Kumul Petroleum graduate Stephanie Manoi has been named as the 2020 recipient of the Australian Government and Santos’ PNG scholarship program.
The joint initiative was established to develop technical and management capability in the resources sector in Papua New Guinea.
The partnership included providing a new scholarship to be awarded to a Papua New Guinean working in the resources sector to commence post-graduate studies in Australia in 2019.
Santos managing director Kevin Gallagher said, “Having a highly skilled local workforce is great for Santos, but just as importantly, it will build a better future for families and communities throughout Papua New Guinea.”
Nearly 2600 employees and contractors are engaged in PNG LNG production operations, with approximately 82 per cent Papua New Guinean and 22 per cent women.
PNG’s investment of US$246 million ($361 million) to develop its local communities and overall social contribution to women in a male dominated industry, creates a better future both socially and economically for the natural resources sector.
Manoi will be the second Papua New Guinean geologist to take part in the scholarship, after last year’s Ivano Ivano.
Starting next February, Manoi will study a Master of Science (Petroleum Geoscience) at the University of Adelaide, following a three-month operation training course at Santos.
Gallagher said the company was pleased to continue its partnership with the Australian Government and Kumul Petroleum in support of Papua New Guinea’s development.
“I am especially pleased that the 2020 scholarship has been awarded to a woman. Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment are key priorities for Australia’s development activities in PNG and around the world,” Gallagher said.
“We look forward to welcoming Stephanie to Adelaide to further her career.”