High-achieving scholars receive awards for skills

TWO high-achieving Australia Awards scholars from Papua New Guinea have been awarded the Allison Sudradjat Prize for 2021 for their leadership skills and determination to contribute to the country’s development.
Deputy Australian High Commissioner to PNG Paul Lehmann presented the prestigious prize to Benishar Kombut, a scientist working in community health, and Posangat Ilius, a public sector human resource expert in Port Moresby on Jan 18.
The Allison Sudradjat Prize is awarded annually to two Australia Awards scholars from PNG and four from Indonesia.
It honours the late Australian official for her enduring contributions to education, development and the PNG -Australia partnership.
“Allison Sudradjat was passionate about the transformative power of education and made a lasting contribution to the PNG-Aust partnership while serving in PNG,” Lehmann said.
“I congratulate Kombut and Ilius on being awarded the Allison Sudradjat Prize for their leadership skills and drive to support PNG’s development.
“I wish them every success as they continue the proud tradition of previous Allison Sudradjat Prize winners by contributing to PNG’s development and the deep links between our two countries.”
Kombut, works at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, has been selected to study a master of biomedical science at The University of Melbourne.
“To receive a prize that commemorates the legacy of a pioneering woman and close friend of Papua New Guinea is a great honour,” Kombut said.
“I look forward to making the most of this opportunity to contribute to healthy communities and support Papua New Guinea’s development.”
Ilius, an officer of the Department of Personnel Management, has been selected to study a master of business administration in human resource management at the University of South Australia.
“It’s a privilege to be awarded the Allison Sudradjat Prize.
“I plan to use the prize to develop my leadership skills and support organisational change management in Papua New Guinea’s public sector,” Ilius said.
The Allison Sudradjat Prize has been awarded to 26 Australia Awards scholars from PNG since 2008.
The Prize includes up to AUD$25,000 (about K61,339.44) to undertake additional learning and professional development activities related to the recipients’ course of study.
Previous Allison Sudradjat Prize winners from PNG have undertaken projects in diverse fields including finance, policy development, public health, disaster risk reduction and wildlife conservation in PNG.