Training in Japan, Impact in Milne Bay

In January 2026, Mr. Yorkson, a civil engineer with the Work Supervision Unit of the Milne Bay Provincial Government, travelled to Japan to participate in a JICA training program on Road Asset Management.

It was his first trip overseas and an opportunity to learn how roads and bridges are maintained in Japan. Today, he is applying those lessons in PNG together with Mr. Koji Nakanishi, a JICA Volunteer working in the same office.

We met Yorkson in Port Moresby while he was attending a training program organized by the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH). As part of the program, he shared with fellow engineers the knowledge and experiences he gained through JICA's Road Asset Management training in Japan. During our conversation, he reflected on how those lessons are now helping improve road asset management efforts in Milne Bay Province.

"Engineers can easily access information such as when a bridge was built, when repairs were carried out, and previous inspection records. Having that information available makes maintenance planning much more effective."

One highlight of the training was a bridge inspection exercise in Nagasaki.
"The bridge was amazing. I was impressed not only by its size but also by the effort devoted to maintaining it."

"Having someone who understands the same concepts and objectives has been very helpful. We can work together to turn ideas into action."

A draft of the manual has already been completed and is currently being reviewed.

For Yorkson, one of the most valuable lessons from Japan was not only technical knowledge but also professional discipline and consistency.
"What I learned in Japan was not only technical knowledge. I learned the importance of doing the basics properly every day."

He believes PNG already has capable engineers and technical standards, and that continued improvement depends on applying them consistently in everyday work.

Rather than simply telling others what he learned, Yorkson tries to lead by example and share his experiences with colleagues whenever possible.

The training also gave Yorkson greater confidence in his own abilities.
Meeting engineers from different countries challenged him to step outside his comfort zone and take on new responsibilities.

"At first, I felt intimidated because many participants had advanced degrees and extensive experience. But the training helped me realize that I also had something to contribute."

Yorkson was also encouraged by the number of female engineers participating in the program and hopes to see more women enter the profession in PNG.
"There should be no restrictions on women becoming engineers. I encourage more female engineers in PNG to pursue opportunities like this and continue developing their skills."

Yorkson hopes that the inspection manual being developed in Milne Bay can eventually be adapted and used by other provinces across PNG.

"If it works well here, other provinces may be able to use it as well."
His experience demonstrates how international training and local collaboration can create practical improvements. Through the partnership between Yorkson and JICA Volunteer Koji Nakanishi, knowledge gained in Japan is already helping strengthen infrastructure management in Milne Bay Province. Their work shows how local leadership, supported by international cooperation, can contribute to stronger public services and a brighter future for communities across Papua New Guinea.

JICA supports Papua New Guinea's development through its training programs and JICA Volunteer Program. The collaboration between Mr. Yorkson and JICA Volunteer Mr. Koji Nakanishi demonstrates how these initiatives can work together to address local challenges.