Divine Word University (DWU)

According to Head of Department (HOD), Cyril Sarsoruo, the department is trying phase out some of the units which are now not relevant to the industry, as technology advances and evolves over time, so does applications become outdated.

The MCS students have the chance to play around with AI software’s in producing high level assessments. However, Sarsoruo admits that there is still no proper regulatory system in place for AI technology.

Twenty-two (22) students presented their final research projects, which is a requirement in order to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree. The symposium promoted service delivery, especially being of service to others.

University of Technology (UniTech) finished in second place, and host DWU finished third. Six universities competed in the three-day event from September 21st – 23rd, 2023. The debate competition was themed ‘Developing a safe, innovative and sustainable life towards 2050, in Papua New Guinea’.

In the Debate Heats preliminary rounds, semi-final and grand final rounds, topics related to the theme, sparked interesting discussions, showcasing impressive research and analytical skills, confidence and public speaking.

It is an academic event that aims to promote research and scholarly activities among its faculty, staff, and students.

The symposium serves as a platform for researchers and scholars to present their work and engage in discussions on various topics of interest. It aims to promote research culture and academic excellence within the university community.

Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen and his team, addressed staff and students on the roles and functions of the Ombudsman Commission, at the SVD Memorial Auditorium (SVDMA). It was full to capacity.

DWU’s President, Professor Fr Philip Gibbs warmly welcomed the visitors.

“The Office of the Ombudsman Commission, plays a very important role, in ensuring the constitution of Papua New Guinea is protected, and we are honoured to have the 8^th Chief Ombudsman Commissioner speak to us,” said Professor Fr Gibbs.

Leading up to DWU’s Council Meeting on Friday 21st, a schedule of planned activities had visitors experience the warm hospitality of the people of the iconic township of Rabaul.

There was a blessing and commissioning of the following facilities; a new Computer Laboratory, Matriculation Centre, and water project, including the blessing and commissioning of a statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

The Council also visited a new Administration block at Kabaleo Teachers College, still in its construction phase and various sites including Rakunai (Blessed Peter ToRot).

Defending champions, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Pythons, will be defending their title this year, after winning the cup in a fiery grand final match against the University of Technology (Unitech) Spartans in Port Moresby, in 2021.

UPNG has assembled three teams; two from the main campus including defending champions, the UPNG Pythons. The Third UPNG Team is Medfac from the School of Medicine, Taurama campus.

Lead Professor Sung-Hyun Mo and his team of professors and students from Handong Global University of South Korea, in partnership with DWU Faculty of Business and Informatics (FBI), had innovative conversations, insights and provided an intriguing learning experience with DWU participants.

The Lead Professor said it was encouraging to see a passionate group of staff and students engage in discussions and presentations throughout the week.

When the country went into lockdown in 2020 due to COVID19, institutions and businesses had to adjust to ensure that they also thrived during the hard times. DWU was no exception.

Having several campuses all over the country, they had to find a way to run the establishments without having to physically send staff over.

The university advanced on technology by using Zoom to communicate with staff all over the country. They found it worked for them so even after the pandemic they’ve invested more into technology.

All the faculties and ther departments were armored to to the full to showcase when they have been learning inside the lecture rooms.

Students had on display actual work environments, tools, information and everything needed to inform potential university students, parents, employers and the general public about the courses taken up at the university.

Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, President of Divine Word University (DWU), states that this is the first time after 3 years since COVID19 that the university has organized an Open Day.