The development of the Papua New Guinea Knowledge Hub is taking shape with phase one completed following the launch of the new Thomas Webster Research Building.
PNG National Research Institute (PNGNRI) aims to transform its Waigani Campus into the PNG Knowledge Hub.
The hub will bring together a community of organisations, leaders, researchers, consultants, academics, government and private sector people. It will be focused in generating, processing, storing, transferring and applying knowledge.
NRI Director Dr Charles Yala said PNGNRI plans to start working on phase two which will be the refurbishment of the old library building.
Dr Charles Yala said through the Thomas Webster Research Building project, PNGNRI has demonstrated that a government funded institution can, through innovative and creative ways, add value and improve national institutions.
“This project demonstrates the maturity of the systems and process of management and oversight built over the last 10 years by PNGNRI council and management,” Dr Yala said. One of the major projects is the construction of the Sir Henry Chow Building. This building, once completed will be the epicenter of the PNG Knowledge Hub.
“The Sir Henry Chow Building will be the interface between the public and the PNGNRI within the PNG Knowledge Hub.
“We are finalising the architectural design of the Sir Henry Chow Building, which will be the signature building for the PNG Knowledge Hub,” Dr Yala said. He said that the credit for these strategic decisions, plans and implementations goes to the PNGNRI Council, management and staff.
“It is going to be a long journey but, at least, we have started taking baby steps in the right direction.” Dr. Yala added that PNG needs a knowledge hub which focuses on inquiring, informing and influencing policy makers on the structural issues that undermine broad based sustained growth and development in the country.