SYMPOSIUM Schedule
Day 1 (Thursday) - SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
Facilitators: Ms. Kauron & Ms. Matbob
Welcome Remarks by:
Dr. Stanis Malange – WPU Vice President Research & Innovation
Opening Remarks by:
Prof. Janet Rangou – WPU President
Topic: Sustainable Resource Management and Climate Resilience, Social Innovation,
and Inclusive Growth
– Moderator: Ms. Calista Hamadi
– Panelists:
~ Dr. Chakriya Bowman, Government and Business Adviser, Wokredi PNG
Solutions
~ Dr. Mawe Bacchi Gonapa, Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist & Research
Leader
~ Dr. Witne Bomai, Academic and Peace Building Advocate
~ Mr. Kevin Anderson, National Sales Manager, Theodist Ltd.
Parallel Session 1 – Sustainable Resource Management and Climate Resilience
Venue: Digital Knowledge Hub – Auditorium
Moderator: Dr. Stanis Malangen
Parallel Session 2 – Technological Innovation for Economic Diversification
Venue: Digital Knowledge Hub – Training Room (1st Floor)
Moderator: Dr. Shaik Ansari
Parallel Session 3 – Social Innovation and Inclusive Growth
Venue: Digital Knowledge Hub – Study Area (1st Floor)
Moderator: Ms. Shamone Iggie Kalakulu
All sessions will be conducted concurrently at respective locations within the Digital Knowledge Hub. Please click below to see which topics will be discussed in which sessions.
Parallel Session 1 – Sustainable Resource Management and Climate Resilience
Venue: Digital Knowledge Hub – Auditorium
Moderator: Dr. Stanis Malangen
1:31 PM – 1:50 PM:
1. Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei) surveillance and
monitoring: An infestation level assessment using the 30-tree
sampling method – Mesack Kome
1:55 PM – 2:15 PM:
2. Perception of Mining Impacted Communities in PNG on Challenges in Achieving Economic Stability Post Mine Closure: A Case Study on establishing Self-Sustaining Enterprises in MIN Preferred Area Development (PAD) of OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) – Wornley Kidoro
2:20 PM – 2:40 PM:
3. Integrating Traditional Farming Knowledge for Soil Ecosystem Resilience in Eastern Highlands and Central Bougainville, Papua New Guinea – Eric Messimato
2:45 PM – 3:05 PM:
4. Introducing Plant Health Clinics into farming communities. Experiences of agriculture extension students of the University of Goroka – Audrey Iyeho
3:06 PM – 3:20 PM: Tea break
3:21 PM – 3:40 PM:
5. Traditional Knowledge in Food and Agriculture: Promising Agricultural Practices for Maintaining Food Security in Challenging Socio-Economic Environments – Dr. Alois Ndrewou
3:45 PM – 4:05 PM:
6. Preliminary Observations on the Performance of Six Commercial Arabica Coffee Varieties at the University of Goroka Agriculture Model Farm: A Rationale for Genotype-by-Environment (GxE) Trials Across the PNG Highlands – Hefung Hati and Heriso Gahekave
Parallel Session 2 – Technological Innovation for Economic Diversification
Venue: Digital Knowledge Hub – Training Room (1st Floor)
Moderator: Dr. Shaik Ansari
1:31 PM – 1:50 PM:
1. Secure transmission of Computed Tomography (CT) of the Brain using Wilcox indexive linear curve certificateless signcryption (WILCS) – Dr. Shaik Ansari
1:55 PM – 2:15 PM:
2. Establishing a Hybrid Digital University in the Pacific: The Case of Western Pacific University in Papua New Guinea and its Role in Expanding Equitable Access to Higher Education through Digital Transformation – Prof. Ludmilla Salonda
2:20 PM – 2:40 PM:
3. Artificial Intelligence and its use in education: Perceptions of undergraduate students at the University of Goroka – Rodney Biri
2:45 PM – 3:05 PM:
4. INFLUENCE OF MOBILE LEARNING ON STUDENT HEALTH – Dr. Sheik Kamaludeen
3:06 PM – 3:20 PM: Tea break
3:21 PM – 3:40 PM:
5. Laboratory experiments on seed germination of rice exposed to saline regimes – Amelia Jelsiwi
3:45 PM – 4:05 PM:
6. Investigating The Growth of Broiler Chicken Using Coconut Kernal as Supplement to Alleviate Stock Feed Expenses – Senny Mendano
Parallel Session 3 – Social Innovation and Inclusive Growth
Venue: Digital Knowledge Hub – Study Area (1st Floor)
Moderator: Ms. Shamone Iggie Kalakulu
1:31 PM – 1:50 PM:
1. Strategies for teaching culturally sensitive topics on reproductive and sexual health education in secondary schools of Papua New Guinea – Elise Kaupa Marco
1:55 PM – 2:15 PM:
2. Documenting responses to sorcery accusation related violence by integrating kapori and photovoice research methods – Dr. Witne Bomai
2:20 PM – 2:40 PM:
3. Empowering 2nd language teachers with appropriate teaching methodologies and content for successful acquisition of English – Lucy Nork Wakei
2:45 PM – 3:05 PM:
4. Home literacy practices and their influence on early childhood
literacy skills and children’s performance in early childhood education in
Wewak town, ESP – Faith Abigail
3:06 PM – 3:20 PM: Tea break
3:21 PM – 3:40 PM:
5. MUMU: AN ALTERNATIVE TO OVERCOMING ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS IN WINGED BEAN TUBERS – Dickson Bire
3:45 PM – 4:05 PM:
6. Investigating the Cocoa Seed Germination On Different
Pretreatments After Storage, Bainik Green House – Grace Thomas
Day 1 concludes
Day 2 (Friday) - SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Welcome Remarks by: Prof. Ludmilla Salonda -WPU Vice President Academic Affairs
WPU President: Prof. Janet Rangou
Topic: Technological Innovation for Economic Diversification
Moderator: Mr. Havea Daure
Panelists:
o Mr. Wamala Vagi, Senior Business Development Manager of Digitec ICT Ltd
o Mr. Desmond Yaninen, CEO of Pacifund and President of MSME Council
o Mr. Une O’Ome, General Manager – Commercial, PNG Dataco
o Prof Janet Rangou, President of Western Pacific University
Moderator: Prof Ludmilla Salonda
11:16 AM – 11:35 AM:
1. Positioning Indigenous Women as Agents of Decolonisation in Technology-Enhanced Higher Education: A Case Study of Western Pacific University, Papua New Guinea – Prof. Janet Rangou
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM:
2. Teaching writing skills by secondary school English teachers: A
case study of schools in Madang Province of PNG – Shamone Iggie Kalakulu
12:05 PM – 12:25 PM:
3. Challenging Misconceptions in Inclusive Education: Aligning
Pedagogy with Practice at the Innovative University of Enga – John Maliye
12:30 PM – 12:55 PM:
4. Assessing Banana Skipper Infestation Levels: Impacts and Management Strategies – Mathiya Hamson
12:56 PM – 01:16 PM:
5. Fostering Critical Literacy through Digital Inclusion: Reimagining
Preservice Teacher Education for Social Equity in Papua New
Guinea – Dr. Kele Yako
Moderator: Dr. James Yoko
11:16 AM – 11:35 AM:
1. Phytoremediation as a Viable Remediation Strategy for Mine Closure and Rehabilitation in Papua New Guinea: A Review of Its Potential for Detoxifying Mine Wastes and Restoring – Stanley Rungwa
11:40 AM – 12:00 AM:
2. Diversity and abundance of invasive plant species at Mt Yappya
proposed conservation – Priscilla Kimini
12:05 AM – 12:25 PM:
3. INVESTIGATING THE MEDICINAL USE OF CASSIA/SENNA ALATA
SEED ON TREATING RINGWORM IN MAPRIK DISTRICT – Lena Yual Gibson
12:30 PM – 12:55 PM:
4. Investigating The Effect of Organic Input on The Timing To sprout
and their growth rate on vanillas, Vanilla Planifollia and Tahitian
tahitiansis – Gladish Jimmy
Message of Thanks by: Dr. Emmanuel Aquino – WPU Vice President University Advancement
Closing Remarks by: Dr. James Yoko – WPU Vice President Students’ Affairs & Administration
Conference concludes
SOME OF OUR PANELISTS
DR. CHAKRIYA BOWMAN
About
A former DFAT official and international development specialist with a background in trade, private sector development and finance. She has worked with AusAID, the IMF, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and played a key role in the creation of Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme and the PALM scheme. Now based in Papua New Guinea, Chakriya is a business founder and consultant working at the intersection of labor mobility, SME development, and national economic reform.
Education
She holds a PhD in Finance from the Australian National University and a B. Eng in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of South Australia
mr. desmond yaninen
About
Des Yaninen is a dynamic leader in Papua New Guinea’s business landscape, recognized for his unwavering commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth. He is Board Chairman of the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC), a pioneering institution owned by the Bank of Papua New Guinea. Under his leadership, CGC is driving financial inclusion by providing guarantees to SMEs, enabling them to secure essential loan funding. This initiative is transforming access to finance for small businesses and contributing to PNG’s economic development.
As President of the MSME Council of PNG since 2019, Des represents thousands of small businesses, advocating for policies that support entrepreneurship. His efforts have influenced government reforms and secured significant funding for MSMEs, including the groundbreaking K200 million MSME Concessional Loan Scheme. Through advocacy, capacity building, and marketing support, Des is shaping a resilient and thriving SME sector.
With over a decade of experience in development finance, Des is also the Founder and CEO of Pacifund, a financial services firm assisting medium to large businesses in securing loans and equity investments. It is also the largest private financial education provider in PNG, training over 10,000 students nationwide since establishment in 2018. His career spans impactful roles at the National Development Bank, including as CEO of NDB Investments, where he introduced innovative programs like PNG’s first Women in Business loan product in 2010 and PNG’s first Youth in Business loan program called the Young Enterprise Scheme in 2014.
Education
Des’s expertise extends to governance, with board memberships and roles on prestigious organizations, including the Bank of PNG, Capital Insurance, Nambawan Super and Santos. Recognized as the 2016 PNG Young Director of the Year, he holds memberships in CPA PNG, PNG Institute of Directors, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, supported by a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Management from the Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby, a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance from Kaplan Institute in Sydney, Australia, and a Masters of Business Administration from Heriot Watt University in the UK.
As a respected voice in PNG’s economic transformation, Des continues to champion initiatives that empower businesses, create jobs, and unlock the country’s potential.
mr. wamala vagi
About
Mr. Wamala Vagi is the Senior Business Development Manager at Digitec ICT Ltd. A seasoned professional, he brings over 20 years of experience in corporate sales, where he has honed his expertise in building strong client relationships and driving business growth. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the market, enabling him to lead strategic initiatives that deliver exceptional results for Digitec and its partners.
Education
Des’s expertise extends to governance, with board memberships and roles on prestigious organizations, including the Bank of PNG, Capital Insurance, Nambawan Super and Santos. Recognized as the 2016 PNG Young Director of the Year, he holds memberships in CPA PNG, PNG Institute of Directors, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, supported by a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Management from the Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby, a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance from Kaplan Institute in Sydney, Australia, and a Masters of Business Administration from Heriot Watt University in the UK.
As a respected voice in PNG’s economic transformation, Des continues to champion initiatives that empower businesses, create jobs, and unlock the country’s potential.
DR. MAWE B. GONAPA
Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist & Research Leader
About
Dr. Mawe Bacchi Gonapa is a distinguished climate researcher from Papua New Guinea completing his PhD in Climate Mitigation at Australian National University, focusing on carbon sequestration in coffee agroforestry systems. With over 30 years of agricultural development experience, including roles as Deputy Secretary and Director of Agriculture and Livestock, he integrates traditional knowledge with modern climate science. His expertise encompasses carbon measurement, certification, and market facilitation. Recent consultancy work includes designing climate-smart agriculture centers with GGGI and evaluating Fairtrade climate adaptation strategies. He bridges climate science with practical agricultural development across the Pacific region.
Education
DR. BOMAI WITNE
Senior Lecturer, University of Goroka
About
Dr Bomai Witne is a Senior Lecturer in Political Science and Research Methods at the University of Goroka. His research interest is exploring interface of arts based, Indigenous & action research approaches in Sorcery related, gender based, tribal fights and other forms of violence in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
Education
He completed his PhD by publication at the Queensland University of Queensland, Australia. The title of his PhD is, Indigenous Resposes to Sorcery Related Violence through Peacebuilding: The Experiences of the Yuri People of Simbu Province. Two chapters of the thesis were published in the Journals of Island Studies and AlterNative.
MR. KEVIN ANDERSON
Head of Sales and Marketing, Theodist Ltd.
About
As the Head of Sales and Marketing at Theodist Ltd., Kevin Anderson is a seasoned commercial leader with a distinguished career in the ICT and retail telecommunications sectors. This expertise was honed during his tenure as Head of Retail at Digicel Group and as a Regional Manager for both EE and Orange in the UK. His career, which includes being named Sales Manager of the Year in 2010, is marked by exceptional skill in strategic sales, marketing, and people leadership.
Education
Educated at Haverstock School, he has a proven track record of driving significant sales growth, expanding retail footprints, and leading key talent development initiatives.
MR. UNE O'OME
General Manager, Dataco
About
Mr. Une O’Ome is a senior leader in the ICT sector with over 23 years of experience, including 15 years in senior management. With a strong background in engineering and telecommunications management, he has a proven track record in ICT policy and regulation, commercial management, and strategic leadership.
Une’s expertise spans the full lifecycle of telecommunications, from radio frequency planning and fibre optic networks to wholesale telecoms pricing and product development. He is a specialist in navigating complex business environments, with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and commercial negotiations, particularly within challenging markets like Papua New Guinea.
Passionate about leveraging technology for the benefit of all, Une is dedicated to ensuring the real benefits of ICT are accessible to the masses. He believes in creating engaged teams and efficient systems to drive organizations toward a common cause. His comprehensive skill set includes a deep understanding of both local and international ICT legislation and regulatory processes.
Education
