Western Province graduate joins MRDC
Sima Koki, from Western Province, has joined Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) as an accounts officer after graduating with a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) this year.
Sima is responsible for managing the MRDC financial obligations to its vendors and suppliers, and ensures accurate and up-to-date vendor records, contributing to the integrity of MRDC’s financial data.
Sima proudly received his Bachelor of Accounting degree at the UPNG 70th graduation in April, a moment he described as “a long-overdue achievement”.
As a beneficiary of the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) in the North Fly region, Sima was eligible to apply for education subsidy program through Mineral Resources CMCA. This funding support enabled Sima’s return to UPNG to complete his degree.
Sima initially began his Bachelor of Accounting program in 2017. However, financial difficulties led to a temporary withdrawal from the program in 2020. Reflecting on this period, Sima remarked, “Although the withdrawal was not what I had planned, it provided me with lessons about resilience.”
Despite overcoming previous obstacles, a mandatory accounting practicum requirement presented another hurdle in 2023. Sima faced a disheartening search for a placement within Western Province, “I did not give up. I remained hopeful that the right opportunity would arise,” he affirmed.
Driven by his ambition, Sima relocated to Port Moresby in June 2024. The following month, he applied to MRDC. He was offered a three-month internship within the MRDC finance department, which successfully fulfilled the practicum requirement necessary for his graduation.
His performance during the internship led to a full-time offer as an Accounts Payable Officer.
Sima is eager to apply his hard-earned skills and contribute positively to the company’s operations, “I am grateful to MRDC and MRCMCA, in enabling my education, facilitating the practicum, and providing my current career opportunity.”
Sima’s tuition sponsorship is facilitated through the Education Subsidy Program. The Education Subsidy Program provides tuition subsidies to students from mining, gas, and petroleum project areas. Since 2022, MRDC has managed and facilitated tuition fees for over 8000 students from the beneficiary communities.
