Geologist: Educated locals key to growth

THE key to the country’s future is well educated nationals, says Ken Vei, a local geologist, who just completed his two years of studies at Curtin University in Perth.
“I’ve learnt a lot in the past two years, professionally I have achieved a master of science in geophysics from a top university,” Vei said.
He said he was really impressed with the standard and the lecturers who were top-notch scientists and he looked forward to giving back to the country.
Vei said Perth was a beautiful city where he enjoyed with his wife and three children and it would be difficult to leave all their friends behind.
Vei obtained a scholarship from the Australian Government and his employer Kumul Petroleum generously kept him on their payroll during his studies.
“Where we might have needed a foreign consultant before, I will be able to step in, that will save Kumul Petroleum money and more importantly in the long term the skills stay in the country,” he said.
Kumul Petroleum’s managing director Wapu Sonk said their vision was to empower Papua New Guineans and education was a key focus area.
“We want to educate a new generation of Papua New Guineans for jobs in the oil and gas industry,” Sonk said.
“We established Kumul Petroleum academy in Port Moresby for that purpose but in some cases the best investment you can make is sending a talented Papua New Guinean overseas to learn.”