A woman who works in the Information Technology (IT) Department, at Air Niugini, Marisa Kuypers, has recently attained a Masters Degree in Information Technology.
Marisa is the IT Projects and Strategy Manager for Air Niugini and completed her Masters in IT, majoring in Enterprise Systems at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. A course that she explained as needed in the rapidly changing e-business world.
She began her studies in January 2019 and successfully completed the Masters program in December 2020 with outstanding results. As a result of her exceptional performance in her studies, she was admitted to the Dean’s list of Students with Excellent Academic Performance from the QUT Science and Engineering Faculty in her final year semester one (1), 2020.
Ms Kuypers said the AusAid scholarship program was an opportunity to take because the goals and objectives behind it is to help in the development of the country.
She explained Air Niugini is an air transport service provider that enables development to progress and also contributes to the country’s revenue thus needs good professional leaders to consistently make good change.
“The Masters program was made up of a combination of Business process management, networking, research, project management and many other IT units. It has provided me with an in-depth knowledge in the field of IT which I am currently applying these skills in what I do at Air Niugini.”
Her achievement demonstrates Air Niugini’s continued commitment in promoting gender equality, based on merit, encouraging and supporting women to further their education and take on managerial positions within the airline.
Kuypers had joined Air Niugini in 2013 as an IT Business Systems Analyst and now works in the Applications support section of the IT department providing support for the company’s software applications and IT solutions to the business when needed.
Upon completing her 18 months of study at QUT and receiving her Masters Degree, she has now returned the work.
“I am grateful for what I have achieved and would like to contribute to the success of Air Niugini by improving some of the business processes and systems, ensuring our systems are aligned with the business objectives,” she said.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Alabaster congratulated Ms Kuypers on her remarkable achievement.
“Workwise, Marisa also stands out and is a great asset to Air Niugini and also the country. Air Niugini is very proud to have a person of Marisa’s capability and her academic achievement is noteworthy.
“Furthermore, Marisa being a female also demonstrates Air Niugini’s desire in promoting and encouraging gender equality,” Mr Alabaster added.
Hailing from a mix parentage of Buin in South Bougainville and the Netherlands, Ms Kuypers grew up in Bougainville during the crises where she completed primary school.
After the Bougainville crisis, she moved to Port Moresby to attend girls Catholic boarding school Marianville High, where she completed Year 10.
She then completed Grade 11 and 12 at Aiyura National High School then attained her Bachelor’s degree in IT at the University of Papua New Guinea.
Ms Kuypers believes education is key to the future of Papua New Guinea, and encouraged her colleagues to further their knowledge and studies when they get the chance to as the country needs it.
She added that setting your goals, time management and some motivation is key to succeed in studies to achieving your goals.
Ms Kuypers acknowledged and thanked the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Awards PNG and the Air Niugini Management for the support and encouragement that has enabled her to complete the Masters program.
