opening of the new department of mathematics and computing science
US Ambassador Leslie Rowe (right) using the remote control to switch on the computer network at the new Department of Mathematics and Computing lecture room. On the right is chairman of the Commission of Higher Education, Simon Kenehe and primary school student Deloney the daughter of Mathematics lecturer, Priscilla Waya-Sukopa who did the honors to give the remote control to Ambassador Rowe. Picture by JEFFREY ELAPA
By KEVIN PAMBAFebruary 11, 2009
Investment in mathematics, computing and physical science education is the answer to PNG adding value to its resources rather than the current reliance on export of raw materials.
Chairman of the Commission of Higher Education, Simon Kenehe pointed this out when opening the new Department of Mathematics and Computing and launchinf of the new academic year at Divine Word University in Madang last Friday.
He said currently PNG's resources exported as raw material were "undervalued" and the country gains little from what it would have yielded through down-stream processing.
Mr Kenehe said when more Papua New Guineans are educated in mathematics, computing and the physical sciences, the country would hav21-Mar-2010ustries for its vast resources.
While congratulating DWU for realizing the importance of mathematics and computing, Mr Kehene challenged the University to go one step further to introduce science and engineering programs to develop the manpower that is needed to develop down-stream processing industries.
"We need a large number of engineers to convert these (vast natural) resources to wealth," said Mr Kenehe.
He urged DWU to help "build the human capital with science-based knowledge".
"The export of raw materials is a thing of the past," said Mr Kenehe.
Mr Kenehe also challenged educational institutions to incorporate the liberal arts into other specialist studies so that professionals in special fields are informed of cultures, have the social and people skills and ethics.
He said institutions of learning must appreciate the complexities of the modern world and prepare graduates to understand and face those challenges.
The chairman also challenged students to further their education to post-graduate level and not be content with their under-graduate degrees. He called on the students get advanced qualifications and be lecturers in the institutions of higher education to build the human resource.
Meanwhile, Mr Kenehe commended Pangtel and the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) for extending the temporary licence for the PNG Academic Research Network (PNGARNet) for another 12 months.
He said this now shows that the government bodies were realizing the importance of higher education and what better access to online study and research resources means.
Mr Kenehe also spoke on behalf of the Minister for Higher Education, Michael Ogio who did not attend the ceremony. Other dignitaries included keynote speaker and United States Ambassador, Leslie Rowe, Archbishop of Madang Catholic Archdiocese, William who also blessed the new department complex, students, staff and the members of the public.
