Strengthening Bilateral Ties through Safety and Quality in Education

The New Colombo Plan (NCP), an Australian Government initiative, aims to deepen Australia's engagement with the Indo-Pacific by encouraging undergraduate students to study and undertake internships in the region. Papua New Guinea (PNG), as Australia's closest neighbor, holds significant potential as a destination for these students. However, for the program to thrive and deliver long-term benefits, Australia and PNG must work together to address two critical issues: ensuring the safety of students and enhancing the quality of PNG’s universities.

Safety concerns remain a primary consideration for students traveling to PNG. For instance, 2019 NCP scholar Hannah Brimstone recounted her initial apprehensions upon arriving in Port Moresby, citing heavy security measures and the negative perceptions surrounding PNG's safety. Her experience, detailed in her story shared by PAYA, underscores the need to improve safety conditions for international students. Addressing these concerns is crucial to encouraging more Australian students to take advantage of educational opportunities in PNG.

A screenshot from the Pacific Australia Youth Association website shows Hannah attending the Divine Word University show.

Hannah’s story resonates with me on a personal level, as I taught her for a semester when she was a fourth-year student in our Bachelor of Arts (PNG and International Studies) program at Divine Word University. She took my unit on Geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific, where her interest in the region’s complexities was evident. Seeing her enthusiasm for understanding PNG’s geopolitical environment reinforced my belief in the value of the NCP as a tool for building mutual understanding. However, it also highlighted the need to address the structural challenges that limit the program's impact.

To mitigate safety concerns, Australia and PNG should collaborate to implement comprehensive safety measures tailored to the needs of international students. This could include secure housing, reliable transportation, and regular safety briefings. Programs like the NCP could also benefit from fostering closer partnerships with local communities to create a more welcoming environment for students. Such initiatives would enhance students’ confidence and contribute to a positive learning experience during their stay.

While safety is paramount, the academic quality of universities in PNG is equally critical to the success of the NCP. PNG’s universities offer unique cultural and contextual learning opportunities; however, challenges remain in infrastructure, curriculum development, and research capabilities. For example, a report by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade highlights how improving the capacity of PNG’s educational institutions has been an ongoing area of Australian support. Yet, there is still significant room for progress.

Building on existing support, Australia can further assist PNG through targeted investments in higher education. Faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and the provision of resources for infrastructure development could help PNG universities meet international standards. The inclusion of PNG universities in global academic networks would also benefit both local and international students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. For example, programs like the Flinders University NCP internship demonstrate how tailored academic experiences can offer mutual benefits to both Australian and PNG students.

The importance of enhancing university quality is further emphasized by PNG’s participation in the New Colombo Plan’s scholarship opportunities. These programs not only create opportunities for international students but also pave the way for PNG universities to attract future investments and partnerships. As PNG’s universities become more competitive, they will also provide better learning experiences for local students, contributing to long-term national development.

A safer and more academically enriching PNG will benefit not only the students but also the broader bilateral relationship. As Australian students engage with PNG’s unique social, political, and cultural landscapes, they develop a deeper appreciation for the nation’s complexities. In turn, they become advocates for stronger ties between the two countries. The New Colombo Plan, therefore, represents an opportunity not just for educational exchange but also for strengthening regional ties in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.

In conclusion, Australia’s investment in making PNG safer and enhancing the quality of its higher education system is critical to the success of the New Colombo Plan. Collaborative efforts in these areas will ensure students like Hannah Brimstone have positive, transformative experiences. More importantly, they will foster mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties, ensuring a brighter future for the Australia-PNG relationship. By addressing these challenges, both nations can reap the long-term benefits of a well-executed regional exchange program.