Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), the State owned national petroleum and energy company, has announced a new scholarship program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, offering a path to overseas study and future employment opportunities. KPHL’s Corporate Secretary, Dianne Aikung, revealed that starting in 2025, 20 top STEM graduates from Schools of Excellence will be funded for tertiary education at overseas universities. She stated, “For KPHL, investing in people contributes to the development and prosperity of the nation just as much as investment in infrastructure and services.” After completing their studies, these graduates will join KPHL’s Graduate Development Program to enhance their careers. She revealed this when attending Wawin National School of Excellence’s 22nd graduation on Friday, September 20th. Wawin is nestled in the middle of the Markham valley grasslands and is one of only six National High Schools with this moniker in the country, sitting alongside those at Sogeri, Aiyura, Passam, Kerevat, and Port Moresby. Ms Aikung, the most senior female employee of KPHL, said during the graduation, “As a new initiative Kumul Petroleum Holdings in partnership with the Government is prepared to fund STEM tertiary studies of 20 top graduates from Schools of Excellence in the country every year from 2025 at an overseas university." "We are currently liaising with DHERST (Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology) and other agencies on the details of these placement arrangements.” “Additionally, on successful graduation from their overseas STEM studies Kumul Petroleum will take these degree qualified individuals into its Graduate Development Program to continue the growth of the company .” In her address Ms Aikung stressed that in STEM and in all disciplines, there was no reason why male and female employees should not compete equally and aspire to senior management and directorial roles in the public and private sectors. Ms Aikung provided a number of examples of successful women who had made the transition from professional excellence to becoming directors of companies. ”Kumul Petroleum’s support for STEM education is in line with the Government initiatives and policy.” KPHL also supports the Government and country through health infrastructure, rural electrification and other community development and sporting programmes.” “This is an example of how, as the national petroleum and energy company, KPHL is actively transferring the wealth generated from development of our natural resources to improving human capital and social development in our country," Ms Aikung said.