The Yegiora Files

In a recent interview covered by Bastille Post , Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko praised the Butuka China–PNG Friendship School as a “school of excellence” and a cornerstone of PNG–China bilateral ties. He emphasized that the school’s modern infrastructure and bilingual education programs represent a model for what educational diplomacy can achieve. His remarks suggest a desire to scale up such partnerships across the country, prompting the question: should Madang be the next location for a China–PNG Friendship School? Tkatchenko pointed to Butuka Academy’s success in promoting people-to-people links, including producing students fluent in Chinese. These achievements, he argued, go beyond pedagogy and into the realm of diplomacy, where education becomes a tool for strengthening bilateral relations. For a province like Madang—strategically important, economically vibrant, yet educationally underserved—this vision offers both symbolic and practical potential. Mad...

China’s growing footprint in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) higher education sector is most visibly expressed through a diverse range of exchange programs that now form a key pillar of Sino-PNG relations. These programs—ranging from full scholarships and language courses to vocational training and institutional partnerships—reflect a deliberate strategy by Beijing to cultivate goodwill, shape public opinion, and build long-term partnerships with the next generation of PNG leaders. This soft power approach complements China’s broader foreign policy goals in the Pacific, offering both opportunities and challenges for PNG’s development and diplomatic autonomy. Diagram showing the inventory of Chinese Higher Education Exchange Programs in PNG, including scholarships, language and cultural initiatives, institutional partnerships, and professional training pathways that contribute to China's soft power strategy in the Pacific. The most prominent among these programs is the Chinese Government S...

The recent Chinese Bridge–Chinese Proficiency Competitions held at Butuka Academy and the PNG University of Technology provide more than just a stage for language learning; they symbolize the expanding influence of China’s educational diplomacy in PNG. As a researcher examining China’s Higher Education Exchange Programs (HEEPs) and their impact on PNG–China relations, these events offer a timely case to explore how soft power strategies are playing out among PNG’s youth. Students perform a Tai Chi routine during the opening of the Chinese Bridge–Chinese Proficiency Competition at Butuka Academy in Port Moresby, showcasing the fusion of cultural diplomacy and educational exchange at the heart of PNG–China relations. The presence of senior Chinese diplomats, such as Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang and Counsellor Chen Jiliang, at both secondary and tertiary competitions indicates the high-level political and symbolic value China places on such platforms. These engagements go beyond the promotio...

Today marks the final opportunity for students, academics, public servants, and private sector professionals to participate in a national survey that will inform the development of a Postgraduate Program in Foreign Policy Analysis at Divine Word University . The survey officially closes tonight at 9:00 PM , and we encourage everyone who has not yet responded to take a few minutes to contribute their views. We extend our sincere thanks to all participants who have already completed the survey. Your insights are making a meaningful contribution to shaping a program that will reflect Papua New Guinea’s unique geopolitical, economic, and regional context . For those who are yet to take part, this is your chance to have your voice heard and help design a curriculum that prepares future leaders in diplomacy, trade, and international relations. The proposed postgraduate program is a strategic initiative that aligns with PNG Vision 2050 , which emphasizes institutional development, capacity...

PNG’s higher education system stands at a critical juncture. While the country has made commendable efforts to expand university access, concerns about academic quality, governance, and infrastructure continue to undermine the potential of its universities to attract international students or effectively host regional programs such as the New Colombo Plan. Australia and China—two countries deeply invested in the Pacific—have the capacity and interest to assist PNG in addressing these gaps. Doing so would not only strengthen PNG’s development trajectory but also serve broader strategic, diplomatic, and economic interests. PNG, Australian, and Chinese students share a moment outside the University of Papua New Guinea, symbolizing regional academic cooperation and the growing potential of PNG as a hub for international education. The New Colombo Plan, spearheaded by the Australian Government, encourages undergraduate students from Australia to study and undertake internships in the Indo-P...

The presence of Chinese companies in global sporting competitions has grown rapidly in recent years. In the National Rugby League (NRL), Chinese automotive giants are now visible front-and-centre. The New Zealand Warriors are currently sponsored by Great Wall Motors (GWM), while the Sydney Roosters boast BYD – a global leader in electric vehicles – as a major backer. A few years ago, the Canberra Raiders had Huawei, a telecommunications giant, as its headline sponsor until political tensions over national security led to the deal’s early demise. These cases highlight both the appeal and complexity of Chinese sponsorship in the Australian sporting landscape. As PNG inches closer to entering the NRL in 2028, the question arises: if a large Chinese company wants to sponsor the team, would it be allowed by the NRL and the Australian government? While commercial sponsorship is usually a straightforward business decision, the geopolitics surrounding PNG’s entry makes it far from simple. The...

One issue that continues to stir debate in Pacific diplomacy is the tension between bilateral defence partnerships and the collective aspiration for a Pacific-led approach to security. As PNG deepens its defence ties with Australia via a defence treaty , it must carefully consider how this move may be interpreted by its Pacific neighbours who are increasingly vocal about regional autonomy and leadership. A Bird of Paradise dons an Australian military uniform—symbolising PNG's delicate balancing act between national identity and strategic defence partnerships. The Pacific Islands Forum and key declarations such as the Boe Declaration on Regional Security (2018) have made it clear: Pacific Island nations want a regional security framework shaped by their own voices, values, and vulnerabilities—not imposed or driven solely by external powers. The idea of a Pacific-led approach to security emphasises the protection of human rights, climate resilience, border integrity, and sustainable...

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL), through the Intrust Super Cup, has significant untapped potential in PNG—a country where rugby league is not just a pastime but a national identity. While the PNG Hunters serve as the country’s only representative team in the competition, the current structure severely limits fan engagement and commercial growth. A more inclusive and accessible broadcasting model, combined with strategic investment in regional infrastructure, could transform the Intrust Super Cup into a household name across PNG. Wynnum Manly Seagulls building bridges through rugby league — proudly donating their former playing jerseys to a local Port Moresby team during their recent visit to Papua New Guinea. A great gesture that deepens ties between QRL clubs and PNG’s passionate rugby league community. Currently, only PNG Hunters games are broadcast in PNG, and even that comes with restrictions. TV Wan, owned by Digicel Pacific, offers the games exclusively through its entertainmen...

The final seminar for the International and Regional Security unit at Divine Word University focused on the growing threat of transnational organized crime in PNG and the wider Pacific region. This type of crime—spanning human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illicit financial flows—continues to exploit institutional weaknesses across Pacific Island countries. The seminar brought together a range of student presentations that examined the drivers, dynamics, and policy responses to this issue, drawing from a chapter authored by Watson, Sousa-Santos, and Howes in the Development Bulletin published by the Australian National University Screenshot of the video on my YouTube Channel One of the key themes discussed was the vulnerability of Pacific Island countries to transnational organized crime. Geographic isolation, porous maritime borders, and limited enforcement capacity were identified as major structural challenges. These factors, coupled with gaps in legislation and weak interagen...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Seminar 7 held on April 6, 2025, focused on the increasingly urgent intersection between climate change and security in the Pacific. As part of the PG420 unit on international and regional security, the session explored how Pacific Island countries are among the most vulnerable to climate threats yet continue to lead global climate diplomacy. The seminar examined strategies for regional influence, reviewed the broader impacts of the Boe Declaration, and introduced innovative frameworks like complex adaptive systems for managing climate risks. The full seminar recording is available on my YouTube channel . screenshot of the video A key theme discussed was how Pacific Island nations can leverage their identity as large ocean states to influence international climate negotiations. The presentations emphasized the importance of regional unity, the strategic use of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, and leadership in sustainable development and ocean conservation. Challenges...