PNG CORE WELCOMES LAUNCH OF UNITECH SCHOOL OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

THE PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has welcomed the launch of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology’s (UNITECH) School of Petroleum Engineering, describing it as an important milestone for national workforce development and long-term capacity building in the country’s resources sector.

Speaking on behalf of industry at the official launch in Lae, PNG CORE Vice President Mr. John Derek Lewins congratulated UNITECH Vice-Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi, the Faculty of Engineering and the wider university community on establishing the new school.

Mr. Lewins said the launch reflected UNITECH’s long-standing contribution to developing engineers and technical professionals in Papua New Guinea and reinforced the importance of strengthening academic pathways that respond to the country’s evolving development needs.

“If our resources are to deliver enduring nation-building benefits, then we must build our people with the same seriousness and long-term commitment with which we build our projects,” Mr. Lewins said.

He said Papua New Guinea’s mining, oil and gas sector requires engineers and technical professionals who are adaptable, safety-focused, practically trained and able to work across complex technical, environmental, commercial and community settings.

Mr. Lewins added that the opportunity extends beyond any single project or discipline, with major current and prospective developments expected to require capability across engineering, geoscience, processing, maintenance, digital systems, environmental management, commercial disciplines, agriculture and community engagement.

For PNG CORE, this means looking beyond the number of people employed in individual projects and focusing on the broader capability that resource development can build across the economy and society.

Resource development should be measured not only by production and revenue, but also by the Papua New Guinean expertise, stronger institutions, experienced professionals, capable local businesses and future leaders developed and retained in the country.

PNG CORE also emphasised the value of practical collaboration between universities and industry, including technical input, guest practitioners, professional work experience, internships, mentoring, graduate development and exposure to current operating standards and technologies. Industry partners already support student and graduate development through initiatives such as internships, scholarships, technical mentorship, industrial training placements and graduate development programs, providing a strong foundation for deeper engagement with the new School of Petroleum Engineering.

PNG CORE’s role is to help connect industry and academic interests while respecting the University’s academic independence, including by coordinating practical industry engagement and helping UNITECH hear directly from employers about future workforce needs.

This aligns with PNG CORE’s Strategic Intent to create understanding, generate knowledge and forge relationships that empower Papua New Guinea to capture sustained nation-building benefits from its mineral, oil and gas resources. “This partnership can help ensure students gain the technical depth, practical exposure and professional confidence needed to build successful careers here in Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Lewins said.

PNG CORE congratulates UNITECH on the launch and looks forward to supporting collaboration that creates meaningful opportunities for students, provides useful feedback to the University and strengthens the pipeline of Papua New Guinean professionals entering and leading the resources sector.