Returned JICA trainees contribute to the sustainable development of PNG

More than 90 government officials and executive heads of government agencies were at Lamana Hotel on Friday 9 May 2025 to observe presentations by three returned JICA scholars from Japan who presented their Masters’ theses. These thesis presentations were also accompanied with an action plan presentation by an officer from the National Energy Authority who recently concluded her short-term training on the Promotion of “Hydropower Development” in Japan.

The three returned scholars were Mr. Benny Poke, an exploration geologist with the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Mr. Podi Vai, a mechanical engineer of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Mr. Tai Kui, a scientist of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). Mr. Poke’s research focused on “Rare earth minerals and geochemical signatures of the Morobe Granodiorite”, and Mr. Vai reported on “Enhancing airport infrastructure in Papua New Guinea” highlighted some critical recommendations for enhancing airports in the country, and Mr. Kui’s presentation was based on his research, “Evaluation of soil cultivation techniques and numerical prediction for sweet potato under extreme weather condition.” All scholars re-emphasized the need to conduct further improved research into the respective research areas; along with the need for support from partners to implement this continued research.

These presentations were followed by a presentation of training report and action plan by Ms. Carol Pokon, a mechanical engineer with the National Energy Authority (NEA), who had attended a short term training on “Hydropower Development.” Her presentation highlighted some interesting lessons she was able to bring back from the site visits she had undertaken in Japan.

・JICA Support to Human Resource Development in PNG
JICA continues these seminars to allow returning scholars and training participants to share the knowledge and experiences they have acquired in Japan with their respective organizations, higher education, and research institutions; with the aim of creating further dialogue on pressing development challenges faced in PNG and demonstrate how critical research and training participants’ action plans can attempt to address them.

The presentations conducted by the scholars are significant as they are research based, hence can inform policy development process in PNG.

Since 1974, JICA has provided trainings and scholarship opportunities in Japan to nearly 5,000 Papua New Guineans and will continue to prioritize capacity development for PNG government officials through the following available training options:

・Short Term Training;
1. Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) Short-term Training Courses
2. Young Leaders Program

・JICA scholarships offered in PNG:
JICA currently implements the following scholarship programs to enhance the qualification and skills of the public servants;
1. SDGs Global Leader Scholarship Program (All sectors)
2. Kizuna Scholarship Program (Mining/mineral processing sector)
3. Agri-net Scholarship Program (Food security)
4. Road Asset Management Program- RAMP Scholarship Program (Infrastructure & engineering)
5. The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship （JDS Scholarship Program） (Governance, Economics and Policy making)


Media broadcast of this event can be found on this link (from 21min) NATIONAL EMTV NEWS | 6PM | FRIDAY 09th MAY, 2025 - YouTube