The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has awarded the Round 14 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match to PRK Mendi Muruks after a spectator disturbance forced the game between Asila Waghi Tumbe and Mendi Muruks to end early at John Ambane Oval in Minj.PNGNRLC Chief Operating Officer Tony Archer confirmed the decision following a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred during the final minutes of Saturday’s match.The investigation involved reviewing match footage, consulting match officials, club representatives and ground management staff to determine what led to the early conclusion of the fixture.The match was stopped with approximately three minutes remaining after objects were thrown onto the field by a section of spectators, creating an unsafe playing environment and preventing the game from continuing.Archer said while the actions of a small group of spectators were disappointing, they should not overshadow the efforts of players, clubs and supporters who continue to contribute positively to the competition.“The safety of players, officials, staff and spectators must always come first,” Archer said.“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and deeply disappointing, particularly because it overshadows the quality of football being played and the improvement we are seeing across the competition.”He also praised the players from both teams for the way they handled the situation, saying their professionalism helped prevent the incident from escalating.The PNGNRLC has since confirmed that PRK Mendi Muruks have been declared winners of the match.As the hosting club, Asila Waghi Tumbe has been issued a breach notice and fined K20,000 for failing to provide adequate security arrangements for the fixture.In addition, PNGNRLC has suspended all National Competition matches scheduled at John Ambane Oval, Minj, for the remainder of the 2026 season. The affected fixtures will be relocated to other venues.Archer said hosting matches in the competition is a privilege that comes with important responsibilities, including ensuring safe conditions for players, officials and spectators.The PNGNRLC said it will continue to take firm action against behaviour that threatens the safety and integrity of rugby league, while recognising the important role supporters play in creating a positive match-day atmosphere.The organisation also acknowledged the disappointment caused by the incident but said protecting the future of the competition and ensuring games can be played safely remains its priority.

Newly appointed Education Minister Francis Kikin has pledged to build on the work of his predecessor, Lucas Dekena, while strengthening teaching, learning and accountability across Papua New Guinea's education sector.Minister Kikin said his immediate priority would be ensuring continuity within one of the country's largest and most complex government departments.He said, "The Department of Education is a very big department. It has numerous divisions and agencies under its responsibility. My focus is to continue the work that has already been started by the previous minister while addressing areas that need improvement."Kikin said with less than a year remaining before the next national elections, his ministry would focus on implementing existing reforms rather than introducing sweeping changes."There is limited time, so we will continue with the current programs and reforms. Where necessary, we may introduce one or two changes through the proper government processes, but there will not be major changes."The minister identified teaching and learning as the foundation of the education system, saying improving teacher welfare and strengthening quality management would be among his top priorities."Education is built on teaching and learning," Kikin said. "Teachers play a critical role in producing quality outcomes for our students, and quality management is equally important to ensure policies are effectively implemented."He called on policymakers and education administrators to work together to achieve better results before 2027 and ensure reforms currently underway are successfully delivered.Minister Kikin also revealed that Prime Minister James Marape had stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and delivering measurable outcomes."The Prime Minister has made it clear that where resources are allocated, results must be produced. Education receives significant government funding, so we must account for how that funding is spent and report on what has been achieved,” he said.He said major government initiatives, including the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) program and other education initiatives, would be closely monitored to ensure they deliver their intended outcomes.On education policy, he said, while many existing policies remain relevant, some require review to better suit PNG’s unique circumstances."Policies are important, but they must work for our people. Where policies need to be modified to make them more effective, we will work with the department to make those improvements."Addressing teachers directly, Minister Kikin acknowledged longstanding concerns over payroll delays, unpaid salaries, and other administrative issues affecting educators.He said resolving these problems would be one of his priorities."I know there are teachers who have gone for years without being properly paid," he said."These are issues we cannot allow to continue. We will work with the Teaching Service Commission and other stakeholders to reduce these backlogs and improve support for teachers."Minister Kikin, himself a former secondary school teacher, said his experience in the classroom gives him an understanding of the challenges facing educators.He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the profession while ensuring existing education reforms continue to improve learning outcomes for students across Papua New Guinea.A formal handover ceremony between outgoing minister Lucas Dekena and Minister Francis Kikin is expected to take place later this week.

A new Papua New Guinean feature film inspired by true events and centred on the history and transformation of Mussau Island in New Ireland Province is set to begin production by NAFA Productions in September, with its creators aiming to showcase the country's culture on the global stage.Speaking at the official launch of Mussau: The First Song, producer Parul Agrawal said the film is more than a cinematic production, describing it as a project dedicated to preserving the history, identity and cultural heritage of the people of Mussau."This is not simply the unveiling of a new film. It is the beginning of a journey to bring a true story to life with the care, integrity and respect it deserves," Agrawal said.She said the film is based on true events and has been developed through extensive historical research and consultation with community leaders, elders and cultural advisers.Mussau: The First Song is based on the true story of Taula Livovoa. Set in the 1930s, the film follows one of the first indigenous Seventh-day Adventist missionaries from Mussau Island. It tells a story of transformation, courage and reconciliation on an island once described in Australian colonial reports as the "Devil's Paradise" and predicted at the time to disappear within 20 years."We have been fortunate to work alongside an extraordinary team—our director, our writers, our cast and crew, and above all, the Murat community and the wider people of Mussau, all of whom have shaped this film with their knowledge, their patience and their trust," Agrawal said.Agrawal said the production team recently completed location scouting on Mussau Island, where they met with community leaders and visited sites that will feature in the film."We were reminded that we are not simply making a movie. We have been entrusted with preserving a legacy—a history for generations to come," she said.She thanked New Ireland Governor Byron Chan for supporting the project by providing transport to and from Mussau Island for the production team.According to Agrawal, the film explores themes of identity, memory, resilience and cultural heritage, telling the story of a people whose history has been passed from one generation to another.She announced that filming will officially begin in September following the completion of pre-production and introduced members of the production team, including Executive Producer Mrs Noelene Wunum, Director Dr Bijukumar Damodaran, Story Writer Dr Hilda Tanimia, Co-screenplay Writers Dr Joses Imona and Dr Jennifer Litau, Line Producer Adhya Prasad, Cinematographer Yedhu Radhakrishnan, and Editor Davis Manuel.Executive Producer Mrs Noelene Wunum said the film tells the remarkable story of how a single Christian hymn transformed the history of Mussau Island.She said the island, once described by colonial authorities as hostile and destined for extinction because of warfare and disease, experienced lasting peace after the hymn spread from village to village."One hymn changed everything. An island once called the Devil's Paradise became a place of peace. Not only did the people survive, but they were transformed," Wunum said.Wunum described the production as a non-commercial, 100 per cent Papua New Guinean film under Napa Production that aims to inspire positive change while sharing Papua New Guinea's history with international audiences."We are not making it to chase profit. We are making it to inspire positive change in people's lives and to create awareness of our motherland, her history and her people," she said.She said the production team hopes to premiere the film in 2027 before submitting it to international film festivals, including Cannes, and ultimately seeking consideration for the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.The project also coincides with preparations for the centenary of Adventism in the St Matthias Group of Islands in New Ireland Province. The film is intended to commemorate 100 years since the first Christian hymn began its journey through Mussau, Emirau and Tench islands.Beyond storytelling, Wunum said the production is expected to create employment opportunities, train emerging Papua New Guinean filmmakers, support small and medium-sized businesses, improve local health services and leave lasting maritime infrastructure for island communities.She said the project plans to acquire two boats that will continue serving communities in New Ireland Province after filming concludes."Mussau: The First Song is a hymn turned into history. May it be heard far and wide, starting today," Wunum said.

Kairuku leaders and affected landowners in the Central province have rejected the proposed benefit-sharing mode of 5% for the Papua LNG Project, calling for a review of the allocation formula and greater recognition of communities they say will be directly impacted by the project.Kairuku Rural Local Level Government (LLG) President Terence Rau said leaders had united to ensure the district's interests were protected during the ongoing Papua LNG Development Forum process.Rau said Kairuku leaders had received the Director's proposal and were reviewing the document while preparing technical responses and submissions.Rau also thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for retaining Isoaimo as Minister for Energy, saying Kairuku was fortunate to have its elected representative in a key position during the negotiations."As the President for Kairuku LLG, the impacted LLG in concern to this Papua LNG forum, it is with great concern and disappointment," Rau said.He said Kairuku leaders were determined to prevent what they described as a repeat of past experiences under the PNG LNG Project, where they believe the district was not adequately recognised in benefit-sharing arrangements."History must not repeat itself. A mistake happened once, and it will not happen again," Rau said.He assured communities from Yule Island, Naubua Paka, Delena, Poukama, Maori, Oroi and Tautu that their concerns were being represented during negotiations."Not being in this room today does not mean you are not heard. Through our honourable member, we stand committed to represent you," he said.Minister for Energy and Kairuku MP Peter Isoaimo said the press conference was held to present a united position on behalf of Kairuku's offshore pipeline landowners.Isoaimo said he was speaking not only as a government minister but also as a "proud son of Kairuku" and the mandated leader of the district.He said Kairuku leaders were formally objecting to the current benefit-sharing allocation model proposed under the Papua LNG Project, claiming it failed to recognise the district's infrastructure footprint and potential impacts on local communities."Our people are crying foul over what can only be described as an administrative failure and a structural marginalisation of Kairuku's rightful heritage," Isoaimo said.He claimed Kairuku landowners were excluded from benefits associated with earlier stages of the Papua LNG Project and warned that the same situation should not continue.According to Isoaimo, the proposed midstream benefit allocation gives the central Kairuku pipeline segment only 5% of the benefit share, despite the district hosting a significant section of the offshore gas pipeline route.He argued that the allocation did not reflect the physical location of the infrastructure or the environmental and social impacts on Kairuku communities."The mathematics behind this allocation completely falls apart. It defies logic and equity," he said.Isoaimo compared the proposed allocations across pipeline segments, claiming that some areas with less direct impact received larger shares than Kairuku's central segment.He said Kairuku communities, including those around Oroi, Nabua, Ala'ala and Yule Island, faced potential impacts due to the pipeline's proximity to traditional marine areas and fishing grounds.Isoaimo also raised concerns about the Social Mapping and Landowner Identification (SLI) process, calling for the inclusion of communities he said had been overlooked.He specifically called for Nabua Village, parts of Yare Village in Ward 9, Kairuku LLG, and Yule Island Ward 12 to be recognised as project beneficiaries.He said climate change and coastal erosion should also be considered when determining project impact areas."If these communities had not experienced coastal erosion, they would clearly fall within the 5kilometre economic buffer zone," Isoaimo said.The Kairuku leadership issued five key demands to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and project stakeholders:A full explanation of the technical calculations and data used to determine the benefit-sharing percentages.Suspension of the current 5% allocation for Kairuku pending review, recognition of additional communities identified as affected beneficiaries, an independent boundary survey to clarify district and project boundaries and a dedicated negotiation forum between Kairuku leaders, traditional landowners and project authorities.Isoaimo said Kairuku supported national development but would not accept development that ignored communities directly affected by resource projects."We fully support national development and economic progress, but we refuse to let national progress be built upon the marginalisation of the people of Kairuku," he said.Meanwhile, Kairuku landowner representative Marlen Brunskill supported the concerns raised by Isoaimo and district leaders, saying landowners wanted greater transparency in the process.Brunskill acknowledged the efforts of the National Government and the National Petroleum Authority in advancing the Papua LNG Project but questioned the consultation process and the short timeframe given to respond to the proposal.He said landowners had been given only seven days to review documents despite what he described as years of preparation by government agencies."The clan vetting has been substandard. There has been no formal survey done by the NPA or the Government on defining boundaries," Brunskill said.He also raised concerns about environmental assessments, saying landowners had not been provided with sufficient information on environmental impacts or standards."There is no science behind where the percentages are created," he said.Brunskill said landowners wanted proper surveys, clan verification and clear explanations of how benefit percentages were calculated."If everyone understands the science, we all understand, it makes the whole process easier. But they have just plucked numbers out of the air," he said.He said Kairuku landowners supported the Minister's position and remained concerned as custodians of the seabed and marine environment affected by the project.The Kairuku leadership said it would continue seeking dialogue with the NPA and project authorities while pursuing a revised benefit-sharing arrangement before agreeing to the final Development Agreement.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced the cabinet reshuffle with the appointment of six new ministers and reallocating several key portfolios as the government moves to strengthen its leadership team for the remainder of 2026 and ahead of the 2027 National General Election.He said that the changes were made after careful consideration and were aimed at improving the delivery of government priorities. He said, "It is not easy to make this sort of decision.” while thanking the outgoing ministers for their service.The six newly appointed ministers are:Douglas Tomuriesa – Minister for Civil AviationFrancis Kikin – Minister for EducationSaki Soloma – Minister for LabourJohn Kaupa – Minister for Environment, with responsibility for the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA)Robert Naguri – Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT)Agena Gamai – Minister for LivestockMarape said each appointment was made based on the ministers' experience and the needs of their respective portfolios.He noted that Francis Kikin, a former senior educationist, was well suited to lead the Education Ministry, while Robert Naguri brings previous Cabinet experience to the ICT portfolio.The Prime Minister also confirmed the release of six ministers from Cabinet, saying they had served to the best of their abilities and would now have the opportunity to focus on their electorates as the country moves closer to the 2027 National General Election.Marape said he accepted full responsibility for the reshuffle, adding that the changes were also informed by discussions within the Pangu Party."I take full responsibility for the call I made," he said.He said the new ministers are expected to immediately begin work in their respective portfolios as the Government pushes ahead with its development agenda.The Prime Minister also confirmed that he will temporarily oversee the Correctional Services, Sports, and National Volunteer portfolios.

The New Ireland Provincial Health Authority says there have been no major health concerns linked to the current El Niño conditions affecting the province.Acting Chief Executive Officer of the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority, Mr. Dominic Sahamie, said the province was experiencing some dry conditions but had not yet reached a serious El Niño situation.  “It's going to be dry all year round or as soon as we go into the next month or so, but we are also experiencing rain here in New Ireland,” he said.Mr Dominic said previous El Niño events had created significant challenges for communities, including dried-up water sources and empty water tanks, forcing people to seek alternative water supplies.He explained that during severe dry periods, communities often rely on assistance from local organisations to transport water to households and affected areas.“At this point, it is not really into the El Niño situation yet,” he said.The Provincial Health Authority continues to monitor the situation and remains alert for any possible increase in weather-related illnesses as conditions change.Health officials are also using provincial health information systems to track disease trends and identify any emerging public health risks across the province.

Prime Minister James Marape says PNG is entering a new phase of resource development, with several major mining and petroleum projects advancing toward key milestones that could shape the country's economy over the next two decades.Addressing industry representatives at the 2026 PNG Resources Week, PM Marape provided updates on a range of flagship projects, including Pogera, Pasca, P'nyang LNG Project, Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu.He said the Pogera Gold Mine has resumed operations under a new agreement that delivers more than 53% of overall project benefits to the State and Papua New Guineans over the life of the mine.PM Marape also highlighted the Pasca gas project, describing it as an agreement that will deliver approximately 70% of total project benefits to Papua New Guinea through state participation and other economic returns.For the P'nyang gas project, he said negotiations with ExxonMobil had resulted in an agreement that would provide around 60 % total benefits to the country, with implementation expected alongside other major developments.On Papua LNG, Mr. Marape acknowledged delays but rejected suggestions that the government had slowed progress.He said escalating construction costs and commercial negotiations required careful consideration to ensure the project remained financially viable while protecting national interests.According to the Prime Minister, the government resisted calls to provide additional fiscal concessions and instead worked with project partners to reach commercially acceptable terms.He said discussions were now nearing completion and expressed confidence that the project could move toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2026.Marape also pointed to continued exploration activities as evidence of investor confidence, noting that TotalEnergies is undertaking significant drilling activities while ExxonMobil continues exploration work in offshore areas.Beyond petroleum, he said several mining projects are progressing, including Wafi-Golpu, Tolukuma, Misima and projects in Oro Province and East New Britain.Marape stressed that environmental protection would remain a key consideration, particularly for projects such as Wafi-Golpu, where the government is carefully assessing environmental impacts before granting final approvals.He also outlined plans to increase downstream processing within Papua New Guinea, including opportunities in the nickel industry through partnerships involving state-owned Kumul Minerals Holdings.The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea currently has 19 mining and petroleum projects at various stages of regulatory approval, providing a strong pipeline for future economic growth.He reaffirmed the government's commitment to streamlining regulatory processes while ensuring resource developments deliver long-term benefits for landowners, businesses and the broader economy."The next 20 years are exciting for our country," Marape said."We know exactly what we're doing, and these projects will deliver better returns for Papua New Guinea while remaining attractive to investors."

Papua New Guinea remains a stable and attractive destination for global investment in mining, petroleum and energy, Prime Minister James Marape says, highlighting the country's five decades of democratic governance and its long history as a reliable resource producer.Speaking at the opening of the PNG Resources Week 2026, PM Marape said Papua New Guinea had reached an important milestone as it celebrated 50 years since Independence, while maintaining a robust democracy, a free-market economy and strong relationships with major economies around the world.He said the country was far from being a newcomer to the extractive sector, noting that mining activities date back more than 100 years, and that commercial oil and gas production has been underway for more than four decades."We are not new to the mining industry. We are not new to the petroleum and energy industry," Marape said. "We have over 100 years of engagement in mining and more than 40 years of successful oil and gas production."The Prime Minister thanked international resource companies for their continued investment in Papua New Guinea, saying the industry remained the country's largest export earner while generating employment, royalties, taxes and equity returns for the nation.Marape reaffirmed his government's policy of ensuring Papua New Guinea receives a minimum 55 per cent total benefit from major resource projects. He clarified that the policy extends beyond government equity and includes royalties, taxation, local business participation, downstream processing, and other economic benefits.He said investors should continue to make fair returns while ensuring a greater share of economic benefits remains within Papua New Guinea."With every dollar earned from our resources, at least 55 cents should remain in Papua New Guinea through taxes, royalties, equity and wider economic opportunities," he said.Marape pointed to agreements reached on projects such as Porgera, Pasca and P'nyang as examples of the government's approach to balancing investor confidence with national interests.Despite criticism that some projects have taken years to progress, Marape said his government had spent the past seven years laying strong foundations rather than pursuing short-term political gains.Using the analogy of a bamboo tree that spends years developing its roots before rapid growth, he said the government's reforms would deliver long-term benefits."The foundations have been laid very well. The next 20 years will be exciting for our country," he said.Marape also encouraged local businesses to position themselves to benefit from the expansion of the resource sector, saying local participation would be critical to ensuring the country's wealth remained within Papua New Guinea.He urged universities and training institutions to update their programs to prepare Papua New Guineans for employment in mining, petroleum and related industries.The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Papua New Guinea's commitment to maintaining a stable investment climate while strengthening international partnerships to secure future markets for the country's resources.

The New Ireland Provincial Health Authority (NIPHA) has confirmed a measles outbreak in the province after laboratory tests verified a positive case, prompting health authorities to prepare a mass vaccination campaign to contain the disease.Acting Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sahamie said the outbreak was detected after the PHA received reports of 84 suspected measles cases through the PHA Health Information System on June 12.A rapid response team was deployed on June 14th to investigate the reports, which traced the suspected cases to Neitab Island in the Puas catchment area of Lavongai LLG."The rapid response team identified seven cases from the source and collected seven samples, which were sent to the National Department of Health and later verified by a laboratory in Australia," Sahamie said."The result came back with a positive case."He said health authorities had already organised logistics to deploy teams to the affected community to begin a mass vaccination campaign if further laboratory testing confirms the case was naturally acquired rather than vaccine related."We are waiting for another test result to determine whether this measles case is from the environment or vaccine-derived," he said."If it is not vaccine-derived, then we will carry out a mass vaccination at the epicentre."Shahamie said under public health protocols, a single confirmed measles case constitutes an outbreak, requiring an immediate response."As soon as there is one confirmed case of measles, it is already considered an outbreak," he said.He said the National Department of Health had directed the PHA to urgently contain the outbreak while awaiting the remaining laboratory results.Health authorities have established logistics and response teams to ensure a rapid rollout of vaccinations if required.

The University of Papua New Guinea's (UPNG) relaunched Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) will commence its first intake of students on July 20, with three new certificate programmes aimed at preparing Papua New Guineans for careers in the country's growing digital economy.UPNG’s ICT Director and Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, Russell Harada, said orientation and classes would begin in two weeks following the relaunch of the facility.The centre will initially offer Certificate programmes in Information Technology, Database Management and Cybersecurity, each running for one semester, or 15 weeks, from late July to October."We expect each programme to enroll between 20 and 30 students," Harada said."At the moment, we have received around 150 applications. We are currently screening them and gradually sending out acceptance letters so students can begin the registration process."Harada said the programmes had been developed under a "Workforce Ready" approach, with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused training to meet the needs of employers."We need to work closely with industry partners—not only telecommunications and ICT companies, but also government agencies and private sector organisations," he said."We want to understand the type of skills employers need and then provide graduates who are ready for those jobs. We see ourselves as a factory for developing Papua New Guinea's digital workforce."Unlike the centre's earlier operations, which were supported by academics from India, Harada said the new programmes would be delivered primarily by qualified Papua New Guinean lecturers."I'm originally from Japan, but this programme is being organised and delivered by PNG academics, both full-time and visiting lecturers, who understand the country's challenges," he said.He added that the university would also invite visiting lecturers from Australia, the United States, China, South Korea and Japan to provide specialist expertise.Harada said advances in artificial intelligence had made international collaboration easier by reducing language barriers through real-time translation technologies.He also noted that the centre was considering using Tok Pisin in classrooms where appropriate to improve student understanding, while maintaining a strong focus on practical learning."The important thing is not theory. The important thing is practical skills," he said.The centre currently has two full-time trainers, two assistant trainers and three to four teaching assistants, many of whom are UPNG students.Harada encouraged young Papua New Guineans interested in technology to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by the centre."This Workforce Ready programme is a very new academic initiative at UPNG, and I look forward to welcoming smart, energetic young people who want to build careers in information technology," he said.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has relaunched its Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, marking a significant step in its efforts to equip Papua New Guinea with the digital skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.The relaunch coincided with the launch of three new Information Technology certificate programmes, with the university also announcing plans to introduce specialised IT degree programmes from 2027.UPNG Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay said the university was taking a leading role in addressing Papua New Guinea's shortage of information technology professionals."UPNG recognises that Papua New Guinea has a major deficiency in IT and in creating IT professionals, and we want to change that," Professor Findlay said.He said the Centre of Excellence would become a hub for industry-focused education, delivering a range of certificate and diploma programmes designed to prepare students for careers in the digital economy."The three certificate programmes we are launching today are just the beginning," he said. "We expect to introduce many more certificates and diploma programmes in the years ahead."Professor Findlay also announced that the university would expand its academic offerings in 2027 with four specialised bachelor's degree programmes in programming, networking, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.He said artificial intelligence was transforming every aspect of society and that universities had a responsibility to ensure graduates understood how to use the technology effectively."We all talk about artificial intelligence, but do we really understand what it is?" he said."If we don't understand AI, AI will become our master, and we will be the tools. We have to make sure that we are the master and AI is our tool."Beyond the new IT programmes, Professor Findlay outlined a broader curriculum review that will embed technology, artificial intelligence, research and critical thinking, and soft skills across every programme offered by the university.He said graduates needed more than academic knowledge to succeed in today's workplace."Your degree will get you the job, but your soft skills will get you the promotion," he said.Professor Findlay also stressed the importance of developing critical thinking skills in an age where misinformation and disinformation are increasingly common."We have access to more information than ever before, but we must learn how to evaluate that information and make informed decisions," he said.To strengthen student preparedness, UPNG will introduce a university pathway programme in 2027 to help Year 12 students transition into tertiary education, particularly in mathematics and science, subjects Professor Findlay described as essential for success in a digital economy.The university will also launch a postgraduate diploma in education with a focus on STEM, information technology and digital technologies to better prepare teachers to deliver technology-based education in schools."How do we expect students to understand technology if the teachers don't?" Professor Findlay said."We have to make sure that our teachers understand technology and IT so they can prepare the next generation."Professor Findlay said UPNG's latest initiatives reflected the institution's responsibility as Papua New Guinea's premier university and its role in supporting the country's development."UPNG doesn't just represent Port Moresby or Papua New Guinea—it also represents the Pacific region," he said."As the largest country in the Pacific, PNG has to take the lead, and UPNG has to take the lead for PNG."He said embracing information technology and artificial intelligence was no longer optional if Papua New Guinea hoped to remain competitive."This is the beginning of a new era of IT and technology, not just for UPNG but for Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific," Professor Findlay said.

Women's rugby league is continuing to break barriers in the country, with the Santos Cup providing more than just a pathway to elite competition—it is creating opportunities for women and girls to lead, compete and inspire the next generation.Launching the third season of the Santos Cup, Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) Chairman Adrian Chow said the competition has become a key platform for promoting gender equality while developing female athletes and leaders in the country's national sport."We are building not just the competition, we are transforming our national sport into a truly inclusive platform for excellence," Chow said.He said the Santos Cup had evolved into the country's premier women's rugby league competition, strengthening pathways for female players while also increasing women's representation in coaching, management and leadership positions.Acting Australian High Commissioner Adrian Loughran said the Australian Government was proud to support the competition through the PacificAus Sports initiative because of its impact beyond the playing field."It is a platform for gender equality, but more than that it is a platform that women and girls can aspire to be involved in," Loughran said."The six captains here today are an inspiration not only to women and girls in Papua New Guinea but also to men and boys."Santos Country Chair Leon Buskins said empowering women through rugby league was about creating lasting change across communities."Rugby league has a unique ability to unite people, inspire future generations and create opportunities for young people—not just girls, but also boys and families," Buskins said.He described the six team captains as pioneers who were changing perceptions and creating opportunities for future generations of female athletes."You are pioneers, you are game changers. The young girls growing up today will look up to you and be inspired by what you are achieving."The 2026 Santos Cup season will feature six franchise teams competing over eight regular rounds before a two-week finals series, while continuing to strengthen women's participation, leadership and professional development in rugby league.Organisers say the competition remains central to PNG Rugby Football League's gender equality strategy, which focuses on increasing participation, creating leadership opportunities for women and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for female athletes.The launch also acknowledged the continued support of Santos, the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited, Digicel and other partners, whose investment continues to expand opportunities for women and girls through rugby league in Papua New Guinea.