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Rethinking Poverty: The Strength of the Kinship System

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When Western media and policymakers talk about poverty in places like PNG, they often rely on indicators that measure material wealth, such as income levels, access to consumer goods, and formal employment. While these measures are useful in some contexts, they fail to capture the complexity and strength of traditional social structures like the kinship system, which continue to play a critical role in the daily lives of many Papua New Guineans. ChatGPT-generated image symbolizing kinship and generosity in PNG. The kinship system is more than a family tree; it is a living social network that organizes obligations, responsibilities, and resource-sharing among individuals and groups. It determines who you can call upon for help, who you must support, and how resources such as land, food, and labor are distributed. In many rural communities, and even in urban settings, it remains the primary form of social security, welfare, and resilience. One of the great strengths of the kinship syste...
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Confronting Transnational Organized Crime in Papua New Guinea: Reflections from Seminar 9

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Transnational organized crime continues to pose significant challenges to PNG, particularly within its vast and largely unmonitored maritime zones. Seminar 9 focused on examining the scale of these threats, highlighting the urgency of a comprehensive national response. Students were encouraged to critically engage with PNG’s ranking in the Global Organized Crime Index and to reflect on the structural weaknesses that expose the country to criminal activities across its maritime domain. The seminar opened with a discussion on the definitions and characteristics of transnational organized crime, drawing attention to the systemic factors that enable such activities to thrive. Inadequate border governance, porous maritime boundaries, and limited enforcement capacity were identified as key vulnerabilities. The concept of Blue Security was introduced as a framework to rethink maritime governance, promoting integrated management of marine resources and emphasizing the protection of PNG’s ter...
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Building Knowledge Together: Calling PNG Students and Alumni of Chinese Universities

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As part of my PhD research at Divine Word University, I am conducting an important study on how China’s Higher Education Exchange Programs are shaping the future of PNG’s relations with China. These programs include Chinese Government Scholarships, Chinese language programs, public sector training courses, as well as students who pursued studies in China through private sponsorships , district-level scholarships , and PNG Government initiatives such as the STEM program . Capturing the voices of all who experienced study and training in China is central to understanding the broader impact on our society and diplomacy. Screenshot of the survey introduction on Microsoft Forms. Over the past few weeks, I have been actively reaching out on LinkedIn to connect with PNG students and alumni who have participated in these opportunities. Whether you were sponsored by the Chinese Government, a PNG district, a private arrangement, or a government development program, your story matters. By buildi...
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Redefining Higher Education Exchange Programs Through Soft Power and Cultural Identity

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Higher Education Exchange Programs (HEEPs) are no longer just about sending students across borders to earn academic credentials. Increasingly, they are being recognized as platforms for the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, experience, and—critically—culture. For me, HEEPs are part of a broader architecture of international engagement that facilitates mutual understanding and creates human bridges between societies. As such, they should be seen as more than academic opportunities: they are tools of diplomacy, partnership, and influence. This redefinition is deeply rooted in the theory of soft power , as developed by Joseph Nye. Unlike hard power, which relies on coercion, soft power is the ability to shape others’ preferences through attraction. Countries exercise soft power by making their culture, political values, and foreign policy appealing. Education—and higher education in particular—is a powerful soft power instrument. It allows states to share their ideals in subtle yet prof...
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Building What I Never Had: Mentoring the Next Generation of International Relations Scholars in PNG

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In PNG, conversations about the future of higher education often lead us back to a core issue: quality. While infrastructure, access, and funding are all part of the equation, it is the quality of the learning experience—especially at the university level—that determines the kind of graduates we produce and the direction our country takes. This quality is inseparable from the people who teach, research, and mentor within our academic institutions. Screenshot of the International Relations units offered at DWU When we examine the composition of faculties in PNG’s universities, an uncomfortable reality emerges. How many Papua New Guinean academics hold PhDs? Of those, how many fall within the active academic age bracket of 35 to 50, where one typically finds peak intellectual output and energy? And perhaps most critically, how many are publishing regularly in peer-reviewed journals—both locally and internationally? These questions reveal a deeper concern. A university without research-a...
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First Chat with LUMO: A Virtual Step Forward in Student Support

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This week, I explored something new on the Divine Word University Moodle platform— LUMO , our recently introduced virtual assistant. As I continue marking student submissions for Seminar 5 and Seminar 6, which include audio commentaries and questionnaires, I decided to test how helpful LUMO could be in supporting both students and staff. It was my first attempt using this tool, and I must say, it left a positive impression. This blog shares my brief encounter and some reflections on why such initiatives matter for higher education. My first inquiry was directly related to the assessment process: “ Students are using the audio plugin on the Atto editor to create audio files. How can students improve the quality of their recording?” Within seconds, LUMO generated a structured response listing five actionable tips—choose a quiet environment, use quality equipment, check audio levels, speak clearly, and edit the recording. This practical advice was exactly what I needed to support my stu...
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Climate Change as an Existential Security Issue in the Pacific

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Seminar 8, held on April 14, 2025, continued the PG420 unit’s exploration of non-traditional security threats by examining climate change as an existential issue facing the Pacific region. The seminar built on previous discussions by focusing on the vulnerability of Pacific Island nations, the role of indigenous knowledge, and the integration of climate resilience into regional security strategies. Presenters analyzed the political, economic, environmental, and social implications of climate change, while proposing locally grounded responses. The full seminar recording is available on my YouTube channel . Screenshot of the video The discussion began with a focus on how climate change is already impacting key sectors in the Pacific, particularly agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. Presenters discussed rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events, noting their cascading effects on livelihoods and national development. Strategies such as developing climate-re...
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