LAWYER Lisa-Marie Tepu has encouraged other people who are applying for scholarships to choose to study something they are passionate about.
Tepu recently graduated with a master of laws at the University of Melbourne through the Australia Awards scholarship and is currently the legal manager with Abt Associates.
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| Lisa-Marie Tepu recently graduated with a master of law at the University of Melbourne through the Australia Awards scholarship and is currently the legal manager with Abt Associates. |
She leads contracting activities for the PNG Australia governance facility.
The initiative will design and implement most of Australia’s future governance portfolio under the strategic direction of the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments.
Tepu is well qualified for the role with extensive experience at Abt Associates and a master of laws at the University of Melbourne through an Australia Awards scholarship.
“The content of each of my subjects was very relevant and took into account real world scenarios such as the Coronavirus (Covid-19),” she said.
“All my lecturers were amazing, very knowledgeable and were from different backgrounds.
“They challenged some pre-conceived notions I had about the way things work in international law.
“I was encouraged to think critically about the different influencers and power dynamics that shape international law and its impact on nations, particularly developing nations such as PNG.”
Tepu’s colleagues at Abt were supportive on her decision to apply for a scholarship.
Although she had to resign from her role as senior legal officer to take up her studies, Tepu felt it was worthwhile in the long run.
Backed by her new knowledge and qualification, she applied for her current role and was successful through a competitive process.
“My studies have given me a better perspective of the interplay between international development and international law in general,” she said.
“I have a better appreciation of overarching international arrangements, politics and other forces, that when drilled down, determine what commercial or project arrangements are put in place on the ground.
“As an active citizen who looks to contribute to nation building, understanding these influences are important to me.”
Tepu also felt that her experiences had reinforced her general philosophy to be open to different cultures, politics and people.
She encouraged others to consider applying.
The National/Study in PNG