By GEORGINA MICHAEL
AFTER feeling uncertain about which career path to pursue in Grade 12, Cynthia Morgan found her direction through the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) Girls in ICT Scholarship.
Morgan, 22, from Western Highlands Province, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science during the University of Papua New Guinea’s 71st graduation ceremony on April 27, 2026. She is a proud beneficiary of NICTA’s fully funded four-year Girls in ICT Scholarship, proving that young women can play a vital role in shaping Papua New Guinea’s digital future.
Morgan first learned about the scholarship in 2021 while attending Mt. Hagen Secondary School, when NICTA staff visited her school for an awareness session.
“I applied and was accepted because I had excellent grades and a strong interest in pursuing a career in the IT industry,” she said.
The scholarship provided full financial support, covering tuition fees, book allowances, and travel expenses throughout her four-year study period.
“NICTA consistently upheld its commitment to support my journey, and I made sure to maintain my academic performance,” she said.
Despite the financial support, Morgan emphasized that being a sponsored student required discipline and hard work.
“It wasn’t easy. I had to study hard to maintain my GPA so I wouldn’t let NICTA, my parents, or other girls looking up to me down. There were strict terms and conditions I had to meet each semester to retain the scholarship,” she explained.
Her studies focused on programming, designing digital systems, and building networks that enhance connectivity, accessibility, and data storage, while improving efficiency in various processes.
Morgan said the scholarship not only supported her financially but also motivated her to stay disciplined and focused.
“Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science is a great achievement for me and a proud moment for my parents, who were there to witness it,” she said.
From a secondary school classroom in Mt. Hagen in 2021 to graduating from UPNG in 2026, Morgan is now part of Papua New Guinea’s growing digital workforce, contributing to the development of systems that drive the nation forward.
“I am grateful to NICTA for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to giving back by contributing meaningfully to the Authority and the ICT sector as a whole,” she said.
Looking ahead, Morgan envisions herself as a skilled ICT professional solving real-world problems and continuing to expand her knowledge.
“I see myself as a skillful professional in the ICT sector in five years’ time,” she said.
She also encouraged young girls interested in ICT to pursue their ambitions despite the field being male-dominated.
“If you are passionate about IT and enjoy solving problems, this path is for you. If you are unsure, like I once was in Grade 12, this scholarship can help you find your direction. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Morgan said.