A Papua New Guinean medical student says China's development model holds valuable lessons for her home country, adding that the growing friendship between China and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is already unlocking opportunities in education and technology that could reshape the nation's future.
Karisma JIPRIS shares her story in Guangdong at Butuka Academy.
Karisma JIPRIS, a clinical medicine student at Southern Medical University in Guangdong, made the remarks at the "See You in Guangdong" stories sharing session, held during the launch ceremony of the 2026 Charming China (Guangdong): Lingnan Culture Travels to the South Pacific on July 31 in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby.
Karisma JIPRIS observed that modernization and the growing influence of Western culture are slowly eroding Papua New Guinea's rich regional identities. However, she believes the country can draw inspiration from China's development path, based on what she witnessed during her field visits in Guangdong.
She described the transformative impact of rural revitalisation in Guangdong, where communities have been lifted through hard work and determination. She also noted the province's parallel commitment to high-quality growth alongside a green and beautiful environment—a balance she found deeply inspiring.
Concerned that traditional cultures in PNG might fade away, she cited Guangdong's practices in cultural heritage preservation to urge Papua New Guinea to protect its unique cultural identity during the process of modernization.
"Let us learn from our Chinese friends. Through the friendship between China and PNG, we have access to opportunities that can transform our country," she said, calling on her fellow citizens to embrace the possibilities.
The audience at Butuka Academy in Port Moresby listens to Karisma JIPRIS's speech.
"As a young ambassador from Enga, I am committed to being a bridge of friendship between Papua New Guinea and Guangdong. Let us continue to learn from each other, support each other, and grow together—while never forgetting who we are," she said.
In closing, she expressed gratitude to China for supporting her medical studies. She added that upon returning to Papua New Guinea, she would contribute to improving the country's healthcare system and serve as a young ambassador for China-PNG friendship.
Karisma JIPRIS
The 2026 Charming China (Guangdong): Lingnan Culture Travels to the South Pacific is Guangdong's major international exchange event in 2026. Featuring stories sharing, theatrical performances, intangible cultural heritage workshops, product experience sessions, cultural and scenic photography exhibitions, and more, the event aims to deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong and countries in the South Pacific.
PNG officials and students join the Guangdong delegation at the exchange event.
The event run in Papua New Guinea until August 2, after which the Guangdong delegation will next arrive in the Independent State of Samoa on August 3.
Reporter | Huang Xinyi
Photo | Guo Hongda
