206 Bougainville students awarded inaugural academic scholarships

A total of 206 students from Bougainville have been awarded scholarships under the inaugural Bougainville Readiness Academic Scholarship Program [BRASP] for the 2025 academic year, in a major boost to education and skills development across the region.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, who praised the successful rollout of the program and the transparent screening process that selected the recipients.

“We are thrilled to support these talented students who are poised to make meaningful contributions to Bougainville,” Tsiamalili Jnr said.
“This scholarship program is a critical step toward building a knowledge-based economy in Bougainville, one that ensures education is accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all our citizens.”

The scholarship recipients were selected following a rigorous screening process overseen by Scholarship Manager Joel Nava and supported by local digital solutions company, Kumul Genius. The awards recognise academic excellence among students studying across institutions both within Bougainville and throughout Papua New Guinea.

BRASP supports a broad range of study fields including medicine, engineering, law, nursing, teaching, aviation, and various technical and trade disciplines. The aim is to nurture a highly skilled and future-ready workforce that will drive Bougainville’s long-term development.

The program represents a significant investment in Bougainville’s human capital, with K1.1 million committed to the 2025 scholarship round.

A key feature of BRASP is its fully digital application and monitoring platform, developed by Kumul Genius, which enhances accessibility, efficiency, and transparency for both applicants and administrators.

In a move to ensure long-term impact, the Office of the Regional Member will also establish a dedicated database to track student progress, monitor academic performance, and assess contributions to the community.