My name is Mathew Komabo and I am studying for a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering programme at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford. I come from the remote Salt Nomane Karimui District of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. My country is one of the small island developing states (SIDS) in the Pacific region and is considered as one of the most culturally diverse nations on the planet. Simbu province is in the highlands region of Papua New Guinea. My family lives in a rural village with limited access to quality socio-economic developments including roads, education, law and order as well as access to electricity.

I was a graduate architect back in 2013 from Papua New Guinea University of Technology and worked in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry for 6 years. I spent a year studying a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) with the University of Goroka (UoG), followed by working with secondary school students as a teacher of Science and Physics for 2 years. Later, I worked as an infrastructure planning and design architect with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology through its Project Management Office before coming to Ireland. My main responsibilities include, providing technical advice to the University administration, working on new project design, site feasibility studies, project management, working with external project consultants, project tender and contract administration, procurement, project reporting and stakeholder management.

I chose to study the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering, because I realised that energy is one of the most critical challenges to address in today’s world where climate change is becoming a global phenomenon. Infrastructure development goes hand in hand with energy usage. Relating back to my country Papua New Guinea, most people living in the rural areas do not have good access to reliable energy, despite there being abundant natural resources. There is a lack of technical capacity with limited professionals working in the sustainable energy-engineering sector. This is one of the main reasons why I chose to study this programme here at South East Technological University (SETU). I want to engage in the sector, make a difference, and contribute the new skillset and knowledge when returning to my home country.

The Ireland Fellows Programme (IFP) is one of the best scholarships I have come across. The fellowship had paid for my student home country airfares, student health insurance, monthly stipends, and full tuition fees and even hosted many memorable activities organised by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). The ICOS staff are well organised and have managed the programme very well. Before arriving in Ireland, the ICOS team collaborated with the Embassy of Ireland in Australia very well, which made settling in smooth. In addition, the fellowship also provides the opportunity for me to see other areas of Ireland that I have not seen before.

Studying the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering is fun and challenging, but also rewarding particularly on the learning of new energy modelling software programme Integrated Environmental Solution Visual Environment (IES VE) which was a new path of skillset. The course was designed in a way that helps me to approach problems with attention to detail. Some specific subjects, which really stood out, include the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB), Low Energy Building Systems, Mechanical Services Systems and Statistical Analysis for Engineers. The other interesting thing that I noticed was the ability of Research Methodologies lecturer who taught and guided us the students well on how to do research and focus on the important aims and objectives of the research to get better results. The method of teaching was simple and very clear which made learning enjoyable.

At first when I arrived, I had a bit of a cultural shock when comparing Ireland to Papua New Guinea. However, as the days rolled by, I began to get use to the cold weather and adapt to the Irish way of life. From general observation, the Irish people are nice, and they mind their own business. What really inspires me is the quality of food and clothing available here at the local shops. The prices are okay and the local staff are very friendly.

The biggest difference I found between Papua New Guinea and Ireland is that Ireland’s overall infrastructure and government systems are working cohesively to help its people. Ireland also has good records of investing in higher education including more research and development to help its country progress further. Unlike Papua New Guinea, the potential for development is available but the government has not invested many basic infrastructure in the right way to help their citizens. Most people in rural and urban areas are still struggling in terms of basic government services. Therefore, Papua New Guinea still has a long way to go in terms of the quality of education, infrastructure, research and much more.

During my fellowship in Ireland, I hope to achieve key skillsets and knowledge to help me contribute to my field in the future. As much as possible, I need to do well in my courses including my research thesis and many other soft skills that I need to develop. In addition, I also need to have good connection with development organisations like the European Union and Irish Aid so that I can later work with them to implement changes in my country when future opportunity arises. My favourite part of the fellowship is the ability to learn new research skills in my course. I know that developing such a good research skill will help me further my career and broaden my understanding on how to solve real world problems through research and development.

I would be more than happy to recommend more people from my country to participate in the Ireland Fellows Programme (IFP). Based on my experiences, it appears that all higher education institutions in Ireland seems to operate in uniformity in terms of their level of research and quality of academic staff involved in teaching the students from undergraduate to masters and doctorate level. In addition, the Ireland Fellows Programme also helps Fellows to align themselves towards the Global Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030. That means, Fellows will have the theoretical understanding of the development framework and how they can become the agent of change based on the development goals and can contribute more effectively to society.

For prospective Fellows in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) particularly in the Pacific Region who wish to apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme in the future, I would advise that you would never regret where this programme will take you. For future Fellows, if you apply for IFP the first round and you are not successful, do not give up. Try to read all IFP application instructions and follow them carefully and understand Ireland’s International Development Policies and do a careful selection of your intended courses to figure out why you are selecting your proposed course and how you will contribute effectively upon the completion of the programme. In addition, try to do a lot of practice on the Duolingo, IELTS or TOEFL English assessments and familiarise yourself with their approach to get good marks. To conclude its better to have your personal passport and other important document including completed higher education certificates certified by the courts and have them well organised before applying for Ireland Fellows Programme as last minute preparations may cause inconveniences.