The Australian Government and Australian natural gas developer Santos have underlined their commitment to Papua New Guinea’s economic development and expansion of its skills base by extending an innovative scholarship program.
The Australian government and Santos scholarship focuses on technical and management capability in Papua New Guinea’s natural resources sector. Awardees undertake study at Master’s level in Australia, before returning to PNG to utilise their new knowledge and expertise.
First awarded in 2019, the scholarship program in 2020 will support geologist and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited employee Ms Stephanie Manoi to study a Master of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Following her study, Ms Manoi will undertake an internship with Santos in Australia to consolidate her skills and expertise.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Bruce Davis, welcomed the partnership’s continuation and its contribution to developing PNG’s human resources sector.
‘I am delighted that the Australian Government and Santos are continuing this worthy and innovative partnership,’ High Commissioner Davis said.
‘This is an ongoing investment in PNG’s skills base and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to deliver benefits to PNG and its people.
‘I am especially pleased that the 2020 scholarship has been awarded to a woman. Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment are key priorities for Australia’s development activities in PNG and around the world.’
Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kevin Gallagher, said Santos was very pleased to continue its partnership with the Australian Government in support of PNG’s economic and social development.
‘We look forward to welcoming Stephanie to Adelaide to further her career. Santos is passionate about investing in the communities where we operate and one of the best ways to do so is through education,’ Mr Gallagher said.
Ms Manoi is following in the footsteps of inaugural awardee Mr Ivano Ivano.
“Mr Ivano has been a model student and trainee. He’s achieved outstanding academic results and has been a diligent, popular addition to the Santos team in Adelaide. He will shortly start the 12-week Santos vacation program from our Brisbane office before returning to PNG in February.”
Mr Ivano, from the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, said the experience in Adelaide has been invaluable, both professionally and personally.
“The opportunity I’ve had to come over here has been huge for me from a career perspective because the program that’s run at the University of Adelaide’s Australian School of Petroleum is all about the industry,” Mr Ivano said.
“I hope to have a career in structural geology and lot of the skills I’ve learnt this year I’ll be able to translate to actual benefits for Kumul Petroleum when I go home.”
‘Santos is a founding partner in PNG LNG and it’s an industry poised for growth. Helping train and improve the professional and technical skills of PNG’s local workforce contributes to the economic and social development of Australia’s nearest neighbour and close friend,’ Mr Gallagher said.
The Australian Awards PNG program is an enduring part of the PNG-Australia Partnership. More than 11,000 Papua New Guineans have benefitted from scholarships since the early 1950s under this long-term program.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100