SILAG to offer Public Administration degree program

By ORCHY REX

The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) is set to introduce its inaugural Bachelor of Government (Public Administration) degree program, marking a historic step toward professionalizing Papua New Guinea’s public service and transforming SILAG into the Somare Public Service University.

Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, officiated and delivered the keynote address at the Stakeholder Validation Workshop held in Port Moresby yesterday and described the new program as a cornerstone for building a more capable and ethical public sector.

“The Bachelor of Government is more than an academic program. It is a strategic response to the need for a public service that is professional, ethical and results-driven,” Mr Pomaleu said.

He commended SILAG’s leadership under Chief Executive Officer Michael Barobe and praised the institute’s enduring role in public sector capacity building.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the new degree will embed values-based leadership, align with Vision 2050 and the Medium-Term Development Plans, and bridge the gap between policy and implementation through practical placements and practitioner-led teaching.

“We must build a public service that not only delivers but does so with integrity and a sense of national purpose,” he said.

“This degree is a bold step forward and one that ensures our future public servants are better trained, better guided and better connected to the people they serve.”

Mr Pomaleu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to support SILAG’s transformation, announcing several areas of collaboration including:

• Hosting work placements for students of the Bachelor of Government;

• Nominating senior public servants to assist in course delivery and mentoring;

• Partnering in research and policy development to strengthen governance across the public sector.

The Chief Secretary also paid tribute to the Bully Beef Club, the 1960s intellectual movement that shaped PNG’s independence journey, noting SILAG’s historical connection to it.

“SILAG stands on the shoulders of giants; the Bully Beef Club and our founding fathers who helped unite our diverse nation,” he said.

“We must ensure younger Papua New Guineans understand this history and draw inspiration from the values of dialogue, unity and self-determination.”

He proposed that the Bully Beef Club legacy be preserved and promoted through curriculum inclusion, public commemorations, media features, and the establishment of a National Bully Beef Seminar to inspire the next generation of leaders.

SILAG CEO Michael Barobe expressed gratitude to the Chief Secretary and stakeholders for their partnership and highlighted the program’s importance in achieving SILAG’s long-term vision.

“One major goal we are tirelessly working to achieve is for SILAG to become a public service university by 2027,” Mr Barobe said.

“The development of this undergraduate degree program is a critical enabler towards achieving that objective.”

“We are building a pathway for future leaders; a program that reflects the realities of governance and public service in PNG.”

Chairlady of SILAG and Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), Ms. Taies Sansan, commended SILAG’s leadership and the development team for their commitment and innovation.

“I commend the CEO and his team for their tireless effort to develop the first-ever degree in Public Administration for our public service. This is a proud moment for the public sector and for PNG.”

“With continued collaboration, SILAG will position itself as a leader in public service education both nationally and regionally,” Ms Sansan said.

The Stakeholder Validation Workshop brought together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and development partners whose feedback will shape the degree’s curriculum, structure, and teaching methods.

SILAG and its partners will continue consultations to finalize arrangements for practical placements, guest lectures, and collaborative research.