Fourteen government officers and one research officer will travel to Japan in September to pursue their post graduate studies at seven Japanese universities. JICA Papua New Guinea office will conduct a pre departure briefing at JICA PNG Office on Tuesday, 16th August to prepare these scholars for their travel. These 15 Papua New Guineans successfully passed all JICA and university screening processes to be selected for a JICA scholarship. Amongst the 15 scholars, 3 participants from the Mineral Resources Authority were successful for their Masters and PhD studies under the Human Resources Development in the Mining sector (KIZUNA) scholarship program while twelve participants from various government agencies will pursue their Masters and PhD studies respectively under the SDGs Global Leader scholarship program. This batch has seen a gradual increase in the number of successful applicants for JICA’s scholarship programs. Hence, when applications for these scholarship programs re-open in September this year, JICA PNG office will work closely with respective training officials from all government agencies at the national and the sub national level, higher education and research institutions to ensure that applications from all eligible entities are received in an appropriate and timely manner. JICA also continues to encourage eligible female applicants to apply for the available scholarship programs that are provided every year. These programs include the SDGs Global Leader, KIZUNA and Agriculture and Food Securities Network (AGRI-NET) program. JICA is keen to enhance PNG’s human resource who will contribute to the sustainable development of the country