Aug 17, 2010

Director General of the office Higher Education, Dr William Tagis (left) and President of DWU, Fr Jan Czuba before the opening of the 3rd annual Science and Technology Conference at DWU’s Madang campus on Monday 16th August, 2010.	East New Britain students performing a traditional dance to welcome guests and participants to the 3rd annual Science and Technology Conference at DWU.

The Office of Higher Education (OHE)-initiated 3rd annual “Science and Technology Conference” at Divine Word University in Madang began on Monday. Over 200 participants from PNG and abroad attended the opening day sessions.

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Michael Ogio was not available to open the conference but sent an apology and his statement was read out by the director of the Office of Higher Education, Dr William Tagis.

Researchers, academics and students from the six national universities, various research organizations and international universities assembled to present their papers on the theme “Improving and Enhancing Human Development in PNG through the Scientific and Technological Innovative Approaches” over the five days.

Mr Ogio’s speech noted that the Science and Technology conference was timely adding that whatever suggestions that come out of it should help fulfill the Government’s recently launched “Vision 2050”.

The Minister said the conference should not be treated as an extension of theory but a forum to discuss and disseminate information about the practical ways of doing things through the innovative use of science and technology.

He said it was appropriately being held at University that was showing the leadership in the innovative use of Information and communication technology.

Dr Tagis pointed out that “Vision 2050” claims 5 per cent of PNG’s gross domestic product (GDP) would be spent on “research and development” and the government will stand accountable for this statistic.

President of DWU Fr Jan Czuba in his welcome address said the conference was one platform that the higher education sector can use to find ways to support the Government’s Vision 2050.

Fr Czuba said it was important for the actors in the higher education to use such forums to consider what the role of the sector is in the development agenda for PNG national and Pacific region.

According to host organizing committee chairman, Professor Francis Hombhanje, the conference was initiated by the OHE several years ago to involve the higher education advising government policy on how best science and technology can used for national development.