Manaaki Scholar to use knowledge gained at Unitec to advance cyber security in PNG

Martha Guina is returning to Papua New Guinea with a Master’s in Applied Technologies and new skills to help her home country.

A formal ceremony to mark Ms Guina’s success as a Manaaki Scholar was held at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on Wednesday and attended by Unitec kaimahi, Education New Zealand officials, close friends, and fellow ākonga from scholarship programme.

“This scholarship has been a gift – far more than just financial and educational support. It has opened doors that I never thought was possible and it has changed my entire worldview,” Martha says.

After thanking Education NZ and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for providing her with the opportunity to study in New Zealand, Martha expressed her gratitude to Unitec for supporting her over the past eighteen months and preparing her for a career in cyber security.

“Technology is evolving and the IT sector in PNG is moving and growing so I would like to work in the private sector or Government, especially in cyber security which is in high demand. Everything now depends on data which needs to be protected.”

The mother of one previously completed bachelor’s degrees in education in 2011 and information systems in 2020 as well as teaching high school physics in her hometown of Goroka for over a decade. But Martha was always interested in IT, which led her to apply for the scholarship.

Choosing to come to Unitec was an easy decision after conducting her own preliminary research on the tertiary offerings available in New Zealand.

“Other institutions I looked at did not offer the kind of courses in cloud security which Unitec was offering so it was an easy decision to for me,” says Martha.

Executive Director, Unitec-MIT, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga congratulated Martha on her achievement saying her country will benefit from the skills and knowledge she has acquired through Unitec.

“You came here with your own culture and values and enriched us with your presence over the past eighteen months, and I know you’ll go home and take these skills and the experience you’ve had with us and enrich your communities,” says Peseta.

Director – Student Success, Annette Pitovao says that Unitec has been involved with MFAT for over 30 years and she was proud of the many scholarship students who have graduated and gone on to contribute to their countries.

“My hope for you Martha is an amazing job and enjoying your graduation next year, and to take that qualification far, and really demonstrate what that has provided for you but also to lead the way for others coming after you,” Annette says.

Acting Group GM International Marketing, Education New Zealand, Adrian Hirst told Martha she can make a real difference in her country with her newly acquired skills.

“What you do next matters, you can really effect positive change on your return home, particularly putting into practice your knowledge and passion for technology and cloud-based security – it can be a game changer,” he says.

“This is not just a celebration of your achievements, it is a celebration of your courage, resilience, tenacity, and a testament of your character. Many have stood where you are and gone on to greatness. We encourage you to use these new skills, they are there to help you and your country to achieve the future that you deserve.”

Senior lecturer, Dr Eltahir Kabbar, from the School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology, spoke highly of Martha’s abilities and is confident she can make a real impact on PNG’s tech sector after supervising her master’s thesis.

“Her thesis was on data sovereignty in cloud computing where she was trying to build a framework to protect the privacy and security of data within a PNG environment, specifically around cultural and sensitive government data,” he says.

The Manaaki Scholarship programme offers full tertiary scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate academic study in New Zealand and is available to eligible international students from Southeast Asian Nations and the Pacific Islands.

“The range of scholarships offered are determined by the needs of the countries and the skills and technical expertise in demand,” says NZ Scholarships & Youth Guarantee Lead Coordinator, Byron Iosia.

Martha says she made many friendships and connections during her time in New Zealand and is hopeful of visiting again soon. Unitec’s new Doctorate of Computing is an option for the future which she is excited about.