Education has not come easily to Cedric Cotu Kengi, who arrived at UQ in January 2025 from his home in Papua New Guinea with a prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship to undertake a Master of Governance and Public Policy
“I was a grade 10 dropout in 1992, one of those unfortunates who didn’t get enough marks to be offered a place to progress. From a rural setting in PNG it is difficult to find other ways to continue your education”, Cedric said.
While his pathways were initially limited, with the assistance of his rugby talents, he was able to progress from his earliest employment as “a security guard which is, back home, regarded as a low class job”.
“I decided to devote my time to rugby league because when you win a match you are paid,” Cedric said. He represented his province, playing for the Mendi Muruks 1994-95, progressing to the Junior Kumuls squad from 1996-99. Rugby league brought him to Australia for the first time in 1995-96, where he remembers playing in Gympie, and using the Brisbane Broncos club facilities.
The Australian Government recently announced partnership with PNG and the Australian Rugby League Commission which will support a PNG team to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) competition by 2028. Cedric believes such sporting initiatives are powerful. “They chose Papua New Guinea, which is a plus. It will open doors for young people, and tourism and the economy will boom. For me, being once a village rugby player and seeing this opportunity, makes me wish it had come during my time.”
Marriage in 1999 and the birth of the first of his four daughters in 2000 saw Cedric determined to finally complete his grade 12 certificate. It took 13 years, during which his progress was slow and there were many obstacles. His local Open Campus Centre in Mendi was forced to close due to instability, he was working full time, and had growing family commitments. He credits his involvement with the Seventh Day Adventist Church as important in his ability to progress.
“The church contributed a lot in my growing up. Although I didn't have the education, the church saw my ability to resonate, my character and presentation. They encouraged and developed me to be who I am today.”
In 2009 Cedric began his undergraduate degree in public policy at the University of Papua New Guinea, graduating in 2014 after having a year out in 2012 (to contest the election as a local candidate). Since 2022, and while completing a Master of Business Administration (also at UPNG), he has worked full time as First Secretary for MP Belden Namah. His family live in Mt Hagen in PNG’s Western Highlands, and he also coordinates the PNG for Christ program for Jiwaka from his Port Moresby base.
“Dealing with family issues, community issues, church work and my employment was difficult, with four or five things running at the same time as big international programs. When I received my masters it was a relief”, he said.
However, Cedric was not content to rest on his laurels. He immediately set his sights on an Australia Awards Scholarship and more educational qualifications. Going through the Australia Awards application he began researching Australia’s top universities, noting UQ’s profile.
“I wanted to find out more and saw that UQ is one of the top universities in the world. I said, ‘I want to get in there. I want a university that is top performing due to my ambition and belief in the power of education’. They offer the Master of Governance and Public Policy as well. The final reason that supported my choice is that it’s close to home.”
Cedric applied three times to finally secure the highly competitive AA Scholarship, which has given him an understanding of its value.
“Reminiscing on how I have come through the process, I realise the prestigious nature of the award. I went through a lot of processes and what it produces is the cream of the country.”
His wife and youngest daughter will follow him to Brisbane after the initial six month settling in period, and his family are highly supportive of this opportunity. It is likely to change all of their lives.
“I'm seeing what's going to come after I complete my study. That's why I made a choice to come. I know that, with the skills and knowledge that I have, I will really help my country. I want to be competent and the best in my field, in my area of policy,” said Cedric.
For Sponsored Students Regional Coordinator Rachel Panousis, AA Scholars of Cedric’s calibre affirm the value of the DFAT program.
“Cedric has an amazing story that showcases the importance of determination and perseverance. Despite dropping out of school, he returned to complete his grade 12 certificate and is now an Australia Awards scholar here at UQ. He is a wonderful example to his own daughters and others of the importance of education. I look forward to supporting his Australia Awards journey at UQ over the next two years.”
“Cedric’s story is a great example of the power of the Australia Awards program that we deliver at UQ for DFAT – it creates change for scholars, their families, their communities, and their countries," Rachel said.
