Program Type: In-Country Program /
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, data analytics, cloud computing, and other cross-cutting high-tech technologies are increasingly influencing how governments, industries, and education systems should operate in Industry 5.0 era. For TVET, this transformation has a dual dimension, first, TVET institutions must prepare learners for workplaces where AI, automation, connected equipment, and data-driven systems are becoming increasingly common, and second, TVET institutions themselves can use AI and IoT to improve the ways and means to plan, manage, deliver, and monitor education and training.
This distinction is particularly important for all Asia Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). PNG's government’s digital policy direction is explicitly aiming to move from fragmented technology projects toward a coordinated digital ecosystem, while also emphasizing practical AI use cases, workforce capability, inclusion, and responsible governance. PNG is currently strengthening its national digital transformation agenda, including work on a National Sovereign Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Strategy. The emerging national approach places emphasis on connectivity, digital public infrastructure, data, AI governance, interoperability, cybersecurity, and inclusive access.
At the same time, PNG's geography creates distinctive challenges for digital transformation. The country has widely dispersed communities and remote areas, making connectivity, affordability, and reliable digital infrastructure important considerations when designing technology-enabled education and training. Current national initiatives are specifically seeking to improve connectivity for rural and remote communities. The implications for TVET are significant, as AI and IoT applications need to be considered not merely from a technological perspective or Information Technology but from the perspective of:
Relevance → Accessibility → Affordability → Institutional Readiness → Industry Alignment → Quality → Sustainability
This CPSC’s In-country training program consequently adopts a TVET application perspective, focusing on how AI and IoT can support modern TVET ecosystems through:
- TVET planning and decision-making;
- Labour-market and skills intelligence;
- Curriculum and program development;
- Smart workshops and laboratories;
- Equipment and asset management;
- Teaching and learning support;
- Learner services and career guidance;
- Assessment and quality assurance;
- Institutional management; and
- Industry collaboration.
Participants will develop the capacity to understand, identify, evaluate, plan, and manage appropriate AI and IoT applications in the TVET context.


















