Strife Ambitious

Sir Julius Chan GCL GCMG KBE PC (29 August 1939 – 30 January 2025) was a towering figure in Papua New Guinea’s political landscape, serving as the nation’s Prime Minister on two occasions and leaving an indelible mark on its history. A statesman, reformer, and visionary, Sir Julius dedicated his life to public service, shaping the trajectory of his country during its formative years and beyond.   Early Life and Education   Born on the Tanga Islands in what is now New Ireland Province, Sir Julius Chan was the fifth of seven children. His father, Chan Pak, was a Chinese trader from Taishan, while his mother, Miriam Tinkoris, was a native New Irelander. Fluent in Cantonese, Tok Pisin, Sursurunga, and English, Chan’s multicultural upbringing laid the foundation for his inclusive leadership style. He received his education at Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane, Australia, where he honed the skills that would later define his political career.   Political Career...

In recent years, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Department of Education has been actively promoting its "100% Free Education" policy across various platforms, including social media forums like Facebook. The policy aims to eliminate school fees, ensuring that every child in PNG has access to education without financial barriers. However, despite the government's bold claims, schools across the country continue to charge fees, leaving parents and students frustrated and questioning the effectiveness of the policy. This blog delves into the growing disconnect between the government's promises and the reality on the ground, using concrete examples from PNG newspaper articles to highlight the issue. The Promise of Free Education The PNG government introduced the Tuition Fee-Free (TFF) policy in 2012, with the goal of providing free education from elementary to secondary levels. The policy was hailed as a transformative initiative that would increase enrollment rates,...

In the world of entrepreneurship, every great idea begins with a spark—a moment of clarity that emerges from the simple yet profound act of observation. Whether it’s noticing a gap in the market, identifying a problem that needs solving, or recognizing an opportunity to improve the status quo, observation is the catalyst that ignites the fire of inspiration. But while inspiration is the starting point, it is the entrepreneurial drive, effective management, and a dedicated team that transform a dream into reality. The Power of Observation: Where It All Begins Observation is the foundation of innovation. Entrepreneurs are, at their core, keen observers of the world around them. They see what others overlook, question what others accept, and imagine what others dismiss as impossible. Consider the story of Airbnb. Its founders observed that people were struggling to find affordable accommodations during crowded events, and they realized that unused spaces in homes could be the solution. Th...

Education is the cornerstone of any nation’s development, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is no exception. In recent years, the PNG government has made efforts to modernize and advance the education system, particularly for primary and high schools. However, a recent policy shift—eliminating examinations for grades 8 and 10—has sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and provincial authorities. While the intent behind the change may be noble, questions remain: Are the provinces ready for this shift? And are teachers being given the support they need to implement these changes effectively? The Policy Shift: A Bold Move with Unclear Foundations The decision to remove examinations for grades 8 and 10 is part of a broader effort to reduce student stress, promote continuous assessment, and align PNG’s education system with global trends. On paper, this sounds like a progressive step. After all, many countries are moving away from high-stakes testing in favor of more holistic approac...

Teachers who gain entry through back doors, bypassing standard recruitment processes, are detrimental to both students and the future human resource of a country. The integrity of the education system hinges on the quality of its educators. When unqualified or inadequately trained individuals slip through the cracks, it erodes the foundation of learning and development. Firstly, teachers are pivotal in shaping young minds and imparting knowledge. Their competence directly correlates with the quality of education students receive. Teachers who enter through back doors may lack the necessary qualifications, skills, or passion for teaching. Consequently, students are deprived of effective instruction and guidance, hindering their academic growth and future prospects. Secondly, the impact extends beyond individual students to the collective human resource of a nation. Education lays the groundwork for a skilled workforce and informed citizenry essential for national development. If teacher...

  Introduction: Papua New Guinea stands at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of obtaining foreign loans that seem to have encumbered rather than bolstered the nation's prosperity. While the intention behind securing such loans may have been to spur economic growth and development, the reality paints a different picture. The burden of repaying these loans, often coupled with exorbitant interest rates, has inadvertently shifted the weight onto the shoulders of hardworking citizens. This article argues that Papua New Guinea must reconsider its approach to foreign loans, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and sustainable development over reliance on external financial assistance. 1. Economic Realities: When a country like Papua New Guinea obtains foreign loans, it enters into a complex web of financial obligations. The citizens, whose hard-earned money is taxed to service these loans, find themselves shouldering the burden of debt repayment. This drains resources tha...

Introduction: Papua New Guinea (PNG), a diverse nation known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, currently stands at a critical juncture. The unfolding events surrounding the 10th of January 2024 have the potential to shape the nation's immediate future in either a devastating or economically challenging manner. In this article, we will explore two possible realities that could impact PNG's socio-economic landscape. Reality 1: Devastating Impact of Tax Threshold Increase: On the 10th of January 2024, a decision to increase tax thresholds takes a grim turn, triggering a misunderstanding frenzy among citizens. The sudden change exacerbates existing socio-economic disparities, leading to widespread protests and civil unrest. The capital city becomes a focal point for the turmoil, with citizens resorting to looting and even burning down shops in frustration. This scenario is marked by a breakdown in communication between the government and its people, as citizens fee...