Officers Awarded Somare Whitlam Scholarships
Two Officers from the Department of Personnel Management are proud recipients of the Australia Awards Somare-Whitlam Scholarship 2025 Cohort from the Public Sector category.
The scholarship which was formerly known as the “Australia Awards Scholarship” has now been renamed to the Australia Awards Somare-Whitlam Scholarships to honor the legacy of two leaders late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and former Prime Minister for Australia Gough Whitlam for their contribution towards PNG’s independence in 1975.
Senior Reorganization and Change Management Officer Taki Zale and Acting Manager Monitoring and Compliance Francis Yangelle are two officers from the department who are part of the Australian Award Somare-Whitlam 2025 Cohort.
Mr. Zale said he is very humbled by the opportunity given by the Department of Personnel Management through the support of the training committee and his immediate supervisors and the tireless efforts of the Learning & Development Branch
He also appreciated, the valuable advice from past and present awardees of this department who have embarked on this journey which had inspired him to take this path.
Mr. Zale will be taking up a International Masters in Business Administration (HRM) at the University of South Australia while colleague and fellow awardee Francis will be studying a Masters of Public Policy at Flinders University. Both of their master’s program are within a two-year period.
As a recipient of the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship, Mr. Zale said, he is honored and looking forward to the future as the scholarship is not just a personal growth but a powerful way to contribute effectively towards the Department and the country’s development upon the completion of his studies.
“The Australia Awards Scholarships is prestigious and highly competitive, so being chosen can feel like an acknowledgement of one’s hard work, potential and commitment to positive change” he said.
The Australia Awards Scholarship interview process is thorough, focusing on selecting candidates who not only meet academic and professional criteria but also demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to positive change, and clear vision for contributing to Papua New Guinea’s development.
The interview panel consists of members from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Academics and representatives from GoPNG.
He added that, for many the award opens doors to advanced education, professional opportunities, and cultural experience that might have otherwise been out of reach.
This can bring a sense of anticipation and eagerness to begin the journey, as well as a responsibility to represent one’s home country and give back to their agency and community upon returning.