23/06/2026
Intelligence – the theme this year, for International Women in Engineering.
What a perfect day to celebrate our very own graduate Engineer, Leilla Lialu.
"On International Women in Engineering Day, I am proud to reflect on my journey as a young female graduate engineer and the experiences that continue to shape my confidence, skills, and aspirations in the engineering profession.
Growing up, I was always curious and fascinated by science. My late father introduced me to civil engineering and encouraged me to consider it as a career because he saw how well it suited my interest in learning, solving problems, and taking on challenges.
I studied Civil Engineering with Honours at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in Lae, Morobe Province. I began my studies in 2020 and completed my degree in 2023. During that time, I developed a strong foundation in civil engineering and a growing interest in the practical side of construction and infrastructure delivery.
My journey with PMG began when I first heard about them through one of their former local graduate engineers, who was also a senior from my university. He encouraged me to apply through our company’s graduate training arrangement with PMG on projects in Papua New Guinea. That opportunity opened the door for me to gain valuable site-based experience and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Working on the Kimbe project has broadened my perspective and helped me truly appreciate marine construction and the many disciplines involved in delivering a major infrastructure project. It has shown me that engineering is not only about technical knowledge, but also about teamwork, communication, safety, quality, and the ability to make good decisions in a busy project environment.
Through on-the-job training, I have gained exposure to daily reporting, quality control, supervising dredging operations, interpreting and implementing drawings for construction, site inspections, concrete batching and tracking, recording pile driving and dredging logs plus handling container and project cargo clearance. Each of these experiences has helped me better understand how different parts of a project connect and how important attention to detail is in achieving successful outcomes.
One of the most valuable parts of my development has been assisting supervisors, project engineers, and project managers with quality checks, inspections, and stakeholder communication. These opportunities have helped me grow in confidence and become more comfortable speaking with colleagues and project stakeholders. They have also taught me the importance of asking questions, contributing ideas, listening carefully, and learning from those around me.
Being part of the PMG team has strengthened my understanding of construction, especially marine construction. The team’s focus on safety, quality, and communication has shown me what it takes for a diverse group of professionals to work together and deliver lasting outcomes. I have seen how every role contributes to the bigger picture, and that has inspired me to continue building my technical and professional skills.
For me, delivering lasting outcomes means contributing to projects that will serve current and future generations in my country. I am proud to be part of the PMG team supporting the upgrade of Kimbe Port, because infrastructure like this plays an important role in connecting communities, supporting economic activity, and strengthening national development.
To other young people, especially young women considering engineering, my advice is to stay curious, keep learning, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Engineering can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Be confident, open-minded, and committed to becoming an ethical engineer who values quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
As I look ahead, I aspire to become a professional civil engineer, ideally in marine construction or the maritime industry. My experience on the Kimbe project is giving me the practical exposure and confidence to work towards that goal.
International Women in Engineering Day is a reminder of the important role women play in shaping infrastructure, solving problems, and creating opportunities for the future. I am grateful for the people who have supported my journey so far, and I hope my story encourages more young women in Papua New Guinea to see engineering as a career where they can learn, lead, and make a meaningful contribution".
Leilla’s Engineering journey with PMG in PNG, sparked by encouragement from a fellow Graduate Engineer who previously worked with Pacific Marine Group, is both inspiring and deeply rewarding. It reflects the lasting impact and legacy PMG aim to create, in partnership with the AIFFP’s PNG Ports Infrastructure Investment Program.
Well done, Leilla! 👏
