Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated the 30 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students who left for India on Saturday, July 27, 2024, on Papua New Guinea Government STEM scholarships.

Next month, another group of PNG’s bright STEM students will embark on their path to the USA, with a third group destined for China in September.

These 30 exceptional students, 14 females and 16 males, who excelled in their Grade 12 STEM studies in 2023 at the six national schools of excellence – Sogeri, Aiyura, Kerevat, Passam, Wawin, and Port Moresby – are poised to explore and excel in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, physiotherapy, biotechnology, mathematics, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, and more. They are accompanied by Mr. Benny Rayappan, Assistant Secretary of National Schools of Excellence, who is taking them to India.

Spearheaded by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, this transformative STEM initiative has already paved the way for 43 remarkable students from the 2022 programme to secure placements in US universities through PNG Government-funded scholarships.

“The departure of the 30 students to India marks a historic day for PNG as some of our top young minds set off on an inspiring journey to India, courtesy of our Government’s STEM scholarships,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“We are proud of our Grade 12 STEM students, who represent the cream of our educational system. This initiative is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing education and fostering global opportunities for PNG’s talented youth.

“I thank Education Minister Hon. Lucas Dekena, Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, Dr. Clement Waine and Mr. Benny Rayappan for working hard to make this a reality.

“Earlier this year, together with the visionary former Education Minister, the late Jimmy Uguro, I confirmed the continuation and expansion of the groundbreaking STEM scholarship programme, which is now happening. It highlights that our six national schools of excellence can provide students of international standards for overseas universities.

“This underscores the government’s dedication to fostering education and creating international opportunities for PNG’s talented youth.

Prime Minister Marape, who was instrumental in establishing the six national schools of excellence and the STEM programme, said the government is exploring more opportunities for PNG students to study overseas.

“We are exploring scholarship opportunities for STEM Grade 12 school leavers in other countries, including Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, and more. Indonesia has extended 2,000 scholarships to PNG students, with non-STEM Grade 12 school leavers being considered for this programme. We are committed to matching every scholarship offered by Indonesia, doubling the opportunities for young people.

“I want every child who has completed Grade 12, whether through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) or the regular system, to have opportunities for further education.”