A Mathematics and Computer Science graduate from Divine Word University has been recognized for outstanding academic achievement, receiving the prestigious Ok Tedi Award for Academic Excellence for 2025.
Brendan Mark was presented with the award by Ok Tedi Mining Limited during the university’s student awards ceremony held on Friday, March 6.
Related news: https://www.oktedi.com/2026/03/16/dwu-graduate-receives-ok-tedi-award-for-academic-excellence/
The award recognizes him as the top-performing student in his field, highlighting both his academic dedication and his potential contribution to Papua New Guinea’s future workforce.
This marks the second consecutive year Ok Tedi has sponsored the Academic Excellence Award for the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to education, human resource development, and capacity building in the country.
The company’s support forms part of its broader investment in developing Papua New Guinea’s human capital, particularly in specialized and technical fields that are critical to national growth.
This initiative aligns with Ok Tedi’s Growth 2050 Strategy, which prioritizes nurturing local talent and promoting sustainable economic participation through education.
Mr. Mark is expected to join Ok Tedi later this year under the company’s Graduate Development Scheme, providing him with an opportunity to further develop his skills in a professional setting.
Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit said the company is proud to support the education of future leaders.
He noted that recognizing high-performing students through sponsored academic awards reflects the organization’s ongoing contribution to national development.
Mr. Ilimbit added that Ok Tedi has invested more than K1.072 million in university sponsorships from 1981 to 2025.
This includes scholarships across major institutions such as the University of Papua New Guinea, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, and Divine Word University, demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting the country’s future professionals.
He also congratulated the graduating students and wished them success as they begin their professional journeys.
DWU President Fr Phil Gibbs expressed appreciation to Ok Tedi and other corporate partners for supporting academic excellence awards.
He said such partnerships reflect strong private sector support for tertiary institutions and help ensure graduates are equipped with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Fr Gibbs emphasized that the university, through its graduates and alumni, continues to play a vital role in nation-building.
He added that corporate-sponsored awards demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthening the workforce by producing job-ready graduates each year.
By recognizing top-performing students and supporting academic excellence across Papua New Guinea’s higher education institutions, Ok Tedi continues to help shape the next generation of scientists, innovators, and technical leaders that the country will rely on in the years ahead.
The company remains committed to fostering sustainable livelihoods through continued investment in education, skills development, and capacity building across the country.