Three women to study in UK under STEM Master’s program

Three young Papua New Guinean women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM have been awarded the prestigious British Government’s Chevening Scholarship.

The trio will be off to the United Kingdom under a fully funded year long masters program at three different universities for 2024-2025.

They were farewelled at a small ceremony yesterday in Port Moresby by British High Commissioner Anne Macro, former PNG High Commissioner to UK Dame Winnie Kiap with other guests.

British High Commissioner Anne Macro in farewelling the young women urged them to study hard and make the most of their time in the UK

Dr. Amanda Avinaga who follows in her late father’s footsteps will be pursuing a masters of science in critical care at the Queen Mary University of London.

"I chose this Master's specifically because in Papua New Guinea there isn't any established critical care centre in the country itself.

"The need for it really came about during the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, plus in the South Pacific region," Dr. Avinaga said.

Also the love for the oceans and protecting it has prompted Maisy Lus to apply for the Applied Marine Science course at the University of Plymouth.

Whist the Technology is evolving and with PNG developing and its lack of resourcing, Veurageno Arava has taken it upon herself to pursue a masters in Cybersecurity and Forensics at Westminster University.

"PNG lacks technical expertise, especially in the field of cyber security. I've seen firsthand working as an analyst, an IT analyst with various clients, both in the private and public sector and realize the need for experts in the field," Arava said.

Meanwhile, returning scholars for cohort 2022-2023 were also welcomed back with completion certificates.