AFTER nearly a decade serving behind the scenes as a protocol officer in the Prime Minister’s Department, Lanceford Rambu has stepped into the spotlight this time as a graduate.
Completing a six-month programme from February to August 2025, Rambu graduated with a diploma of government leadership and management from Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (Silag) recently where he was also awarded a leadership award.
“I didn’t expect it at all, I honestly didn’t know my name would be called,” he said.
Returning to the classroom after years in the workforce was not easy.
Rambu said one of the biggest challenges was adjusting to a diverse group of students, each with strong and differing views.
“Everyone thought they were right, but through discussions and guidance from our trainers, we learned to base our decisions on the law and the constitution,” he said.
He said that experience reshaped his thinking, noting that what was once general awareness of policies had now become a deeper understanding of governance and decision-making skills which were already influencing his work.
Rambu undertook the programme on a fully paid six-month study leave, sponsored by the department which he said he was deeply grateful for.
“I will formally thank the Chief Secretary Ivan Pomelu and the department for making this possible,” he said.
