Page 33 - Islands Business May 2023

(L-R) ICT Graduates, Esther Isimel
& Justine Tau Maro during their
recent graduation ceremony at the PNG
University of Technology on April 5, 2023.

PNGUoT contributing to the development of ICT

professionals in PNG & the Pacific Region

By Tabitha Wosse careers in information and communication technologies (ICT)
since April 8, 2011.
The PNG University of Technology (PNGUoT) proudly supports IGICT provides female leaders and professionals with an
the inclusive development of female ICT professionals in line opportunity to share their experience and inspire young girls and
with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) objective women. The program also aims to empower and educate more
to grow the number of women/girls that are making a career in girls to take up courses in STEM fields, including ICT.
the Information Communication and Technology world. Through such opportunities and partnerships with key
This is also in line with the Country’s national objective to industry agencies such as the National Information and
empower women in PNG in its ICT-related programs offered Technology Authority (NICTA), female students studying ICT-
at the undergraduate level. The University currently offers related programs at the PNG University of Technology and other
Bachelor of Business in Information Technology, Bachelor of tertiary institutions around the country have benefited from
Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Engineering in NICTA’s Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship program.
Communications Engineering. NICTA’s Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship was announced by
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology is one of the NICTA on World Telecommunication and Information Society
leading institutions in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea in terms Day (May 17) 2012 and was eventually launched in 2016.
of contributing towards the development of ICT professionals The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the duration of the
since 1970. program including book allowances, fortnightly stipends and
PNGUoT currently has over 100 female students studying in conveyance costs.
the ICT related fields. PNGUoT Scholarships Officer Mr. Leo Fugre says 17 female
As part of celebrating the achievements of ICT professionals scholars studying Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and
and empowering young girls and women in the profession, Business IT at the University have benefited from this scholarship
PNGUoT observed the International Day of Girls in ICT (IGICT) program since 2019.
on April 27 and this month observes the Telecommunications Two pioneer scholarship awardees graduated during PNGUoT’s
and Information Society Day on May 17. 55th graduation ceremony on April 5.
International Girls in Information and Communication PNGUoT is proud to produce some of the best female
Technologies (IGICT) was an initiative of the International professionals in the ICT industry who are making an impact in
Telecommunication Union (ITU) to create programs that the digitalized world and those about to.
encourage girls and young women to consider studies and
Sponsored Content Islands Business, May 2023 33