New steps taken to bring classroom learning closer to the workplace

IBSUniversity and Bank South Pacific (BSP) are in early discussions about forming a partnership that brings academic learning and professional practice together in a more practical way.

On Friday, 4 April 2025, BSP representatives met with the School of Information Technology at IBSUniversity to discuss a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The proposed agreement outlines several ways both teams will work together to benefit students, graduates, and working professionals.

The BSP team included Mr. Gideon Fouche, Chief Data Officer and Analyst; Ms. Esther Usurup, Head of People & Culture for PNG Retail & Operations; and Ms. Philomena Komberive, Manager of Data Governance at BSP Financial Group Limited. Their attendance showed BSP’s strong interest in working with universities like IBSUniversity to support student learning and future careers.

The MoU outlines four key areas of focus:

1. Student Internships

BSP will open its doors to IBSUniversity students through internship placements, giving them the chance to apply their knowledge and understand workplace expectations.

2. Staff Training and Exchange of Ideas

IBSUniversity will offer tailored training sessions for BSP staff. Both sides are also looking at organising tech talks, webinars, and seminars to share expertise and discuss ongoing developments in the tech space.

3. Graduate Jobs

Through IBSU’s Placement Cell, BSP is looking to recruit graduating students who show potential and interest in joining the banking sector.

4. Course Review and Industry Input

An Industry-Academia Board will be formed to look at how current IT programmes can be refreshed or improved, based on current trends and needs in the job market.

Closing the Gap

This initiative comes at a time when students are expected to leave university with more than just theory. It’s important for them to have exposure to how things work outside the lecture room. Both BSP and IBSUniversity recognise this, and are taking steps to offer students something more complete—study that’s tied to practical insight.

It also reflects IBSUniversity’s growing efforts to build long-lasting connections with distinguised organisations in the country. BSP, as a leading name in Papua New Guinea’s financial sector, brings insight that could help shape how future graduates are prepared for the workplace.

While nothing has been signed just yet, the first round of talks has been encouraging. Both teams recognise the potential in this idea, and the difference it could make for students preparing to start their careers.

IBSUniversity sees this as another step forward in building stronger pathways between its classrooms and the wider community, helping students grow not just academically, but professionally too.

If an agreement is finalised, updates will be shared through the university’s official channels.