Mt. Eriama Campus, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – IBSUniversity was proud to graduate 224 graduands from across it’s four (4) schools, the School of Accounting and Finance, School of Business and Management, School of Information and Technology and the School of Economic and Development Study. The event was held on Thursday, 10th April 2025, to celebrate the 5th IBSUniversity Graduation and SCU Presentation Ceremony.

Held at the IBSUniversity Mt. Eriama Campus, the event featured speeches from distinguished guests, a traditional dance by the IBSUniversity Manus Students Association at the forefront of the academic procession, and the conferral of degrees and special awards to outstanding students from both IBSUniversity (IBSU) and Southern Cross University (SCU). With the theme “Coalescing Minds, Building Communities and Nation”, the day unfolded with a keynote speech from His Excellency Shri Ravindra Nath, Acting High Commissioner of India to PNG.

After 25 years of collaboration with Southern Cross University (SCU), IBSUniversity is proud to keep on graduating more students for SCU in PNG. Video messages from Prof. Tyrone Carlin (Vice-Chancellor and President, SCU), impressive messages shared by Prof. Erica Wilson (Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Dean of Hotel School, SCU), and Dr. Kit Bennetts (Adjunct Fellow, Teaching Associate Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, SCU) brought warm wishes and recognized the achievements of SCU graduates studying at IBSU.

After the Invocation, National Anthem, and Welcome Address, Mrs. Auvita Rapilla, Chancellor of IBSUniversity, said, “This moment is more than just the end of your studies. It’s the start of something bigger. You now carry knowledge, discipline, and a clear sense of direction. You’ve worked hard, adjusted to challenges, and reached the high standards expected of you. Today, you’re not just receiving certificates—you’re being trusted to lead, to serve, and to help move our country forward over the next 50 years.” Her message is about courage, unity, and the value of continuous learning.

Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, Vice Chancellor, gave the overview of the university’s history and covered important events that outlined how far IBSUniversity has come in preparing future leaders.

The occasion welcomed the Keynote Address presented by His Excellency Shri Ravindra Nath, Acting High Commissioner of India to PNG. In his address, he discussed the role of education in national advancement and individual development.

Then came the highlight—Presentation of Graduands and Awards. Degrees were conferred, and special awards were presented to the outstanding students:

IBSU Academic Excellence Award:

1. Tonny Uriabu (Bachelor of Accounting and Finance) – Sponsored by CPA PNG

2. Elton Allan (Bachelor of Business and Management) – Sponsored by DATEC PNG

3. Joanne Konaka (Bachelor of Information Technology) – Sponsored by PNG Computer Society

IBSU Leadership Award:

1. Ruth-Ann Kwimberi – Sponsored by DATEC PNG

SCU Academic Excellence Award:

1. Samantha Wekina (Bachelor of Business – Specialisation in Accounting) – Sponsored by KPMG PNG

2. Jordan Lowa (Bachelor of Information Technology) – Sponsored by PNG Computer Society

The event came to an end with a valedictory speech from the graduates and a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Jobin M Scaria, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

A very special thank you goes to KPMG, CPA PNG, DATEC PNG and the PNG Computer Society, whose support added great value to the celebration.

“Today brought together all the hard work we’ve put in, and it’s a day I’ll never forget,” a graduate said with pride.

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2024. Your future has begun—and it’s already shining bright.

About IBSUniversity

IBSUniversity (IBSU) is a private university based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. It began in 1989 as the Institute of Business Studies and became a university in 2017. IBSU offers a variety of academic programmes in Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Information Technology and Economics and Development Studies. The university provides both homegrown degrees and internationally recognised degrees through partnership with Southern Cross University in Australia. With our Mt Eriama university campus, IBSU aims to enrich lives through world class education training and research in Papua New Guinea.

About Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University (SCU) is a public university in Australia, with campuses in Lismore and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, and the Gold Coast in Queensland. Established in 1994, SCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, education, health, science, and the arts. The university is known for using innovative and practical ways of teaching, especially through the Southern Cross Model, which encourages active and hands-on learning. SCU also supports research through its centers in the field of marine science, environmental care, and Indigenous knowledge.

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