The operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, recently welcomed 75 outstanding ninth-grade girls from five Port Moresby schools for a day of hands-on science experiments, mentorship, and exciting activities designed to spark their curiosity and build their confidence in engineering.
Now in its second year in Papua New Guinea, ExxonMobil’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day — held at its LNG Plant at Caution Bay — was a resounding success.
This year’s theme, “Design Your Future,” encouraged students to imagine the possibilities of a STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Supported by 42 passionate employee volunteers from ExxonMobil’s Women in Energy Network, the students explored key engineering concepts and learned directly from Papua New Guinean engineering professionals.
ExxonMobil PNG Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo visited the students during their practical sessions and was impressed by both their enthusiasm and teamwork.
“It’s great to see that even though you’ve come from different schools, you have quickly made new friends and learned to work together effectively as a team to solve real-world problems. These are important skills and experiences that will help you excel in your lives and your careers,” Sivasamboo said.
“Papua New Guinea’s energy future looks quite bright, so there will be opportunities for students like you throughout our industry. I hope you will continue to apply yourselves to your studies so that you might join us as engineers one day,” he concluded.
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Students expressed their gratitude and excitement about the experience, saying it opened their eyes to new possibilities in engineering.
“I didn’t think much about taking on engineering, but after today, I might have a change of mind,” said Zillar Naku Pa’aka from Gordon Secondary School. “Once we started the practical activities, I really enjoyed it.”
“I really enjoyed the electrical engineering activity with the circuit boards,” added Sylvia Mero from Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. “When the lights lit up, it felt like it lit something in me. I think after today, I’d like to become an engineer.”
The students represented Gordon Secondary School, Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Jubilee Secondary School, Bavaroko Junior High School, and Ororo Junior High School. The day concluded with lunch at the Plant site mess and a small gift pack for each participant to take home.
ExxonMobil PNG is proud to help inspire the next generation of innovators by empowering more girls to dream big and engineer boldly.
