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DWU Business Studies Celebrates 25th Symposium

Today, the Business Studies Department at Divine Word University, Madang Campus, proudly hosted the 25th Business Studies Symposium 2026 under the theme, "Three Decades of Excellence: Educating Leaders for National Development." The symposium brought together academics, students, researchers, industry professionals, alumni, and partners to celebrate the department's rich history and enduring contribution to nation-building through quality business education. The symposium featured presentations and insights from Ms Abigail Biti, Business Accountancy Final Year Student; Mr Benaiah Denny, Business Management Final Year Student; Dr Fiona N'Drower, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Informatics; Mr Philip Tibong, Owner of Amuna Transport Services and Amuna Security Services; and Mr Samuel Moka, Biomedical Engineer at Madang Provincial Hospital.

Reflecting on the department's journey, Faculty of Business and Informatics Dean, Dr. Fiona N'Drower, highlighted the remarkable legacy of the department: "Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of the department but also the vision, commitment, and faith of those who laid its foundation. Their efforts opened doors for generations of young Papua New Guineans to access quality business education. Over the years, the department has nurtured graduates who have gone on to serve as board directors, executive managers, entrepreneurs, accountants, public servants, policymakers, educators, and business leaders, making meaningful contributions to national development and the progress of our communities."

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Samuel Moka, Biomedical Engineer at Madang Provincial Hospital, shared his personal journey of perseverance, resilience, and growth, encouraging students and participants not to be discouraged by setbacks or failures but to remain focused on their goals. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized the importance of self-discipline, determination, and integrity in both personal and professional life. Reflecting on the values that have guided his career, Mr Moka remarked: "Failure should never be the end of your journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better. As future leaders, cultivate self-discipline, remain determined, and above all, uphold your integrity. Your name is your greatest asset in life. Protect it, build it with honesty, and it will open doors and take you further than you can imagine."

As one of the pioneering departments of Divine Word University, Business Studies has played a vital role in building the institution's reputation by producing graduates grounded in strong ethical values and equipped with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions in the workforce and their communities. The symposium proved to be both informative and inspiring, providing valuable insights, meaningful discussions, and opportunities for learning and reflection. It encouraged students to think critically about their roles as future leaders while offering all participants a deeper appreciation of the impact of business education on national development and community transformation. The Business Studies Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to its sponsors and partners, Pascoe Promotions, Tran Wonderland Limited (TWL), Ok Tedi Development Foundation, and the Alumni 2017 Batch led by Mr Willie Dulu and Melissa Sindiwan, for their generous support in making this milestone event a success.

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DWU Appoints Rev. Dr. Jose Orathinkal, SVD as Fourth President

The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Divine Word University (DWU) Council are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Jose Orathinkal, SVD as the fourth President of Divine Word University for the term 1 January 2027–31 December 2029.
 
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal brings to the presidency extensive experience in higher education, research, pastoral ministry and leadership within the Society of the Divine Word, underpinned by an outstanding academic record and decades of service in Papua New Guinea. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health and a Master of Family and Sexuality Studies from a leading Catholic university, the Katholique University of Leuven, Belgium.
He also holds a Master of Science in Guidance and Counselling from De La Salle University in the Philippines, as well as three Bachelor of Arts degrees majoring respectively in Theology, Philosophy, and Sociology, Christianity and English Literature from higher education institutions in India.
 
In addition, Rev. Dr. Orathinkal has undertaken numerous professional development courses in different countries. His research profile is reflected in peer-reviewed articles published in local and international journals and through his participation and presentations at national and international conferences.
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal first came to Papua New Guinea in 1987 under the SVD Overseas Training Program, serving in Wosera, Maprik, East Sepik Province, as a Pastoral and Youth Coordinator. He later returned to India to complete his studies and, following his ordination, came to Divine Word University in Madang in 1995, where he served as Chaplain and Lecturer.
Following postgraduate studies in the Philippines and Belgium, he returned to DWU as Senior Lecturer, Acting Dean and supervisor of graduate students. He later joined the University of Goroka as Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counselling while also serving as a member of the Divine Word University Council.
 
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal has also made significant contributions to the leadership of the Society of the Divine Word in Papua New Guinea, serving successively as a Member of the Provincial Council, Vice Provincial Superior and Provincial Superior for two terms.
The DWU Council believes that Rev. Dr. Orathinkal's extensive university experience, combined with his proven leadership as Provincial Superior, positions him well to advance the University's vision "to be the leading University, in the Catholic tradition, committed to Integral Human Development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region."
 
Announcing the appointment, Dr. Thomas Webster, Chair of the DWU Council, said:
"With his diverse university experience, coupled with his record of achievement during his two terms as an SVD Provincial Superior, the Divine Word University Council is confident that Rev. Dr. Orathinkal can drive the Divine Word University vision 'to be the leading University, in the Catholic tradition, committed to Integral Human Development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region.'
He will seek to integrate the DWU campuses strategically and enhance the quality of higher education through a strong teaching and learning, research and service culture. His personal, intellectual and leadership qualities will be at the service of Divine Word University in the next phase of its development.
We wish him every blessing and success in his leadership of Divine Word University."
 
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal will officially assume office on 1 January 2027
 
 

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