Shane Chinau

Shane Chinau (born 15 March 1990) is a Papua New Guinean entrepreneur, IT professional, and founder of Chayil Information Technology, a company specializing in offline E-Libraries and digital learning solutions for schools in Papua New Guinea. He is recognized for pioneering the implementation of E-Library projects in remote schools and promoting digital education across PNG.

Early Life and Family

Shane Chinau was born on 15 March 1990 at ANGAU Memorial Hospital, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. He is originally from Wewak/Wonagara, East Sepik Province.His father, Joe Chinau, and mother, Francisca Ibsagi, raised Shane in a family of three children:

1. Solomon Chinau – eldest sibling
2. Shane Chinau – second
3. Elizabeth Chinau – youngest

During his early childhood, Shane lived in several locations due to family circumstances:

• 1990–1991: Ramu Management Compound, Lae
• 1992: Administration Compound, Lae District
• 1993–1994: Huga Turu Management Compound, Popondetta, Oro Province
• 1995: Relocated to Port Moresby

Education

• 1996–2002: Gordons International School, Prep–Grade 6
• 2003–2004: Coronation IEA College, Lae, Grades 7–8
• 2005: Repeated Grade 8 at Lae Christian Academy, Lae
• 2006–2009: Bugandi Secondary School, Lae, Grades 9–12
• 2010: DODL upgrade at University of Technology (Unitech), Lae
• 2011: Diploma in Business and Computing, International Training Institute, Lae

Career

Early Career (2012–2013)

• 2012: Surveillance Technician at Seeto Kui Holdings, Lae
• 2013: IT Assistant at Hornibooks NGI, Lae

Chayil Information Technology (2014–Present)

In 2014, inspired by a pastor’s revelation from Deuteronomy 8:18, Shane founded Chayil Information Technology, officially registered with the Investment Promotion Authority of PNG.Major Milestones:

• 2015: First E-Library pilot at Lae Secondary School (106 computers)
• 2016: National expansion; collaboration with Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra; UNICEF project in 20 schools
• 2017: National and first international expansion to Fiji
• 2018–2021: Government-endorsed projects, including Busu Science Lab Project; multiple E-Library installations across PNG
• 2022–2024: Expanded to 50+ schools; winner of PNG SME Awards (Ela Motors Awards, 2024)
• 2025: Planned nationwide rollout supported by the Education Minister

Recognition and Awards

• Runner-up, PNG SME Awards (2022)
• Winner, PNG SME Awards – Ela Motors Award (2024)
• Recognized by UNICEF and PNG Education Department for contributions to digital learning
• Total E-Libraries installed: 50+ across PNG & Fiji

Personal Life

Shane grew up in a family that valued education and community development. He is the second of three children and maintains close ties with his siblings, Solomon and Elizabeth Chinau. Shane is actively engaged in mentoring youth, promoting education, and encouraging entrepreneurship in Papua New Guinea.