Papua New Guinea STEM students studying in China commended Prime Minister, James Marape, crediting his leadership and foresight for opening life-changing opportunities that are now shaping the country’s future workforce.
Over 600 PNG students are in China studying various programs.
Related news: https://www.pnghausbung.com/pmjm-urges-png-students-in-china-to-become-nation-builders/
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.
Speaking on behalf of PNG students at a dinner in Guangzhou on Wednesday, 29 April, student representative Samuel Valuka placed strong emphasis on thanking the Prime Minister for championing the STEM scholarship programme, describing it as a bold and visionary decision that has transformed the lives of young Papua New Guineans.
“We are here today because of your vision,” Valuka said. “This opportunity did not exist before. You made it possible for ordinary Papua New Guinean students like us to step onto the global stage.”
Valuka, who is studying at Three Gorges University, said the programme was more than just an education pathway—it was a national investment in the future.
“We are not just students. We are the result of a decision you made for this country,” he said. “We are the living evidence that your vision for STEM is working.”
He acknowledged that when the STEM initiative was first introduced, it faced criticism and uncertainty, both nationally and among students themselves.
However, he also commended Prime Minister Marape for remaining steadfast and optimistic.
“When STEM was first introduced, many people doubted it. There were critics, and even we as students were unsure about what the future would hold,” he said.
“But you believed in this programme. You stayed committed, and today we stand here as proof that it was the right decision.”
Valuka said the students deeply appreciated that the Government continued to fund their education even during challenging economic times.
“In a time when our country is facing difficulties, you still chose to invest in us,” he said. “That tells us that you believe in the future of Papua New Guinea, and that future is us.”
He stressed that the opportunity to study in China was not something previous generations had access to, making the current cohort especially grateful.
“In your time, Prime Minister, there were no such opportunities. Many of you came through hardship,” he said. “Today, because of your leadership, we are able to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at an international level.”
Valuka also extended appreciation to the broader leadership and institutions supporting the programme, but reiterated that the driving force behind the initiative was the Prime Minister’s vision.
“This all began with your idea,” he said. “Without that vision, we would not be here today.”
He described the dinner itself as a deeply meaningful moment for students, allowing them to personally express their gratitude.
“This is more than a dinner. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to meet you, to say thank you face to face, and to show that your investment in us is not in vain,” he said.
Valuka further emphasized that gratitude must be matched with responsibility, assuring the Prime Minister that students are committed to giving back to the country.
“We understand that this is not just an opportunity—it is a responsibility,” he said. “We will complete our studies, return home, and serve Papua New Guinea.”
He said the students’ ultimate goal was to contribute to national development through skills, innovation, and leadership.
“We will repay this investment through hard work,” he said. “We will build our country using the knowledge and skills we gain here.”
Valuka encouraged continued belief in young Papua New Guineans and reaffirming the students’ commitment to the nation’s future.
“Thank you for believing in us when others doubted,” he said. “We are the future of this country, and we will not let you down.”
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pm-marape-urges-png-students-in-china-to-become-nation-builders/
The dinner in Guangzhou formed part of Prime Minister Marape’s official engagements in China, where he met with PNG students and reinforced the Government’s focus on education, human capital development, and long-term nation-building through strategic programmes such as STEM.