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.

Picture 1.2007-Pioneer Bachelor Degree in

Tourism and Hospitality Management Cohort 

Picture 2: Part of Ela Diwai Rugby League

Club in 2007

Picture 3.2021 Young Researcher of the

Year Award

Picture 4. Graduated in Master of Tourism,

Otago University, New Zealand, 2016

Picture 5. Completed Introduction to

Academic Program (IAP) at Flinders

University, 2026

Picture 6: Help coordinate fundraising

activities to build a new Church building

for Sinsibai Scared Heart of Jesus Parish

in the Archdiocese of Mt. Hagen, WHP.