A night of celebration, recognition, and hope for the future marked the 10th anniversary of the STEM program in Papua New Guinea (PNG), as 80 top-performing students were honored ahead of their academic journeys to the United States, India, China, Malaysia, and Fiji.
The event, held in Port Moresby, brought together key government officials, international diplomatic representatives, education leaders, proud parents, and scholarship recipients under one roof to celebrate the third cohort of PNG’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students selected for overseas scholarships.
Dr. Uke Kombra, Secretary for the Department of Education, emphasized the significance of the evening, describing the selection of these students as a “golden opportunity” and a reflection of PNG’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s brightest young minds.
“You are the 1%,” Dr. Kombra told the students. “You have been chosen purely on academic merit, not on where you come from or who your parents are. You carry the hopes of your families, your communities, and your country.”
Dr. Kombra highlighted that out of over 17,000 Grade 10 graduates in 2022, only 203 students enrolled in STEM programs in the National Schools of Excellence in 2023. From those, 160 students have been selected this year, representing just 0.7% of all Grade 12 students – a testament to the program’s rigorous standards.
The event also marked the first official sponsorship by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), which committed to funding 30 students annually for the next five years.
“A big thank you to KPHL and the government of the day,” said the Dr. Kombra. “Your support will change lives and build our country’s future.”
The celebration was attended by representatives from the Indian High Commission, the United States Embassy, and other diplomatic missions – partners who continue to support PNG’s STEM advancement.
Minister for Education, Lucas Dekana, and Minister for Higher Education, Kinoka. Feo was acknowledged for their ongoing dedication to securing funding and logistical support for the program, despite financial challenges. Dr. Kombra praised Minister Dekana in particular for his relentless advocacy, noting that “he checks on the students 24/7.”
This year’s STEM scholars will pursue studies in 53 different disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biotechnology, Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Science, and Agricultural Biosystems – many of which are not currently offered in PNG.
“We believe that these students will return not just with degrees, but with the expertise to transform our economy, infrastructure, and society,” said Dr. Kombra.
He also reminded students of the cultural adjustments they would need to make, particularly in countries like India and the U.S., encouraging them to embrace diversity and maintain focus.
The emotional highlight of the night came when Dr. Kombra recalled a past recipient—the son of a taxi driver—who broke into tears upon receiving his scholarship, demonstrating the transformative power of education.
The Department of Education has now supported 368 students through the STEM scholarship program since its inception in 2021, with numbers expected to grow as partnerships expand and institutional frameworks strengthen.
“There is no difference between a child from PNG and Elon Musk,” Dr. Kombra said. “It’s about how much you are willing to work, how much you give, and how far you want to go.”
As the students prepare to depart for their studies abroad, the nation watches with pride and high expectations. The students are set to live for US and India next week.
“You don’t come back as any normal graduate,” Dr. Kombra reminded the students. “You are going overseas not just for yourselves, but to make a difference for your country.”