St John Ambulance services is currently carrying out a refreshed Advanced Safe Driver training course for new recruits; a significant upgrade to the previous emergency driver training program. The emergency driver course covers everything from end-user vehicle maintenance, to emergency driving techniques, low-risk defensive driving skills, and hazard perception training. The training focuses on safe driver practices in emergency response. The aim is to equip ambulance officers with the skills to reach patients promptly and most imperative, keeping patients, passengers and other road users safe. Ambulance Education Commander, Alexander Dimain stated that this training course which is internationally acclaimed gives all ambulance drivers safe driving practices and create more awareness when carrying out their job. “For this training, we are using the IPSGAR which is, Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration which basically gives our ambulance drivers and those that are working on the frontline, safe driving practices so that in turn creates a more comfortable and efficient drive for our patients and in turn provides safer driving experience for our drivers as well.” This advanced training is crucial for enhancing the safety of SJA emergency responses. The Foundational Emergency Driver Course is a comprehensive rework of our basic training, incorporating modern practices and techniques for effective and safe ambulance driving. “We are thrilled to deliver this internationally acclaimed course locally, integrating it within our new recruit training for all ambulance staff.” According to Dimain, this training helps each driver to be better aware of their surrounding and how they are driving with the use of lights and siren as it means a higher priority when responding within a certain standard respond time for life threatening emergencies. “This is the whole purpose; to create a safe, comfortable and efficient driving and with the whole training comes with a systematic approach towards driving and how our drivers must practice safe driving whilst attending to emergencies.” All emergency drivers are not only trained on how to drive during emergency cases but are also trained clinically. In addition, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation (SBBF) generously funded the initial "train the trainer" program, bringing overseas Toyota expert driver training instructors to PNG. This support has now enabled us to localize the course, allowing our team of ambulance trainers and frontline regional managers to deliver it effectively. The National St John Ambulance Service remains committed to providing the highest quality training and service to meet the needs of all the communities we serve. For now, there are a total of six drivers currently undergoing this training as it is the first batch of trainers and from there will branch out to other centers in the country. “This training is only being carried out in NCD and from there, we’ll then send our qualified driver trainers to Lae, Kokopo and other parts of our regional centers." "After this first training, we’ll branch out as the duty of care to our patients is important.” Meanwhile, all ambulances are standardized which means that it does not require a certain type of vehicle to apply this emergency training course on as long as it does the job. And with that, Dimain stated that they are expecting a big change in terms of safety. “We are looking forward to having this training rollout and make it efficient, safe and comfortable for all our patients.”

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is gearing up for the annual Trukai Fun Run which will take place tomorrow the 7th of July in 10 locations around the country under the theme 'Our Steps, Their Dreams.' This year’s event, co-hosted by the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and Trukai Industries Limited, holds special significance as it rallies support for Team PNG ahead of their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The Trukai Fun Run serves as a platform to raise crucial funds through the sale of K20 Trukai Fun Run t-shirts, with all proceeds directly contributing to Team PNG’s Olympic preparation and participation efforts. Desmond Kaviagu, Secretary General of the PNGOC, expressed deep gratitude for Trukai Industries Limited’s enduring support. “We are immensely thankful to Trukai Industries Limited for their steadfast support, which has been instrumental in empowering our athletes to strive for excellence and represent Papua New Guinea on the global stage.” Since 2000, Trukai Industries Limited has been the proud sponsor of the Trukai Fun Run, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to promoting sports, health, fitness, and national pride. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Trukai Industries, Alan Preston explained Trukai’s support for this initiative. “The Fun Run organizing committee and host partners in each of the participating locations have done a tremendous job to sell the t-shirts and we are anticipating 40, 000 people to attend this event on Sunday July 7, 2024,” said Preston. “We would like to thank the host partners and support partners who have worked together with the committee to ensure this will be another successful Trukai Fun Run event. We look forward to seeing you all there.” Supported by sponsors like the IBS University, Air Niugini, Theodist, Coral Sea Hotels, Enzo’s Pizza, Trophy Haus, The National, CPL Group and Vodafone, the Trukai Fun Run encourages nationwide participation. Official Trukai Fun Run t-shirts are available for purchase at designated locations in Port Moresby, Lae, and other participating cities. Last month’s t-shirt auctions in Port Moresby and Lae were a remarkable success, raising K277, 500 through the sale of 11, 100 t-shirts generously donated by Trukai. This initiative Reflects the commitment and generosity of the Port Moresby and Lae Business Houses and Community in supporting the aspirations of Team PNG athletes.

Popular Fiji music group, VT1s who come under the music Label, VTBOB Music, will now have three of its artists; Billy T, Ratu and Liz Vamarasi perform live come this Saturday 6th July, 2024 (tomorrow) at the Lamana Gold Club, Port Moresby. VT1s will be headlining Kick Entertainment's event called Chiller CocoBeats who will showcase Fiji’s homegrown music and talents in Port Moresby for the first time. Manager of VT1s, Tikiko Ratu Korocowiri also known as Tix, said this is the group’s first time coming into the country and to Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea is also the first country in which VT1s is now starting its tour especially in the Pacific region. This he says in the hope to grow the Melanesian culture with its neighbors and to give a great opportunity in sharing the Melanesian music and culture as well as a chance to all the artists to cut through the world of music. “I am passionate about Melanesian arts and music great opportunity and reach out to our PNG family.” “VT1s is a Fijian music collective we had to approach the marketing of Fijian music differently to give our artists a chance to cut through in the world of music which is a very congested environment.” “We have so many artists all over Fiji, so we try to figure out a way to in which our artists could be perceived differently so that our music could travel further.” “As a collective, we collect all our music under one umbrella and with that bring the Fiji homegrown music to Papua New Guinea.” Music artist, Ratu Elijah Naitini also known as Ratu, also shared his experience as a musician that joined VT1s based on his experience and talent along with other fellow music artist such as Billy T and how each of their own sounds developed as they progressed whilst being under the VT1s umbrella. “As musicians, we came together as a group of friends trying to make music in our own unique style and the outcome was amazing; this was an amazing opportunity for bringing out Melanesian music.” “As a collective as Melanesians, we have so much to offer and share the experience with everybody.” In terms of different sounds, each of the artists also shared their own type of genres in which they have started off with and how they have progressed overtime as talented artists including their famous afro music and developing them into a greater sound for fans to love. “We wanted to do afro music since we see a lot of our people back at home are into afro music and so we decided to do that since that was the initial idea and then from there, grew and developed into our own sounds as we joined VT1s.” With the aim of strengthening Melanesian culture, these very artists aim at promoting their language and culture through singing which saw how this can be of an impact especially to the younger generation. Ratu stated that with much needed developments going on in the country, culture is slowly fading and therefore he saw a big responsibility as artists to protect their culture as they represent the country through music. Meanwhile, this upcoming event will now finally come to place after eighteen months of planning and preparation between Kick Entertainment and VT1s whom have expressed how happy they both are to finally make this moment happen and how they hope to grow this Melanesian experience to a greater level. VT1s comes with the support of Chillers as the naming rights sponsor for this event, as well as Lamana and Air Niugini. All VIP and Balcony tickets for tomorrow night’s show have been sold out with only limited arena tickets still available.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced significant progress in the health sector of Papua New Guinea since taking office in 2019, especially developments in the areas of cardiac health and cancer facilities. He said when his government took office in 2019, one of their pronouncements was that by 2025, they should not export PNG patients seeking heart, cancer and other specialist care overseas and since then, the National Department of Health (NDoH) has been partnering Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd (KPHL), utilizing their ten percent community service funds, and today, Port Moresby heart facilities are at almost top function. When providing an update on the Cardiac Center, PM Marape made known that 2, 300 angiograms have been completed since a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in August 2020. Three hundred and fifty Stenting Procedures have been completed since 2020, of which seventy percent were male and thirty percent, female. “These people were saved from potential stroke or heart attack by detecting early and treating them. Fifty percent of the Angiogram and Stenting are professionals with economic value from the ages of 40-50, at the peak of their contributions to the nation.” “Children now don’t have to wait for Operation Open Heart (OOH) for Open Heart Operations to be carried out. Our doctors are saving lives through Nonintrusive Surgery, plus preventing the operations scare for children that could potentially amount to self-esteem related issues,” he said. He also highlighted that Port Moresby General Hospital is currently installing the CathLAB equipment, purchased under KPHL MoU for K5 million, in which there will be two CathLAB machines that can be able to serve more Papua New Guineans. “The cardiac patients could have paid a minimum of K100, 000 to receive the treatment overseas, excluding associated costs, stress, pressure on family, and so on. We saved the nation K130 million, plus the lives of Papua New Guineans, and some of these are very important people for our country.” “As a result of KPHL intervention to PNG Government decision, we now have reduced OOH visits to only eight. Prior to KPHL MoU, we had sixty Operation Open Heart Team visits to PNG. A lot of Papua New Guinean doctors are being trained at the same time under the KPHL MoU for Cardiologists at PMGH, as a result of KPHL-PNG Government investment.” In addition, PMGH Cardiac Service has been awarded the Asian Cardiology Association Award in Dubai (UAE) for the ground-breaking Non-Intrusive Surgery, thanks to KPHL-PNG Government investment. The Master Plan for PMGH is developed to align all services and teaching with the new facilities. “We are now working with UPNG Medical School, PMGH, NDoH and all stakeholders to ensure standards. As soon as that is clear, we will start the construction.” “For the Heart Facility, we are now getting patients from various parts of the Pacific Region, so Medical Tourism can grow here. On top of that, very soon both PMGH (Port Moresby, NCD) and Angau (Lae, Morobe) Cancer Facilities will become operational.”

Toma Local Level Government in the Gazelle district of East New Britain province was the first in the province to complete the national census exercise last week. Toma LLG is one of seven new LLGs in the province comprising of a total eighteen wards. Speaking recently at Wairiki No.1 Ward, Toma LLG Census Coordinator, Irenius Tiula, said that all seventeen wards have been completed and are into summarizing and finalizing of data. The only ward that was still in count was Bitakapuk, which holds the largest population and area in the Toma LLG. “We commenced the exercise on Monday, June 17 and four days into the program and we are almost done.” “Toma LLG has about 116 enumerators and 41 supervisors covering the eighteen wards in both upper and lower Toma.” He reiterated that the LLG has its own fair share of challenges like any other LLGs in the country. “We had instances of people not wanting to be counted here at the Toma LLG and these are mainly families living along the borders of neighbouring Kokopo District.” “A few locals were still confused with the boundaries and didn’t understand the reference night which falls on June 16.” In addition, a common issue which is felt and experienced throughout the country, is the payment of allowances for all enumerators. “The government will still pay its due, however we don’t know when that will be settled but I’m urging those in authority to prioritize this national exercise.” Meanwhile, Census Supervisor for Tagitagi ward one, Serah Betabete, commended the populace of Toma LLG, for adhering to awareness notices and assisting the enumeration team. She said that they improvised by photocopying census forms and bought vests for enumerators to use during the exercise. “We are a new LLG in the province and the census exercise is an important program that can assist our government to plan well for the people here.”

Nambawan Super Limited on Tuesday celebrated the opening of its significant property investment; the Moki Business Park, located at Waigani, Port Moresby. The making of the project came with the support of Lamana Developments, Lamana Group of Companies, the Raitpla Property Team, Real Estate Agents, BSP Finance Group as well as the Moki Board Members. This investment reaffirms Nambawan Super's mandate to serve, protect, and grow its members’ retirement savings through returns from investments for all its members and with that, the Moki Business Park is also expected to generate long-term returns for all its members nationwide. Chief Executive Officer of Nambawan Super, Paul Sayer, on behalf of Nambawan Super and its 228, 319 members, witnessed the official opening which he said is a significant addition to Nambawan Super’s building portfolio and property investment. “At Nambawan Super, our company mission is: ‘To be recognised as the Superannuation provider of choice, with members at the heart of everything we do.’ " “We strive to continue delivering initiatives to improve our operational performance, our investment capabilities and most importantly, the quality of service provided to our members as well as supporting local growth.” Nambawan Super has invested k130 million into the development of the four-story commercial building, further supporting employment and economic growth during its construction period. He also expressed that this project will not only enhance their property portfolio but also contribute significantly to the local economy in which the fund had the courage to make this significant investment in the midst of Covid 19- at a time other refrained from taking the risk. Moreover, whilst Nambawan Super remains cautiously optimistic, they also expect 2024 to be another challenging year for the Fund’s offshore and local investments. Chairman of Nambawan Super, Reginald Monagi, stated that the Moki Business Park is expected to return a significant revenue stream once fully tenanted, and the money will then go directly to their members as part of their annual interest rate. He expressed how grateful they were to celebrate another PNG-owned investment by members of Nambawan Super and Lamana Development Limited. This investment he stated, demonstrates Papua New Guinean ingenuity, investment capability and commitment to delivering international standard projects that aim to further the country’s economic growth. He added that as demonstrated by the construction of the new building, there exists a significant opportunity for investment returns for all its members when they have a clear land to develop and with that includes taking vacant possession of its land at 9-Mile Bush Wara. “This Moki Business Park project including Nambawan Super’s development plans for 9-Mile, will benefit all its members around the country and with that, the Moki Business Park is an excellent example of one of the many ways Nambawan Super has been meeting its primary mandate and that is to grow its members’ retirement savings through returns from investments.” Furthermore, Nambawan Super looks forward to the new and exciting revenue opportunity that the Moki Business Park will provide in contributing back to the members savings and to help them achieve their best retirement outcome.

The Teaching Service Commission has announced that all teachers across the country will be paid a 3% increment based on a Memorandum of Agreement that was signed between the Teaching Service Commission and PNG Teachers’ Association on the Determination of Salaries and Allowances in the Teaching Service 2023-2025. The 3% increase will be honoured on pay no.14, 2024 which is the next pay week. Chairman of Teaching Service Commission, Samson Wangihomie stated during a conference today that the 3% increment will be paid according to their individual salary per annum plus a 15% Teaching Service Allowance for all teachers’ across the country. He said that both the increment and allowance will be paid to teachers backdated to January 1st, 2023, accordingly. Wangihomie stated that the aim of the MOA signed was to renew and replace the previous 2017- 2019 MOA. Since 2019, teachers were getting paid as per the agreement from 2017-2019 so every allowance and salary paid, were captured in that agreement right until the recent signing in 2023. He also announced that Teaching Service Commission has elevated and reclassified all its base levels in which has elevated them one level above in all different levels of the schools starting from elementary to FODE levels including two schools for special need students as well as vocational centers too. “With this elevation means higher pay and that comes with higher responsibility." "All we do now is to call on them to be committed and work to serve the country with faithfulness and commitment and so this is what we the commission has done to ensure that our teachers are well taken care of and with that are very proud of our teachers.” He made it clear that teachers will only be paid allowances approved by the Teaching Service Commission, therefore made a call to all Provincial Education Boards to work with the TSC officers to identify other schools that have not been registered so that all teachers can be paid their hardship allowance. In terms of Teaching Service Allowance, all other allowances will be paid to specific teachers posted in specific locations such as mining allowances for schools near mining areas, disadvantaged or remote allowances as well as FODE allowances for teachers teaching in FODE classes. Similar to this, Commissioner of Teaching Service Commission, Maini Mike Ugaia, also stated that in terms of remote allowance, the previous MOA had included only one remote allowance for all teachers teaching in the remote areas but for the current agreement that was signed last year extended that particular allowance into three categories of remoteness which are; firstly remote, second which is very remote last is extreme remote. The amount of their allowances will determine which particular category they are based under. “This is to motivate our teachers to go and serve the children in those areas and with that, would like each Provincial Education Board to ensure that those teachers’ positions are maintained and that they must know where the teachers are located so we can include them under those respective categories.” Meanwhile, Chairman Wangihomie has issued a notice to all teachers from the Secretary of Education, Dr Uke Kombra, emphasizing all teachers that the National Census will end on the 30th of this month, June, therefore, all teachers must return to their schools to teach. “We released them for national duties to take part in the Census during a certain period, but if they have been asked by any of the Census team to extend their time to work, must advise our TSC officers in the province, however must still prepare work for their classes and pass it on to their substitute teacher; that way classes are not affected.” On top of this, Wangihomie expressed the challenges of teachers who are posted in certain areas across the nation that have experienced harassment or violent acts towards them from certain individuals in the area they live. He then called on people and the community to look after them as they are here to serve the community and also called on teachers to respect customs and values of the community they serve in as well. Furthermore, he commended his staff for their continuous support in ensuring that all teachers are well taken care of and also thanked the support of the government as well as PNG Teachers Association.

The National Census exercise is progressing well in Pomio District of East New Britain province, with some Local Level Governments (LLGs) nearing completion after the first week. Pomio District Team Leader, Richard Lotopasa, said that there are a total of six supervisors from the ENB Provincial Administration (ENBPA) on ground to monitor the rollout of the two weeklong exercise in the seven LLGs and there are over 13, 000 households in the district, being covered by more than 200 enumerators. Apart from the six supervisors from the Provincial headquarter, Lotopasa said that there is also a representative from the National Statistical Office (NSO) on ground who is currently assisting the LLG Census Coordinators. “This is to ensure data enumeration is completed within the two-week time frame scheduled for the National Census program for this year, 2024.” He added that all LLG trainings have been completed and that all the LLGs in the district have completed the tier 3 training. As per the enumeration program per LLG, Lotopasa confirmed that all the LLGs have started the enumeration exercise. “Mamusi Yana LLG commenced the enumeration on the 18th of June, East Pomioand Sinivit LLGs on the 19th, West Pomio LLG on the 22nd, while Melkoi, Central Pomio and Inland Pomio LLGs commenced on the 24th of June.” In terms of their progress, East Pomio LLG has completed the enumeration exercise and is into Quality Checks, whilst Mamusi Yana LLG is 95 percent complete with the Oil Palm Estates to be covered this week. Melkoi, Central Pomio and Inland Pomio LLGs commenced their enumeration program as of yesterday, 24th of June and have all assured that they can complete the enumeration exercise within this one-week period. In addition to this, the enumeration exercise in Sinivit LLG is about 50 percent complete but the LLG team expects to complete the program before Friday the 28th of June. Meanwhile West Pomio LLG is 90 per cent complete, with a few Census Units, including the Oil Palm Estates to be enumerated in which should be done this Friday, June 28th before progressing into doing quality checks. Lotopasa further said that they have had some issues that has affected the rollout of the census program, especially with the bad weather. “We have been experiencing rainy season for the last 2 weeks. Otherwise, the weather is improving and we should still meet the deadline to complete the enumeration program.” He also advised that the NSO Rep will conduct a one day ‘Hands on Practice’ on Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) application with the Ward Development Officers and LLG Managers after the enumeration program. Furthermore, the training will be held before all the data collected are transferred into tablets, which are expected to arrive in the district by this week. Meanwhile, ENB Provincial Census Coordinator, Gideon Towaii confirmed that data entry into tablets are yet to be done in the province, as data collection is being done manually.

Grand Chief Bob Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, personally congratulated two students from Paradise College who recently won top awards in a prestigious international high school project competition. Gertrude Angel Waifaf, a grade ten student at Paradise College, was awarded gold medal at Genius Olympiad at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA, in the Creative Writing category-Poem Writing for her profound depiction of the destruction caused to the natural environment from the perspective of a tree. Rualdiro Makindi, a grade nine student at Paradise College, won a silver medal under Arts Category for his remarkable portrayal of the impact on the environment by human actions as seen from the perspective of future generations, also at Genius Olympiad in New York. Grand Chief Sir Bob expresses how proud he was to see two Papua New Guinean students excel in a worldwide competition that included students from 65 other countries. “You have paved the way for fellow students at your college and other Papua New Guinean students to set goals to be high achievers in academics and in school.” "You have shown that Papua New Guineans are just as good as their counterparts in other countries and that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to achieving your goals and you work hard towards it.” He further commended the parents of both students as well as the Paradise College principal and teachers for their commitment and dedication in mentoring the students. Meanwhile, an emotional Lady Emeline Dadae, wife of the Governor General, addressed both the two students stating that despite the challenges faced in our country, the achievements shown sets an example for future generations. “Despite the many challenges we face in our country and the negative perception of Papua New Guinea, your achievement has shown that when you think and act positively, you can achieve greater outcomes.” “You are an example of what the future generation of our country can do to change this negative perception." "I hope other students will be encouraged to follow your example to show case their talent and academic abilities by participating in international competitions like you have done.” In a rare act of commendation and appreciation, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae presented both the students Certificates of Commendation that he had signed. In addition to this, Chief Executive Officer of Telikom Limited, Amos Tepi and Senior Manager Shayam Prasannaa presented the two students with the latest brand Samsung Galaxy mobile phones in appreciation of their outstanding performance. Also present during the event were Paradise School Director, Safak Deliismail, Principal, Dastan Iliyas, Arts Teacher, Marlen Potoura and parents Owen and Menthy Makindi (parents of Rualdiro Makindi).

The PNG Olympic Committee today hosted the 2024 Olympic Day in which took place at the Taurama Aquatic Centre, Port Moresby. The aim of this annual event was to give an opportunity for people to be able to connect and gather together, be active, learn about the Olympic values and discover new sports. On this day, athletes and Olympians have also been encouraged to share their experiences and sporting activities and with that, saw 4-time Olympic swimmer, Ryan Pini, who had the opportunity to share with all participants today what it’s like to take part in an Olympic sport. Pini shared with everyone the hardships and successes of an Olympian and shared a word of encouragement to those who share the same passion as him. “Representing Papua New Guinea as an Olympian has been an incredible experience." "There has been a lot of challenges, triumphs and celebrations along the way, but this has been a journey.” “As an Olympian, its not about looking back to the last Olympics, but also embracing everything that the Olympics stands for and that’s passion, perseverance and pushing limits for what’s possible for every individual.” Pini also shared how the previous Olympics Games that he has taken part in, has truly shown unity through the value of sports and encouraged everyone to push forward, inspiring one another and making positive impacts through the power of sports. Meanwhile, also speaking at the event was PNGOC Secretary General, Desmond Kaviagu who stated that this momentous occasion that falls every year on the 23rd of June, is an opportunity for the Olympic Committee to promote and celebrate what they do and that is through the Olympic movement. “This event will give you an opportunity to see the different sports demonstrations of what our athletes do." "This is where you can start if you have an interest in being an Olympian later on in the future so let’s move, engage and remember to have fun!” In addition to this event, twelve different Olympic sports where interested teams from in and around Port Moresby registered to take part. The teams in which took part range from different age groups from certain schools and communities through the National Sports Federation under their Sports For Development programs. The 2024 Olympic Day was organized by PNGOC and funded by International Olympic Committee under the Olympic Solidarity funds.

PNG Power Limited is currently undertaking a number of major rehabilitation works on the Boroko Feeder 8 to improve power reliability for all our customers along the Magi Highway, up to Kwikila Station and the Hula area in Central Province. The Government, through Kumul Consolidated Holdings, funded this rehabilitation work, which cost more than K2 Million. The work commenced in May and will run for the next three (3) months. The rehabilitation work includes: • Replacing a total of 103 High Voltage wooden power poles with steel poles, • Relocation of power poles towards the roadside for easier access for maintenance purposes, • Replacing 10 Power Transformers with new ones with a larger capacity to cater for the growing demand, • Replacing the three (3) Air Bracket Switches (ABS) located along the Magi highway, and • Carrying out vegetation clearance to remove overgrown vegetation along the distribution line. The PNG Power technical team, with the support of local contractors are now working to ensure that all these tasks are completed by the end of July. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nehemiah Naris, said Boroko Feeder 8 and the other power infrastructure within the Port Moresby Grid need major rehabilitation to improve power reliability for customers. “With the strong support of Prime Minister, James Marape and Minister for State Owned Enterprises, William Duma through Kumul Consolidate Holdings, a total funding of K211 million was allocated to carry out various rehabilitation work within the Port Moresby Power Grid.” “We are grateful that part of this funding, is now being used to carry out critical rehabilitation and maintenance of Boroko Feeder 8 that will improve power reliability for our customers in this part of Central Province.” Meanwhile, in addition to the current rehabilitation work that is taking place, several other works have already been completed including, the commissioning of one new feeder out of the Bomana substation and two new feeders from the Moitaka substation to serve parts of the Waigani area, Gerehu, Baruni, Motukea, and Eda Town areas. In the next six months, the Port Moresby grid will undergo extensive planned maintenance work to improve power reliability.

Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loan Society (NCSL) is excited to announce a groundbreaking enhancement to its services. Employees who are seeking membership can now join NCSL within five minutes, thanks to the newly launched instant member onboarding process by using its Wokabaut tablet. The Wokabaut tablet instant member onboarding process aligns with NCSL's vision to eliminate the use of paperwork and to be a leading digital financial service. The customized Wokabout tablet features offline capability, duplication checks, and real-time member account opening. Manager for Digital Services & Call Centre, Gila Ebenosi, expressed his enthusiasm about this innovative solution expressing how thrilled they were to be the first Savings and Loan Society to introduce this. “The Wokabaut tablet is currently in use in Port Moresby and Lae, and we have our plans ready for the distribution to all NCSL branches soon." "It’s an exciting addition to our digital services and to our member service as it gives us the opportunity to quickly onboard new members without the need to complete the usual paperwork and what can be done at any place." The Wokabaut Tablet Key Features include: 1. Real-time Onboarding: Say goodbye to paperwork delays! The Wokabaut Tablets ensure that new members are on boarded instantly, providing a seamless transition for members. 2. Efficiency in Minutes: In just 5 minutes, members can complete the onboarding process. NCSL prioritizes efficiency, making new membership hassle-free. 3. Offline Capabilities: No network coverage? No problem! Our tablets operate offline, allowing members to join even in remote areas. 4. Dedup Functionality: NCSL commitment to excellence includes eliminating redundancy. The tablet intelligently checks for duplicate accounts, ensuring that existing members are not onboarded twice. Furthermore, Ebenosi stated that they are constantly looking for ways to improve their digital platforms and provide the best possible experience for their members. “The introduction of this tool shows our commitment to using technology to improve accessibility and support for our members, stakeholders, and the public.”