With the aim of preparing Papua New Guinea’s TVET institutions for APACC accreditation, the In-Country Training Program on “Quality Management in TVET through APACC Accreditation System” was successfully conducted from September 23 to 25, 2025 at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). A total of 21 leaders and senior officers from TVET institutions under the Department of Education (DOE), Papua New Guinea, joined the three-day training.
Organized by the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), and the Department of Education (DOE) Papua New Guinea, the overall program was conducted under the helm of Prof (Dr.) Suresh K. Dhameja, CPSC Director General, and Dr. Uke Kombra, PhD, OBE, DOE-PNG Secretary, who served as Program Supervisors. The Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) also supported the program, represented by its Chief APACC Officer, Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, and APACC Officer, Ms. Julifer Madeja.
Placing a strong emphasis on advancing the Quality Management System (QMS) of TVET institutions, the training program was designed to align with the forthcoming 2025 version of APACC Accreditation Manual. It also provided the participants with the knowledge and tools needed for institutional transformation, innovation, and quality assurance.
The CPSC Faculty Specialist and Program Coordinator, Prof. Naeem Yaqoob (left), hands over the token of appreciation to Mr. Paul Ainui, Deputy Secretary for Curriculum and Standards at the Department of Education, Papua New Guinea (right).
The training program commenced with welcome remarks from Ms. Asseneth Tugiau, Assistant Secretary for VET Provincial Operations and Mr. Paul Ainui, Deputy Secretary for Curriculum and Standards. This was followed by Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, CPSC Faculty Specialist and Program Coordinator, who presented an overview of the program, including the objectives and schedule.
Extending his official welcome, Prof. Dr. Dhameja highlighted CPSC and APACC’s shared commitment with partner institutions and member countries in strengthening quality assurance, promoting quality TVET, and fostering sustainable development in TVET.
Prof. Dr. Dhameja (top photo, right) and Prof. Naeem (bottom photos) share their expertise in their respective lectures
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in theme paper presentations and workshops facilitated by Prof. Naeem and Ms. Madeja. The sessions covered topics such as APACC accreditation, TVET curriculum development, business incubation, and greening TVET. Meanwhile, a special lecture by Prof. (Dr.) Dhameja on “Quality Assurance in TVET through Industrial Collaboration and Technopreneurship” was delivered online.
Another successful program was concluded, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s commitment to strengthening quality assurance in the TVET sector. During the closing ceremony, the participants shared their insights, concepts, and strategies gained from the program. They also conveyed their gratitude to CPSC and APACC for organizing a program tailored to their institutional needs. Likewise, Prof. Naeem expressed appreciation for the active participation of 21 TVET leaders and the support provided by DOE-PNG. He also advocated for the importance of continuous quality improvement in line with the upcoming launch of APACC’s new accreditation manual. To wrap up the program, Prof. Dr. Dhameja once again congratulated the participants and reaffirmed the continued support of CPSC and APACC in advancing quality assurance in TVET in Papua New Guinea through accreditation and certification.
A group photo taken during the closing ceremony, marking the successful completion of the ICP Papua New Guinea.
This training program carries significance for CPSC as it marks its renewed engagement in Papua New Guinea after no programs had been held in the country since 2018. It also assists PNG’s TVET institutions in strengthening quality assurance and preparing for APACC accreditation.
