The Institute of Business Studies (IBS) TVET College today graduated a total of 182 students at its 13th graduation ceremony held at the IBSU 11-Mile campus.
The graduates received Certificates III and IV in Accounting, Business, Information Technology, and Certificate IV in Human Resources Management.
Proud families, friends, and relatives gathered to witness the ceremony as graduates walked across the stage to receive their respective certificates and awards.
It marked an important milestone in their academic and professional journeys.
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Delivering the graduation address, the CEO of the Brian Bell Group, Mr. Cameron Mackellar congratulated the Class of 2025, thanking the faculty for their dedication to preparing students for the future.
He described graduation as “a true reward for effort and perseverance,” encouraging graduates to remember this achievement throughout their lives.
Mr. Mackellar shared his personal journey to becoming CEO, explaining that success does not always follow a straight or purely academic path.
Growing up in Papua New Guinea as the child of teachers, he developed a strong connection to the country.
He told graduates that although he was an average student who left school early, passion, resilience, and adaptability played a key role in shaping his career.
He spoke about his experiences with apprenticeships, career setbacks, extensive travel across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and working in different industries before entering senior leadership.
He described these experiences as a “life education” that was as valuable as formal study.
“My love of working with people, building relationships, and staying curious ultimately led me into senior leadership,” he said.
The CEO said returning to Papua New Guinea in 2016 to lead the Brian Bell Group was one of the most meaningful chapters of his career.
He highlighted the company’s commitment to giving back through the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, which supports health and education initiatives across the country.
He encouraged graduates to remember three key messages: “Engage — be confident, speak up, listen, and connect with others; Be passionate-love what you do and find meaning in your work; and Be interesting and stand out-in a world of billions, make yourself memorable through curiosity, effort, and integrity.”
He told the graduates to enjoy their careers, embrace change, and remain open to learning, adding that fulfillment and success come from doing work they truly enjoy.
Guest speaker Ms. Tracy Wafewa, Steamships Talent Acquisition Manager, also addressed the graduates, congratulating them and acknowledging the IBS board, academic and support staff, families, and guests.
She reminded graduates that the ceremony marked not just the end of their studies, but “the beginning of a new journey” as they transition from training into industry.
Drawing from her experience in both academia and industry, Ms. Wafewa highlighted the strength of TVET education.
She noted that these graduates are trained through competency-based learning that develops practical, job-ready skills.
“This approach ensures graduates are equipped with the exact skills industry requires, giving them confidence as they enter the workforce,” she said.
Ms. Wafewa explained that the Steamships Group operates across logistics, shipping, transport, hospitality, quarantine services, and property, employing around 3,600 staff.
She said most of these employees are operational workers with practical skills similar to those of IBS TVET College graduates, demonstrating the high value industry places on hands-on skills.
She also encouraged the graduates to focus on three key principles: Adaptability, Professionalism and Safety, and Problem-Solving. “Industry tools, technology, and standards are constantly changing,” she said, urging graduates to remain willing to learn and retrain.
She emphasized that reputation, integrity, communication, and workplace safety should never be compromised, and that industry values people with positive, solution-focused attitudes.
Ms. Wafewa reminded graduates that not everyone would secure employment immediately but said this should be viewed as an opportunity to continue learning through volunteering, community work, or applying skills in real-world settings.
“Industry is not just looking for individuals with papers, but for initiative, resilience, and continuous improvement,” she said.
She told graduates to believe in their potential, take pride in their qualifications, build careers and legacies, and use their skills to contribute to their communities, Papua New Guinea, and beyond.
She assured them that industry is ready and waiting for their skills and contributions.