Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Kumul Petroleum geologist first to undertake Master’s study under the Australian government and Santos scholarship

Geologist Ivano Ivano has been awarded a scholarship through a new partnership between Santos Limited and the Australian Government to undertake a Master of Science (Petroleum Geoscience) at the University of Adelaide in Australia next year.

Mr Ivano, from Eastern Highlands province, was nominated by his employer Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited. Ivano was selected as a result of his outstanding performance and the leadership potential he has shown in his workplace.

“I am very grateful to my employer Kumul Petroleum Holdings, Santos Limited and the Australian Government for this privilege to further my studies. Such partnerships are needed to help facilitate progress and development of nationals in PNG and I am humbled to be given this opportunity,’ he said.

He is the first recipient under this new partnership between the Australian Government and Santos Limited.

Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis, said the award is a great example of the public and private sectors collaborating to support national growth.

“Mr Ivano exemplifies this award through his leadership and drive within Kumul Petroleum. He is a fine example of this public private partnership building leadership and capacity to the natural resources sector,” he said.

Ivano’s study will include industrial training in one of Santo’s operations.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said Santos is passionate about investing in local human resources, not only in the communities where it operates, but also in national staff who work in PNG’s oil and gas sector.

Mr Gallagher stressed the importance of building capability within the local workforce. “The idea is that Ivano will take this knowledge back to PNG and play a bigger part in helping the nation’s economic development, for the benefit of the broader community and Santos is happy to be a part of that growth through this partnership with the Australian Government.”

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