When Papua New Guinean scholar Jessica Magala stepped into the Ministry for Pacific Peoples for her summer internship, she expected to learn about policy. What she didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would shape her confidence, her sense of belonging, and her understanding of Aotearoa’s public sector.

Working within the Operations team, Jessica contributed to a ministerial project exploring how Pacific education providers could engage with micro‑credentials — an emerging area of innovation in tertiary learning. She researched, drafted memos, and supported policy conversations that directly influence Pacific communities.

One of the defining moments of her internship came when she shared her billum weaving with international visitors from the World Crafts Council, connecting culture, creativity, and diplomacy in a way that felt both natural and deeply meaningful.

PCF recently hosted an engaging onboarding session for our inaugural cohort of all-female Pacific entrepreneurs, set to participate in the Prime Minister’s Scholarships to Asia program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This immersive day went beyond introductions, offering cultural insights, team-building, and personal goal-setting to fully prepare each participant. From meeting a local from Ho Chi Minh City to exploring Auckland’s bustlinghospo scene, the cohort experienced a taste of Vietnamese life while aligning with PCF’s mission of strengthening Pacific-Asia connections. Our onboarding session reflects PCF’s commitment to supporting and empowering Pacific women entrepreneurs, with the full blog detailing our program activities and stakeholder dedication. Read more about how PCF is fostering impactful international experiences on the blog.

Images courtesy of PCF. If you wish to use the iamgees please make sure you credit Pacific Coperation Foundation

Hey everyone! 🌏✨ We have something truly special lined up for you on the Pacific Cooperation Youtube channel, and it's all about the incredible voices of the youth from the Pacific region currently residing in New Zealand. Get ready for an eye-opening, heartwarming episode where our young changemakers share their perspectives on a variety of crucial topics that affect us all.