May 02, 2010

Governor General, Sir Paulias Matane has called on academic institutions to forge greater partnership with business houses and non-government organizations to meet the myriad of challenges of the modern era.

In his keynote address to the Divine Word University’s annual Open Day in Madang on Sunday 2 May, 2010, Sir Paulias said the partnerships were important to groom better professionals.

“Such partnership arrangement exposes students to hands-on experience that will mould them to be efficient, competent and resourceful individuals in their respective professions,” said Sir Paulias.

He said the focus of partnership must be about “quality education”.

The theme for the 2010 DWU Open Day was ‘In Partnership for Quality of Higher Education in Papua New Guinea’.

The Governor General commended DWU for continually forging partnerships with various organizations and the Open Day was a visible exposition of such collaborations with various business houses, government agencies and non-government organizations participating with the academic departments.

“Having a wide range of partnership with various stakeholders who share similar goals and visions at Divine Word University is both sound and practical and will result in mutual benefit for all concerned,” said Sir Paulias.

He also praised DWU for its bold initiative to fight climate change by implementing the “Paperless University Policy” this year where the use of paper has been curtailed and replaced with the use of information and communication technology.

“I commend the University Council, President Fr Jan Czuba and his administration for the astuteness, innovation and courage demonstrated in light of this pressing global issue.

“The DWU has indeed set the standard which other universities, academic institutions, government and non-government organizations can, and should emulate,” said Sir Paulias.

Fr Czuba said without the many partners DWU would not make it this far.

He said functions such as the Open Day “strengthens friendships and add greatly to the success of this university”.

“Success in higher education is, I think, the payment for using our time and strengths wisely and sharing them with our friends,” Fr Cuzba said.

“Our biggest strength is absolutely your friendship, our students and staff.

“Together in partnership, we can make it happen – to enhance the Quality of Higher Education in Papua New Guinea.”

DWU Council Member, Sir Peter Barter speaking on behalf of the chairman, Dr Father Garrett Roche, attributed the success of the university to its “ecumenical” being.  Sir Peter said as a Christian university, the DWU is open to all and the Open Day provides a glimpse of the willingness to be engaged and be responsive to the partners and the society.

The veteran Madang businessman also challenged DWU to introduce courses like mining, geology and conflict resolution as a response to the needs arising. Sir Peter acknowledged DWU’s responsiveness to needs of the country by introducing niche programs such as Tourism and Hospitality Management.