 million to Port Moresby Technical College (POMTech) to support its ongoing infrastructure development.

DNPM Secretary Koney Samuel officially handed over the cheque to the college’s Principal Henry Wamaingu and Governing Council Chairman Kaime Kipi in the presence of academic staff.

In his remarks, Secretary Samuel underscored the importance of education in achieving Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050, which aspires to build a “smart, wise, fair, healthy, and happy society.”

“We need a highly educated and skilled workforce. That’s why investing in education—particularly technical education—is critical. It addresses the shortage of skilled manpower needed for the country’s upcoming mining, oil, and gas projects.

These projects are vital for our national development and provide an opportunity to correct past oversights,” he said.

He added that POMTech is one of the country’s premier technical institutions, enrolls more than 3,000 students annually and continues to play a central role in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)—a key priority of the Government.

Principal Wamaingu also highlighted the college’s reintroduction of its Business School, which now runs alongside its core trade programs.

“Last year, select business students from the college undertook industrial training with the DNPM, marking a significant first for the institution.

This funding will help us complete the construction of our Business School, which is currently 75 percent finished,” Mr. Wamaingu said.