Ruben, from the Nipa-Kutubu District in PNG’s Southern Highlands Province, graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea with a Bachelor of Arts (social work and public policy).

He started his career as Foreign Service Officer with Papua New Guinea’s Department of Foreign Affairs. Over nine years, Ruben workedpredominantly in the Asia Branch, as Policy Officer responsible for PNG- China relations and PNG-Indonesia relations, including PNG’s engagement with the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).