ExxonMobil PNG is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of women thriving in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) across its PNG LNG Project operations. Their success is a testament to their strength and resilience despite the challenges faced by women and girls in accessing ICT education and opportunities in Papua New Guinea.
As part of International Girls in ICT Day, ExxonMobil PNG is shining a spotlight on one of its female ICT stars, Niateng Pokanau. She is a Business IT specialist responsible for navigating an ever-evolving digital landscape and its growing demands.
At ExxonMobil PNG, Niateng — known as Nia — serves as Customer Experience Supervisor within the IT Department. In collaboration with the wider IT team, she plays a critical role in ensuring that PNG LNG’s IT systems are protected through a robust and resilient cybersecurity framework.
Nia, who hails from Manus and Madang provinces, is one of sixteen Papua New Guinean women in leadership roles at the PNG LNG Project.
With a staff of 10 reporting to her, Nia said: “Collaboration and teamwork are essential. They not only inspire learning and growth but also guide a team towards success.”
Nia recently led a team that rolled out EMPNG’s Cloud Managed Environment (CME) laptops as part of ExxonMobil’s corporate strategy to strengthen cybersecurity by providing a safer and more resilient digital environment.
“A resilient enterprise cybersecurity system is important in this evolving digital world to protect corporate data and digital assets against cybersecurity threats,” she said.
“Cybersecurity is not just about adopting new tools, but also about changing the way we work, think and interact, as well as how we equip our colleagues and the next generation of leaders to embrace, adapt, strive and lead in a tech-driven environment.”
Nia believes women in technology can inspire the next generation by breaking down stereotypes and helping to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.
“It’s about raising awareness, offering mentorship and empowering other women to succeed in tech because diversity brings different perspectives and ideas that drive innovation,” she said.
Nia studied Business Information Technology at the University of Technology in Lae, Morobe Province, following her father’s advice and foresight regarding the growing importance of technology.
Her career with EMPNG began more than a decade ago. She started as an IT Analyst before becoming Site Lead at two PNG LNG project sites. She has also held two business roles outside the ICT field — as Digital Transformation Lead with the Operations Technicians Department and as Risk and Controls Advisor with EMPNG’s Risk and Controls team — before assuming her current role.
Nia said her eagerness to be part of a dynamic team that leverages innovative technologies to create sustainable, reliable and affordable energy solutions continues to motivate her every day.
For girls aspiring to pursue careers in ICT, Nia’s advice is to embrace confidence and never stop learning.
“Seek out inspiring mentors, build your professional network and take on challenging projects with enthusiasm,” she said.
“Everyone’s unique perspective is not just valuable; it is essential. Each of us has the power to drive innovation and make a significant impact in the tech industry while helping to shape the future.”
Outside work, Nia is a proud mother of two boys and an avid softball player, a sport she has enjoyed since the age of 15.
An active member of the United Sisters Softball Club in Port Moresby, she was also part of the Port Moresby Women’s Softball Association team that represented the capital in the PNG National Softball Championships and the Brisbane International Friendship Series Tournament in 2018.
ExxonMobil PNG said it remains proud to support Nia and other women as they thrive in the ICT sector, drive digital innovation and contribute to the success of the PNG LNG Project.
