The University of Papua New Guinea community led by the Chancellor, Sir Robert Igara, and the Council, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cecilia Nembou and the Executive Management Team, the Executive Deans of the five Schools, staff and students, extend their profound condolences to Lady Stella Chan, Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea,
the Chan’s extended family members, the people of New Ireland, and the members of the Peoples Progress Party (PPP), on the passing of the Late Right Honourable Sir Julius Chan, MP, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, Governor of New Ireland, Two times Prime Minister, multiple times Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, as well as Cabinet Minister in other portfolios in an illustrious career of service.
Sir Julius was the Prime Minister when the Office of Higher Education was created, the predecessor to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology that now oversees tertiary institutions in the country. He was also responsible for the funding and construction of the Dame Mary Kekedo (DMK) Hall of Residence that has been home for many young women who have studied at UPNG and gone on to help in nation-building.
On Monday 3 February 2025, the UPNG Community conducted an impromptu Memorial Forum to allow for the Council members, academic and non-academic staff, and students to pay honour, respect and homage to this great man recognised as “Last Man Standing” for remaining an elective member of the House of Assembly since 1968 to 1975, Member of Parliament from 1975 to 1997, and New Ireland Regional MP and Governor from 2007 to 2025.
See copy of the recorded “Live Stream” on Face Book
May You Rest in Peace, Sir Julius.
Thank you for your selfless services to us all.