Graduates from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) engineering programs can now hold degrees recognized internationally, opening doors to global job opportunities.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ora Renagi expressed excitement over this achievement but cautioned about potential downsides. While the accreditation allows graduates to work anywhere, it may also lead to a “brain drain” if there are not enough local opportunities to keep talent in the country.
Dr. Renagi emphasized that “PNG must create more job opportunities to retain its skilled workforce.”
However, he also acknowledged the benefits of exporting talent, noting that many countries, like Moldova, thrive by sending human capital abroad while receiving financial returns.
PNG UoT recently earned full accreditation for its five engineering programs through Engineers Australia, a member of the Washington Accord. This recognition has sparked positive energy on campus, with students and staff embracing the achievement.
Looking ahead, Unitech is pushing to get all its programs accredited to international standards, and Dr. Renagi stressed the university’s commitment to turning research into real-world innovations and businesses. Through partnerships with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the ICT cluster, PNG UoT is creating pathways for students to transform ideas into startups.
The IEPNG Annual General Meeting in Lae highlighted the need for innovation and the importance of retaining local talent for PNG’s future.