Port Moresby, Tuesday, 22 April 2025 – A high-level delegation from Papua New Guinea departed for China today to visit PNG students studying under the Government’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme at Three Gorges University and to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and technical training.
The STEM programme is a flagship initiative of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, aimed at building a future generation of Papua New Guinean scientists, engineers, and innovators to drive national development. The programme is part of the Government’s long-term strategy to invest in human capital and equip young people with globally competitive skills.
Leading the delegation is Minister for Education Hon. Lucas Dekena, accompanied by Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra and Edevu Hydro Power founder Mr Allan Guo, a prominent supporter of the programme. The visit has been organised by Mr Guo, who has played a central role in forging partnerships between PNG and Chinese academic institutions. Also travelling is Dr Clement Waine, an experienced education leader and advisor to the government.
Speaking before departure in Port Moresby, Minister Dekena said the visit would allow the delegation to check on the progress and welfare of PNG students, while also learning from China’s remarkable development journey.
“We’re very thankful for the opportunity to go and visit our students, as well as to learn from what is happening there,” Minister Dekena said.
“China has come a long way. In the last 50 years, they’ve developed in ways we never imagined back when we were in high school. Their transformation in infrastructure, urbanisation and technology is something we can learn from and apply to our own development needs.”
He noted that the visit is not a sightseeing trip, but an educational mission to study China’s development model and extract lessons relevant to PNG’s rural and remote regions.
“Their roads, bridges, and construction technology are world-class. The terrain in many parts of China is similar to ours, and we can adapt their experience as a model for our own growth. We’re very grateful to Mr Allan Guo for making this visit possible.”
Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said the Marape Government’s STEM programme has grown significantly since its launch, with more than 200 students currently enrolled in universities across China, India, Fiji, and the United States.
“We currently have around 203 students studying overseas under the STEM programme,” he said. “Our technical teams are finalising the next cohort of students, which we expect to confirm by May or June.”
Dr Kombra revealed that the Department is exploring the creation of a transition programme, which would allow students to begin their academic training in Papua New Guinea before continuing abroad. The plan would involve Chinese lecturers travelling to PNG and students beginning Chinese language instruction prior to departure.
“We want to see if it’s possible for students to do the first part of their degree in PNG and then move to China to complete it. This will reduce delays and better prepare them for study abroad.”
He commended Mr Allan Guo for his pivotal role in facilitating the partnership with Three Gorges University and supporting the students on the ground.
“Allan has been a very strong advocate for STEM. He helped establish the initial connection with the university, organised the orientation year, and ensured our students settled in well. We are very grateful for his continued support.”
For his part, Mr Guo said the visit builds on the work that began last year with the establishment of the PNG students studying at Three Gorges University, and reflects a shared commitment to educational exchange and capacity building.
“This trip is to revisit our state students who are in Three Gorges,” Mr Guo said. “We are trying to access the university’s expertise and create a bridge so that knowledge and skills can be transferred back to PNG.”
He noted that the university’s location in Yichang, a mountainous and remote part of inland China, makes it an ideal learning environment for PNG students.
“When we are close to remote China, we can see the reference to our landmass and development needs. That’s more relevant than the big cities,” Guo said.
He reaffirmed his personal commitment to supporting STEM education and the long-term development of Papua New Guinean professionals.
“I am actively involved to make sure the students are educated properly and that they return as skilled professionals ready to serve the country.”
The visit will include meetings with university officials, campus tours, and discussions with PNG students currently studying at the university. It represents the Government’s ongoing investment in the development of human capital and its commitment to realising the vision of Prime Minister Marape for a modern, knowledge-driven Papua New Guinea.
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The STEM programme is an excellent initiative that showcases the government’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in science and technology. It’s inspiring to see young Papua New Guineans gaining world-class skills to contribute to national development. The partnerships with international institutions, especially in China, are a strategic move to bring valuable knowledge back home. How will the government ensure that the lessons learned abroad are effectively implemented in PNG’s rural and remote regions?