WPU launches nation’s first student Toastmasters club

Western Pacific University [WPU] has launched Papua New Guinea’s first student Toastmasters Club at its main campus in Ialibu, Southern Highlands.

The initiative is part of the university’s commitment to developing confident communicators, effective leaders, and future-ready graduates.

Speaking during the official launch on Monday, WPU president Proffessor Janet Rangou said the launch as a movement aimed at empowering students and staff.

“Today, we are not merely launching a club,” Prof Rangou said. “We are launching a movement that seeks to empower our students and staff to become confident communicators, effective leaders, critical thinkers, and influential contributors to society.”

She said in a rapidly changing world driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity, soft skills were becoming critical for career success.

Through active participation, members will build competencies in public speaking, interpersonal communication, strategic leadership, management, and personal confidence.

Prof Rangou said the establishment of the student club complemented a parallel Toastmasters club established for university staff.

She said the practical experience gained would directly assist students with classroom presentations, campus leadership roles, and eventual entry into the workforce.

“As a purposeful university, we recognize that success in the future will belong not only to those who possess knowledge, but to those who can effectively communicate that knowledge,” she said.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organisation that helps individuals improve public speaking and leadership skills through structured pathways and peer feedback.