Last Friday 25 September, Macquarie welcomed on campus Papua New Guinea’s Divine Word University (DWU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cecilia Nembou, who took the opportunity to reflect on Macquarie’s ongoing support of DWU following the development of what has become the finest MBA program in Papua New Guinea.

In 2009, Professor John Croucher from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) was the driving force behind the development of DWU’s MBA program, for which he received an honorary PhD from DWU for ‘services to mankind’.

“The story of Macquarie and its relationship with DWU is indeed a great one, and an excellent example of community outreach to a developing country and our nearest neighbour,” says Professor Croucher.

During her visit, Professor Nembou said she had dreamed of starting an MBA program at DWU, and is grateful to both Professor Croucher and her Vice-Chancellor and President, Father Jan Czuba, for helping that dream become a reality.

“I was aware that Macquarie offered a high-quality MBA program, and it was recommended that I contact Professor Croucher and, as the saying goes, ‘the rest is history’.

“The aim of the program was two-fold. We wanted to have a world-class MBA program, and also have PNG lecturers from within DWU co-teach units so that they could eventually take over. Although the majority of units are taught by international lecturers, this has proved positive because the feedback from students is that they want world-class lecturers with international perspectives.

“These international academics who so generously give of their time and expertise on a pro bono basis explain the success of our MBA program. The Divine Word University is deeply grateful to them.”

Macquarie PhD candidate and MGSM MBA alumna, Ms Justine Wang, recently returned from teaching (pro bono) in the MBA program in Port Moresby, and has been invited back to teach again in 2016.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to teach in the MBA program at Divine Word University as part of MGSM’s community outreach. I was fortunate to be there at the time of the 40th annual celebrations of PNG’s independence, and the President and Vice-Chancellor of DWU, Father Jan Czuba, made me feel most welcome,” says Justine.

“I very much enjoyed meeting with the students, and hearing about their local issues and concerns, along with developing a deeper understanding of their culture and perspectives on life.”