BRYAN Chan Pokiton, a student at the Institute of Business Studies University, has been selected as the Commonwealth Student Association (CSA) Pacific regional representative.
He’ll jet off to London in March for two weeks, representing the Pacific region and rubbing shoulders with young leaders from across the Commonwealth.
Bryan, 24, from Papa village in the Hiri Koiari district, Central is thrilled to take on the challenge.
He is a third-year Bachelor of Economics and Development student at the IBSU.
He attended Papa Primary School from 2013 to 2016 and Redscar High School in 2017 in Central. Then he enrolled at the Asia Pacific Multi-Cultural College in 2018/2019 at Hohola, and the Coronation Secondary School in 2021/2022.
During recent elections among the 11 countries in the Pacific, Pokiton stood out as the unopposed candidate.
“I am deeply humbled by this show of confidence from our regional student body. I extend my sincere gratitude to the PNG Human Resources Institute for their unwavering support.”
He explained that his election journey started late last year, describing it a whirlwind of activities.
“September 4 to September10 was an intense week-long election campaign. From Sept 11 to Sept12 was the online voting period when students across the region cast their ballots.
Bryan Chan Pokiton
“On Sept 13, 2025 I was officially declared the winner and elected to office.
“I am following in the footsteps of my predecessor, Bradley Yombon-Copio, a fellow student leader from PNG who set a strong foundation for our work.”
The CSA, since its establishment in 2012, is more than just an organization. It is a movement.
“Alongside the executive committee, I am committed to safeguarding student rights – focused on mental health, safety, and gender equality.
“I am also focused on improving educational access by advocating for better visa processes and financial aid for Pacific students.
“That includes ensuring our Pacific voice is central to global discussions on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“This role is a voluntary commitment of 15 to 20 hours a week. Whether it is late-night meetings with the London office or coordinating with student unions in Fiji, Samoa, or the Solomons, my priority is ensuring the ‘Pacific Way’ is represented.”
In 2023, Bryan took up roles in other youth, leadership programmes and internships with organisations such as the Commonwealth youth peace ambassadors network, global engineering network for innovation and intelligence, global youth innovation council, youth global network and others.
His other roles include as the country rep for the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network 2025–2027, Global Engineering Network for Innovation and Intelligence, Country Director for Youth Affairs 2025–2026, Global Youth Innovation Council Country Ambassador (2025), Youth Global Network Ambassador (2025), Y-PEER PNG at IBS University Campus Coordinator (2023–2024), International Model United Nations Intern (2025), Eco Veadi Guardian Intern (2023).
He was also a participant at the United Nations Development Programme that organised the National Youth mock parliament.
In 2023, he was a field enumerator for the PNG National Statistical Office and the IBSU student ambassador from 2023-2024.
His advice to young people is to get involved in their national student associations, CSA workshops, or volunteer for their campaigns.
“Let’s work together to empower the next generation of Commonwealth leaders.”
He previously worked as a helpdesk team leader for client support and marketing at Ferguson Education and Migration.
Bryan expects to gain a deeper understanding of global policy-making and diplomacy at the Commonwealth level, specifically learning how to better advocate for the Pacific’s unique educational and climate needs.
“I plan to contribute by applying my academic background in Economics and Development to help the CSA create data-driven solutions for youth empowerment.
“I’ll also be bringing the grassroots perspectives from my work with Pacific organizations to ensure our regional voice is front and center in every discussion.”