DEPUTY Prime Minister and Member for Lae, Hon. John Rosso launched the K15 million Malahang Technical Secondary School Enhancement Projects, marking a significant investment in technical and vocational education for young Papua New Guineans.
The investment, supported by the Australian Government at the request of Mr Rosso, will upgrade the school’s infrastructure, strengthen practical training opportunities and better prepare students for employment in key industries.
Mr Rosso acknowledged the Australian Government and its development partners for their continued support towards education and skills development in Papua New Guinea, particularly in Lae and Morobe Province.
“As Lae continues to grow as Papua New Guinea’s industrial and commercial hub, we must equip our young people with practical, job-ready skills that meet the needs of our industries,” Mr Rosso said.
“Malahang Technical Secondary School plays an important role in developing skilled workers for sectors such as automotive, tourism, hospitality and other technical trades. This investment will strengthen the school’s capacity to deliver quality training and prepare our young people for the workforce.”
The K15 million investment will deliver several major infrastructure improvements, including:
A new Tourism and Hospitality Centre, featuring a commercial training kitchen, multipurpose classroom, teacher’s office, laundry and locker facilities.
New male and female ablution blocks to improve sanitation and student welfare.
An upgraded and extended Automotive Workshop to strengthen practical technical training.
Supporting infrastructure improvements, including water storage, electrical switchboard and transformer upgrades, and associated civil works.
These facilities will provide students with a better learning environment and improved access to practical training that reflects modern industry standards.
Beyond infrastructure, the investment will complement the Strongim Wok Long TVET program, which focuses on improving the quality, relevance and delivery of technical and vocational education and training.
Key priorities include strengthening pathways between Malahang and other technical and vocational institutions, including Lae Polytechnic, building stronger partnerships with industry, and improving the school’s technical and institutional capacity.
The initiative also aims to ensure training aligns with the practical skills and competencies employers require, creating better pathways for students into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
“Our objective is to ensure that students graduate with skills that are recognised, relevant and useful in the workplace,” Mr Rosso said.
Lae is a major centre for manufacturing, transport, logistics, construction and commerce, with growing demand for a skilled and capable workforce.
Strengthening Malahang Technical Secondary School will help Morobe Province respond to this demand while creating greater opportunities for young people to secure employment, establish businesses and contribute to their families and communities.
Mr Rosso said young Papua New Guineans must be equipped to participate in and benefit from the country’s economic development.
“We must ensure our young people are not left behind as our economy develops. Investing in technical education is investing in our people, their skills and their future,” he said.
The project also demonstrates the longstanding partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, particularly in supporting education, skills development and economic growth.
Mr Rosso thanked the Australian Government, the Strongim Wok Long TVET program, the school administration, teachers, industry partners and all stakeholders contributing to the development of Malahang Technical Secondary School.
He encouraged the school community to make the best use of the improved facilities and training opportunities, stressing that the success of the investment would ultimately be measured by the quality of training delivered and the opportunities created for graduates.