OUTSTANDING PAPUA NEW GUINEAN ACADEMIC: Dr. Samuel Joseph Kopamu

A Man of Humility and Wisdom

Dr. Samuel Joseph Kopamu comes from Mukurisa Village, Wabag, in Enga Province. He is one of PNG’s brightest academic minds. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. He then earned a Master of Science from Monash University, Melbourne, in 1991, and a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom, in 1996.

For over 23 years he has served PNG’s higher education sector as a lecturer and senior lecturer at the country’s three largest universities: UPNG, PNG University of Technology, and University of Goroka.

In 2012 he relocated to Goroka with his family. A year later he was appointed Head of the Mathematics Division at UOG, serving until 2015 when he became Acting Pro Vice Chancellor. Even while in senior administration, he continues to teach pure mathematics and supervise postgraduate research students.

Dr. Kopamu has represented PNG on the world stage. He attended the International Congress of Mathematicians in South Korea in 2014, one of the largest gatherings of mathematicians globally. As President of the PNG Mathematical Society, he led the push for PNGMS to gain full membership in the International Mathematical Union - a major milestone for PNG science. He also helped organize an international mathematics conference at UOG in 2014.

Beyond teaching, Dr. Kopamu is deeply committed to building a better Papua New Guinea. He believes true development comes through education and empowering Papua New Guineans with knowledge and wisdom.

Source: Educational News

PM RABUKA CONGRATULATES DR. ANNA NAUPA ON HER APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE MSG

Prime Minister and Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, has extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Anna Naupa of Vanuatu on her appointment as the new Director General of the MSG Secretariat.

Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the appointment as a significant milestone for both Vanuatu and the wider Melanesian family, noting that Dr. Naupa brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership credentials, and a deep understanding of the region’s development priorities.

“As Chair of the MSG, I congratulate Dr. Anna Naupa on her appointment and wish her every success as she assumes this important leadership role,” Hon. Rabuka said.

“Her appointment reflects the confidence of MSG members in her ability to guide the Secretariat and advance our shared vision for a stronger and more prosperous Melanesia.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the historic nature of the appointment, marking the first time a ni-Vanuatu has been selected to lead the MSG Secretariat since the organisation’s establishment in 1986.

“Dr. Naupa’s appointment is also an important achievement for women across Melanesia and the Pacific. Her success demonstrates the growing contribution of women in leadership and serves as an inspiration to future generations throughout our region.”

Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed the MSG’s enduring commitment to the principles upon which it was founded — solidarity, cooperation, respect, and support for the aspirations of Melanesian peoples.

“Under Dr. Naupa’s leadership, we look forward to building on these achievements while remaining true to the values and vision that have guided the MSG for four decades.”

Dr. Naupa thanked the MSG and secretariat for her appointment, saying she is ready to serve and fulfill her duties for the benefit of Melanesia.