Pursue technological advances, graduates told

 By ELLEN TIAMU

GRADUATES of the PNG University of Technology have been challenged to pursue technological and scientific advances for the country.

Acting Minister for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology Don Polye issued the challenge during the university’s 45th graduation ceremony at the Lae 

campus.

Polye told the 1047 graduating students that technology and science were advancing worldwide and PNG needed to be part of these changes.

He said global warming and changes in climate needed graduates in engineering and agriculture to look at the phenomenon and find local solutions. 

Graduates in land management were also challenged to explore ways to determine and resolve land issues plaguing the country, he said. 

The minister said communication technology was also advancing rapidly and the onus was on intellectuals in the field to strive to keep up with these changes.

“Real change must come from scientists. Go into the field as solutions to challenges that are ahead,” he said.

While persuading students to advance their education overseas, Polye also urged them to return to PNG and contribute and lead the technological and specialist workforce.

He also reminded them to maintain high moral standards as HIV and social problems were prevalent and escalating in communities and 

society.

The four-hour graduation ceremony began three hours late and concluded 

at 4pm.

Polye added that he was late arriving from Port Moresby as he had to check on the validity of signatures on the diplomas and degrees.

He assured the graduates that the signatures on their certificates were legal and there was no cause for concern.

Hundreds of people, including families and relatives of the graduates, attended the ceremony in Lae, Morobe.