Mr. & Miss DWU 2026 Crowned

DWU Crowns Mr and Miss Divine Word University 2026 at a Night of Leadership, Talent and Service

The Mr. & Miss Divine Word University 2026 Pageant Night was a spectacular evening of elegance, talent, and leadership at the DWU Madang Campus. Contestants representing the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Business and Informatics, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences impressed the audience with their career wear presentations, contemporary talents, evening wear displays, and on-stage responses to questions from the judging panel, showcasing confidence, intelligence, and character.

In his welcome address, Student Representative Council President Mr. Penuel Ben Wangu reminded the audience that the pageant was about much more than competition, emphasizing that "being crowned is not only about appearance, but about character, intelligence, confidence, and a genuine desire to serve." He also highlighted the event's greater purpose, noting that proceeds from the evening would support the installation of water tap filters across student residences and the FMHS campus, adding that "every contribution made tonight is helping turn this vision into a reality for our students."

The evening was further enriched by a keynote address from DWU President Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs, who encouraged contestants to embrace leadership through service and to use their gifts and education to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Reflecting on the role of young leaders in nation-building, he reminded the audience that "true success is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the positive impact we have on the lives of others." Guest speaker Ms. Kappa Gaoma, Miss Divine Word University 2022 and Communication Arts (Journalism) alumna, thanked Divine Word University for providing a platform that helps students grow holistically and pursue their dreams, noting that "DWU continues to empower students to discover their potential, build confidence, and become leaders in their own right." Miss Divine Word University 2025, Theresianthea Bengi, a Communication Arts (Journalism) student, also shared her journey of growth and service, encouraging students to support one another and reminding them that "a woman's success doesn't take away from yours; there is enough room for all of us."

The night concluded with the presentation of awards and the crowning of the new Mr. and Miss Divine Word University 2026. DWU extends its heartfelt congratulations to all contestants for their outstanding performances and sincere appreciation to the Student Representative Council, organising committee, staff, students, sponsors, and volunteers whose hard work made the event a memorable success.

The DWU Pageant Contestants (from left to right)

Mr and Miss Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences,

Gini Sega & Marcia Norman, Mr And Miss Faculty

of Business & Informatics, Jonathan Waso &

Sietske Kapera, Mr & Miss Faculty of Medicine &

Health Sciences  McQuard Kombe & Shantelle Auka.

Mr. and Miss DWU 2026.

Mr. and Miss Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

 Apsie Tese

Alumni Stories: Allan Sumb

From Student to Scholar: Allan Sumb's Inspiring Journey with Divine Word University

Madang, Papua New Guinea – Allan Sumb's academic and professional journey is a remarkable testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and dedication to serving others. Having graduated from Divine Word University (DWU) five times and now pursuing a PhD in Australia, Sumb continues to embody the University's mission of academic excellence, research, and community service.

Originally from the Western Highlands Province, Sumb first enrolled at Divine Word University in 2001 in the Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management program. At the time, the University did not offer a bachelor's degree in tourism. After successfully completing the two-year diploma program, he graduated in 2003 and entered the hospitality industry, where he worked in various establishments in Mt. Hagen for three years.

In 2006, DWU introduced its first Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management program. Recognizing the opportunity to further his education, Sumb returned to the University and enrolled directly into the third year of the program. He completed his studies in 2007 and graduated in 2008 as part of the pioneering cohort of graduates in the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management program.

Following graduation, Sumb joined the National Polytechnic Institute of Papua New Guinea in Lae, where he worked from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, he returned to his alma mater as a tutor in the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department, beginning what would become a distinguished academic career.

Committed to continuous professional development, Sumb pursued a Master of Tourism at the University of Otago in New Zealand in 2015 under a scholarship. He returned to DWU in 2017 to continue teaching and contributing to academic development. In 2021, he enrolled in the Master of Research Methodology program at DWU and graduated in 2023, further strengthening his research capabilities.

Throughout his academic journey, Sumb has earned five qualifications from Divine Word University:

• Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management (2003)
• Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management (2008)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2009)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning (2014)
• Master of Research Methodology (2023)

Having spent much of his life in Madang, Sumb considers the province his second home. It is where he has built his academic career and where his children were born and raised.

Reflecting on his journey, Sumb said he is proud to have witnessed the growth and transformation of Divine Word University over the years and remains grateful for the opportunities it has provided.

"I am happy to give back to Divine Word University," he said. "I have always tried to uphold the University's mission by fully engaging in teaching, learning, research, and community service."

His commitment to research has been particularly noteworthy. Over the years, Sumb has published more than 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and has actively contributed to tourism and development research in Papua New Guinea and did conference presentations both in PNG abroad. In recognition of his outstanding research contributions, he received the DWU Young Researcher Award in 2021.

Beyond academia, Sumb is deeply involved in community service through the Catholic Church. He currently serves as the Fundraising Chairman for the Sinsibai Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Mt. Hagen. Under his leadership, the parish has successfully mobilized support for the construction of a new church building, which is now more than halfway to completion.

Sumb is currently on study leave from Divine Word University while pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. His research focuses on climate change, population dynamics, and sustainable tourism development in Papua New Guinea.

In addition to his doctoral studies, he serves as a tutor at Flinders University, where he supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The role has provided him with valuable teaching experience while broadening his understanding of Indigenous cultures, inclusive education, and academic support.

As he continues his doctoral journey, Sumb remains committed to contributing to Papua New Guinea through research, higher education, and community development. His story reflects the transformative power of education and serves as an inspiration to current and future students of Divine Word University.

2007-Pioneer Bachelor Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management Cohort 

Part of Ela Diwai Rugby League Club in 2007

2021 Young Researcher of the Year Award

Graduated in Master of Tourism, Otago University,

New Zealand, 2016

Completed Introduction to Academic Program (IAP)

at Flinders University, 2026

Help coordinate fundraising activities to build a

new Church building for Sinsibai Scared Heart of

Jesus Parish in the Archdiocese of Mt. Hagen, WHP.

 Apsie Tese