Papua New Guinea University of Technology Annual Report 2022

Vice Chancellor’s Overview

The past year, 2022, has been another triumphant year for PNGUoT. The implementation of the Strategic Plan continued. Given the focus on quality education, the Engineering Departments continued implementing strategic objectives towards full accreditation of their programs by 2024. Credit is accorded to the Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board, Mr. Luke Liria, for diligently guiding the accreditation process backed by the Dean of Engineering and the Accreditation Manager. The proactive leadership provided by the Engineering Departments has rubbed off on all other Departments. Under the able leadership of Professor Gonduan, a dedicated working committee was formed, directing all HODs to initiate the process of benchmarking respective courses to international or industry standards.

The research budget has been augmented to K1 million. We are steadily progressing toward our strategic goal of fostering a robust research culture. Our staff has consistently engaged in research, publishing their findings in esteemed peer-reviewed journals. Many of these scholarly articles were showcased during the Huon Seminar, which took place from the 30th to the 31st of August at PNGUoT. Numerous staff and students presented their research findings on the theme of “Embracing engineering technology and science to mitigate poverty.” The Postgraduate School remains at the forefront of these research endeavours. The number at the postgraduate school had also increased to a total of 170 Masters and 30 PhD students.

Given the focus on access, PNGUoT also increased its intake through on-campus and online teaching. There is a total of 3300 students on-campus. The PNGUoT started rolling out online courses to major centers around PNG in 2022, initially with 60 students. There are plans to increase these numbers in the coming years. The initial online courses included Business Accountancy, Communications for Development, Geomatics, and Agriculture for Rural Development. The Simbu Unitech Satellite University (SUSU) will be the model campus for the online delivery of PNGUoT courses to the provinces.

The four consecutive unqualified financial audits have further strengthened the funding position of the University. The profile regarding PNGUoT accountability and transparency is reaching the hearts of the stakeholders. The bilateral partners have generously supported PNGUoT, thus; (a) Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited with K2.6 million for engineering laboratory equipment, (b) the Indian High Commission with K500,000.00 for IT equipment, (c) the Chinese Embassy with K100,000.00 for teaching equipment, (d) the Australian High Commission with K310,000.00 for academic strengthening program with the Engineering Depts. PNGUoT has focused strongly on maintaining its building and a facelift to the existing infrastructure, including staff housing. The campus looks brighter with renovation works on dormitories, academic and admin buildings, and the upkeep of the grounds. The security of the campus has improved markedly with the engagement of G4S and the guard dogs.

We look forward to another successful year in 2023.

Professor Ora Renagi OL

Vice Chancellor