Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

New School of Business a monument to Papua New Guinean leadership

Papua New Guineans are at the heart of the construction of the new School of Business and Public Policy building at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).

UPNG’s School of Business and Public Policy is focused on producing technically skilled and capable leaders who possess the knowledge and ability to create and implement effective policy in the national interest.

The institution is one of the major buildings at the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct, a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of ethical, capable leaders.

Once completed, the new building will be iconic – a regional centre of excellence for the next generation of economic and public policy experts.

But UPNG staff and students are not the only ones to benefit. The construction team working on the new School are on their own journey of personal and professional development, becoming leaders in their fields.

The major construction company engaged to work on this project, L&A Construction is PNG-owned and was established in 1972. L&A currently employs approximately 850 people of which 425 are involved in the School of Business and Public Policy project.

The Infrastructure Project Manager, Taiko Lalo, has taken on increasing levels of responsibility and has enjoyed the challenge.

She previously worked on the new UPNG Lecture Theatre and the new library at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance, but the School of Business has been her biggest project so far.

“I like being challenged to find solutions, find the most viable ways to resolve problems, and continue with the project,” Taiko said.

“I see these buildings as iconic features of UPNG that will contribute immensely to education and student life.”

“I think it will enhance learning and teaching, and bring top notch graduates out into the workforce.”

The 36-year engineer has gained a wealth of experience from the project and has relished bringing the design to reality.

“As technology evolves, there are also new ways of doing stuff,” Taiko continued, “there are new building materials and new building systems that are always evolving.”

“A lot of thought has gone into the design and the new materials that are being used on the job, so that’s something that I have gained immensely by working on a project of this scale.

“What you learnt five years ago is not applicable in this day and age - with this building design, the specifications of the job involve new, up-to-date materials that are lighter, more economical, more efficient, and the design is more environmentally friendly.”

John Scott Mailau, a Safety Manager with L&A Construction, said the project has helped the team to build their skills and they feel part of something that will benefit the whole country.

“Working on this project has been patriotic for me,” he said, “maybe one day my children will come here.

“Looking at the building taking shape now – from just drawings on a piece of paper to its current state – is awesome.”

The new School of Business and Public Policy will contain international-standard teaching, research and study areas, with modern teaching equipment and ICT resources.

The learning, office and communal spaces will emphasise openness and foster a positive environment for staff and students.

“It’s a complex building and I’m sure the students and the teachers who will be occupying this space are going to love it! I’m proud to be working on this significant project – it’s not just any contract – this contract is supported by the Australian Government as part of the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia - It is state of the art!,” John continued.

It has seen Papua New Guineans and Australians work side-by-side on the project, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas.

John said his Aussie counterparts do more than just get the job done each day - they pass on expertise and knowledge to their local colleagues, an act that will continue to have a meaningful impact long after the construction project is completed.

“They’ve helped to educate us and enhance our skills and provide an opportunity for us to see ourselves as potential project managers on similar construction projects,” John said.

Sustainability – in terms of environmental impact and running costs for UPNG – were an important consideration in planning the new School of Business building, which will be environmentally friendly and low maintenance.

A design focus on capturing natural light, incorporating breezeways and installing energy efficient fixture will ensure less reliance on electricity, artificial lighting and air-conditioning.

The space will be bright and positive, promoting a new style of learning based on inquiry, discussion and adult learning.

It is fitting that the new building, which will cement the School’s contemporary vision and identity, is being made possible with the work of Papua New Guinea leaders in the construction field and their Australian partners.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

 

Natalie Romney, John Scott Mailau and Taiko Lalo going through some documents of the new SBPP.

 

Taiko and John at the construction site.