Port Moresby Business College has officially launched its new institutional website, marking a significant step towards digital transformation and the implementation of its strategic plan.
The website was officially launched on Monday, 24 August, by Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), Mr. Lonnie Baki.
The ceremony was witnessed by the college’s governing council, management, staff, students, industry representatives and other stakeholders.
In his keynote address, Mr. Baki described the launch as more than the introduction of a new website, saying it represented another chapter in the development of the long-standing institution.
He said a modern and accessible digital presence was becoming increasingly important for institutions to communicate with students and stakeholders, provide information, promote programmes and engage with industry and the wider community.
“Today is not simply about launching our website. Today is about launching another chapter in the continuing story of Port Moresby Business College,” Baki said.
He said the website was also a practical demonstration of the college’s strategic plan being translated into action, particularly in the areas of ICT infrastructure, digital transformation, governance, institutional sustainability and industry engagement.
The Secretary noted that the college launched its strategic plan in 2025, setting out its priorities for the next five years.
He said the new website aligned with the plan’s focus on modernizing ICT systems, improving information management and communication, strengthening public relations and providing greater opportunities for engagement with students, employers, alumni and other stakeholders.
Mr. Baki encouraged the college not to view the website as the end of its digital transformation journey, but rather as a platform for broader technological development.
“A website is a platform. Transformation is what we do with that platform,” he said.
He challenged the college to use the platform to improve access to information on programmes, admissions and opportunities, showcase student and graduate achievements, strengthen engagement with employers and reconnect with alumni.
Baki also placed the website launch within the wider reforms taking place in Papua New Guinea’s higher and technical education sector.
He said the Government’s reform agenda was aimed at developing stronger, more responsive and accountable institutions capable of delivering quality education and training aligned with industry and national development needs.
He said institutions were increasingly expected to take greater ownership of their development, performance, systems and engagement with students, industry and communities, while DHERST maintained regulatory oversight and national standards.
Mr. Baki said the reforms also placed emphasis on quality delivery, industry partnerships, curriculum development, infrastructure, targeted funding and the continuous upskilling of educators.
He further highlighted the importance of business education in preparing young Papua New Guineans for employment and entrepreneurship.
He urged students to look beyond simply passing examinations and to develop digital, communication and problem-solving skills, while learning how to use technology and create their own opportunities.
“To the students, I want to say this. You are studying at an institution with a proud history. You must prepare yourselves. Do not think only about passing examinations,” he said.
Baki also encouraged the college’s management, staff and governing council to continue modernizing the institution while preserving its history and strengthening innovation, partnerships, quality and student outcomes.
He said the success of the college’s strategic plan would ultimately be measured not by the document itself, but by tangible improvements and outcomes for students and graduates.
The Secretary encouraged the institution to build on its more than five decades of history by embracing digital transformation and preparing its students for the changing demands of the workforce and the country’s future.