Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, has officially launched Papua New Guineas country-wide Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) License in Port Moresby, a strategic investment in the nation’s Human Capital and its Digital Future.
Originating from an APEC project led by the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), the SFIA framework is a globally recognized standard for defining and managing professional skills across ICT, data, cybersecurity, and software development.
By adopting this Whole-of-Country License, Papua New Guinea joins over 200 nations including Australia and New Zealand in aligning its workforce with International Standards.
“Today’s launch is more than the announcement of a license; it represents a national commitment to developing a skilled, capable, and future-ready workforce,” stated Chief Secretary Pomaleu.
“This initiative will strengthen the human capability required to design, deliver, and manage secure and inclusive digital services across the country.”
Key Benefits of the SFIA Framework in PNG:
• Public Sector: Enhances workforce planning, recruitment, and the delivery of efficient digital government services.
• Industry: Provides clearer skills expectations, improves talent development, and fosters labour mobility.
• Education: Offers a practical reference for aligning curricula and qualifications with the real-world needs of employers.
• Individuals: Provides clear career pathways and global recognition of skills for PNG professionals.
Mr. Pomaleu reaffirmed that this Government’s project has been a collaborative effort involving NICTA, the SFIA Foundation, and a Technical Working Group comprising major industry players including; Telikom PNG, Digicel, and Vodafone; and leading academic institutions such as the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and University of Technology (UoT).
The Chief Secretary has called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and educational institutions to work collaboratively in embedding SFIA into their professional growth initiatives.
“Digital transformation is ultimately not just about technology; it is about empowering people and building skills,” Mr. Pomaleu concluded.
“With the adoption of this framework, we are laying the foundation for a more capable, inclusive, and competitive digital economy.”
The implementation of the SFIA framework will be overseen by the ICT Skills Framework Implementation Committee to ensure it becomes an enduring tool for national capability building.