Members of Azzimbah Band have spoken on technology and how artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted the music industry and their journey as musicians.From recording studios, building skill with instruments and vocals, to utilizing the internet, Azzimbah has experienced an ever-changing market in Papua New Guinea that demands adaptability.Frontman, Martin Rawali, expressed his sentiments regarding the ubiquity of technology, and its influence on the country’s approach to music.He stated that technology has made the selling of music both simple and difficult.While in previous decades the selling of music was exclusively through tapes and cassettes, with the emergence of the internet, new benefits and challenges have arisen.“On the positive side, selling music has become much simpler with just a click of a button and through online registrations.”“However, our music has also been exploited through the use of AI. Azzimbah’s songs have been stolen and remixed without our consent.”“We tried to take legal action but it is impossible to find whoever is responsible for such actions.”He added that in previous decades, it took effort to produce a track whereas presently, technology has made individuals lazy.“Those songs were chart-toppers back in our time, and it took actual skill to create a hit song.”“You had to stand on stage and play for an audience. The way you sounded in a studio is how you should sound during live performances.”Rawali explained that this doesn’t mean that he totally dislikes AI.Band members acknowledge that AI is here to stay. However, they encourage individuals to utilize AI in creating unique and original content instead of capitalizing off of other musicians’ hard work.

Director: Deng Ke (邓科)Cast: Yu Xiaowei, Bai Yufan, Ning Li, Zhang HaiyuAired: Oct 13, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023Rating: TV-14 | Genre(s): Crime, Mystery, Historical Drama, Thriller | Run Time: 54mins | Platform: WeTV | Language: Mandarin | Country: ChinaSet in the Wan Li period of the Ming Dynasty, a series of strange murders in Jiangnan County leave victims posed unusually with mysterious messages. Qu Sangeng, the apprentice of the first victim, joins others to investigate and uncovers links to a case from ten years earlier.Episode 2 of Ripe Town continues Qu Sangeng’s investigation into the murder of his late mentor, Zhang Xian. As the investigation progresses, new evidence arises questioning Zhang’s integrity while dealing with official duties.Bai Yufan’s character, Qu Sangeng demonstrates significant growth in judgement. This is displayed when new clues are discovered hinting at his mentor’s hidden corrupt. Instead of lashing out, Qu Sangeng quietly weighs the likelihood and is more accepting of his potential misjudgment of Zhang’s character.Pacing is inconsistent, with certain scenes fast while the rest of the film remains gradual. Introductory scenes unfold at a brisk, almost urgent pace with little room for characters to be firmly established for the audience. These moments are then contrasted by longer more gradual stretches where the story slows down considerably to focus on atmosphere, detail or procedural build-up. While the slower sections are crucial to follow the progression of events, the sudden shifts in tempo can create confusion, preventing a smooth narrative flow. As a result, the film fluctuates between momentum and restrain, affecting overall rhythm and consistency.The mystery expands as new suspects emerge, and additional victims are discovered, adding further layers to the case rather than simply advancing the central investigation. As Qu Sangeng establishes connections with street gangs, physicians and common folk, their accounts suggest the incident is far more complex than initially assumed. Furthermore, a sudden new death occurs, with the victim displaying a similarly unusual appearance to the earlier murders, further intensifying the sense of unease.The use of historical setting is both an advantage and disadvantage depending on the audience. The series incorporates details of the Ming Dynasty society and Chinese cultural beliefs into the investigation. For viewers with a semblance of knowledge on ancient Chinese society, understanding information that is dependent on cultural context is easily digestible. However, it remains daunting for uninformed audiences. Ultimately, the historical setting serves as both a strength and a challenge, rewarding informed viewers while demanding greater attention from newcomers.Final Verdict:A satisfactory follow-up that explores the setting in more detail as well as incorporating culturally authentic practices, although it can be a disadvantage to the uninformed viewer.★★★☆☆ (3/5)

National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop has called on Papua New Guineans to take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, saying regular exercise and practices such as yoga can help improve both individual lives and the nation's overall health.Speaking during the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations at Ela Beach in Port Moresby, Governor Parkop shared his personal journey with yoga, encouraging people to embrace simple daily practices that promote physical fitness, mental wellbeing and emotional balance.The Governor said yoga has become an essential part of his daily routine, helping him manage the pressures that come with leading the nation's capital."It helps me deal with stress and the heavy workload that comes with serving as Governor, Member of Parliament and Chairman of NCDC.”The Governor said everyone should develop a routine that works best for them, whether through yoga, walking or other forms of exercise, stressing that consistency is more important than complexity.While acknowledging the important role doctors, nurses and hospitals play in healthcare, Governor Parkop said people should not rely solely on medical treatment but instead make personal health a priority."Too often we place our health entirely in the hands of doctors, medicine and hospitals. These are important, but we must also take responsibility for our own health, fitness and wellness.”He expressed concern that despite Papua New Guinea's economic growth and infrastructure development, improvements in the overall health and life expectancy of its people have not kept pace."Our economy may be improving, and we continue talking about GDP growth, but our health outcomes are not improving at the same rate. That is a contradiction we must address.”Governor Parkop said investing in health should be regarded with the same importance as investing in education, businesses and small-to-medium enterprises."We continue to invest in business, our professions, education and SMEs, and that's important. But I also encourage everyone to invest in their health because it is one of the most valuable investments we can make."He said maintaining good health enables leaders and citizens alike to think clearly, solve problems, and contribute positively to society."If I am healthy, fit and well, I am in a much better state mentally and emotionally.”Governor Parkop concluded by encouraging Papua New Guineans to find an exercise routine that suits their lifestyle and make it a daily habit, describing yoga as an accessible activity that can be practiced from the comfort of home without expensive equipment or gym memberships.

Sukundumi Walks Before Me, a 90-minute documentary that won the Sustainable Future Award $40,000 cash prize at the 2026 Sydney Film Festival, began as a small advocacy project and later developed into a full-length international feature film.Directed by Matasila Freshwater and Lachlan McLeod, the film brought global attention to the voices of communities residing along the Sepik River as they confront the proposed Frieda River copper-gold mine.Speaking to Human Rights Advocate, Shayanne Waide, he explained that the project first started around 2018–2019 under Project Sepik, when the organisation was still a small NGO focused on advocacy work. The initial idea was to produce a short 10–20-minute video to support campaign and awareness efforts.“We originally wanted a short advocacy video, not a long documentary but it eventually became a 90-minute film.”The production later evolved into a full documentary following the campaign journey of Project Sepik and the people of Sepik River, including events leading up to the Sukundumi declaration.The film was developed with support from international collaborators, including the Australian-based production company Walking Fish.“The target audience is the people of Sepik River, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and international spaces to gain wider recognition of the message.”“There was no resistance against the film. At first, people didn’t even know we were doing a documentary.”“We received full support from government partners.”Waide also highlighted the challenges of language and interpretation during production, noting that interpreters played an important role in ensuring accurate communication throughout filming.Support from partners in Australia and New Zealand also helped strengthen the project’s development and festival submissions.Producer Emmanuel Peni, stated that the film was submitted to several International Film Festivals.“The film was submitted not just in Sydney, Australia but also in New Zealand as well as Tahiti and Montreal Canada.”While the film has gained international exposure, Shayanne Waide confirmed there are currently no plans for a public cinema premiere at Paradise Cinema in Port Moresby due to ethical considerations.However, he noted that future broadcasting opportunities are being explored, including possible screenings through national and international television platforms.

Director: Deng Ke (邓科)Cast: Yu Xiaowei, Bai Yufan, Ning Li, Zhang HaiyuAired: Oct 13, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023Rating: TV-14 | Genre(s): Crime, Mystery, Historical Drama, Thriller | Run Time: 58mins | Platform: WeTV | Language: Mandarin | Country: ChinaSet in the 37th year of the Wan Li Period of the Ming Dynasty, a series of unusual murders occur in Jiangnan County, where unrelated victims are found in unusual positions. Each left with a mysterious message. Qu Sangeng, the apprentice of the first victim, joins forces with his companions to uncover the truth. As their investigation deepens, they cross paths with various individuals and uncover links to a case that happened a decade earlier. The question remains: who is behind the killings, and what is driving them?Episode 1 of Ripe Town sets a serious and gloomy foundation, immediately immersing viewers in a bleak rural setting where a disturbing crime disrupts the fragile balance of the community. The episode focuses on establishing tone and context rather than fast-paced progress to draw attention to the mystery at hand.The story begins with a compelling discovery of the murder of a beloved mentor, turning what could’ve been a simple criminal case into something personal for the leading man. The episode doesn’t burden the viewer with multiple plotlines but focuses on the main story, branching outward through clues, suspicion, and the unsettling symbolism of the crime scene.Qu Sangeng played by Bai Yufan, is a stoic, determined young constable who tackles the case. His initial reaction to discovering his mentor’s death, is restrained with a much later expressive outburst, which makes the grief more authentic. Interactions with other characters throughout the film are less about interpersonal warmth and more about quiet suspicion, a feature suitable for a murder mystery that considers every person fishy.The direction leans more toward the atmosphere than spectacle. Cinematography heavily utilizes muted tones, fog, and natural landscapes, reinforcing a sense of remoteness and decay. The rural setting feels lived-in rather than stylized, while costume design reflects Ming dynasty's social hierarchy by contrasting structured official attire with the more worn and practical clothing of villagers. Overall, the production showcases the strengths of Chinese historical dramas, focusing on cultural detail, restrained pacing, and grounded visual storytelling rather than flashy or overly stylized spectaclePacing is slow but intentional. The episode prioritizes mood-building and setup over rapid developments in the story. Some viewers may feel vexed over the pacing, but the engagement comes from atmosphere and curiosity rather than plot turns.One of the film's biggest weaknesses is the brief introduction to supporting characters. Sometimes they are introduced briefly without proper establishment in their roles. Additionally, cultural context is needed to understand nuances particularly in names.The episode ends with the two officers struggling to piece together the mystery behind the victim’s death, while flashbacks show him dying in an arbitrary manner. This successfully sets up suspense for the next episode and the possibility of a much bigger case at hand.Final Verdict:A strong premiere that builds intrigue and suspense, prioritizing tone and emotional grounding over rapid storytelling. Strong setup for a layered historical crime drama, despite its gradual pacing.★★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Construction of the Ependa School of Evangelism Building Complex continues to make steady progress, with workers reaching another important milestone after beginning ceiling installation on the building’s third floor.In an update shared in late May, project overseer Pastor David Paki announced that the construction team had commenced work on the third-floor ceiling and called on supporters to continue praying for the successful completion of the project.“The boys are now working on the ceiling on the third floor of the Ependa School of Evangelism Building Complex. Keep us in prayers. Blessings.”The building, located approximately 10 kilometers outside Mendi in Southern Highlands Province, has been under construction since June 2024 following its ground-breaking ceremony in May that year.The facility is expected to serve as a central training centre for Ependa School of Evangelism and will include a lecture hall, dining hall, dormitories and self-contained accommodation for students.The latest progress follows a series of construction milestones achieved over the past two years, including completion of the foundation, brickwork, partitioning, and roofing framework.The installation of the third-floor ceiling is another important step towards completing the three-story complex.

Director: Daniel ChongCast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy NajimyRating: PG | Genre(s): Animation, Coming-of-age, Drama | Run Time: 1hr 44minHEARTWARMING FILM WITH IMPRESSIONISTIC INFLUENCE“Disney’s Hoppers is a visually charming body-swapping adventure with a touching message on environmental conservation and grief.”Animal-loving college student, Mabel (Piper Curda) on a mission to save the local habitat, transfers her mind into the body of a robotic beaver to understand wildlife.The storytelling follows the Eco-Hero/Vigilante narrative. But what makes this film stand out is the realistic portrayal of the cost of urbanization, in this instance, infrastructure development-vs-environmental conservation. Mabel’s journey from being a naïve advocate to becoming painfully disillusioned is both gripping and relatable, allowing audiences to see a reflection of themselves.The animation is 3D – a signature style from Pixar, except without hyperrealism; opting instead of an impressionistic handcrafted-feel. The background is less detailed for a more emotional rather than visual impact. Characters are constructed using basic shapes – specifically utilizing roundness to convey friendliness. Together, these choices result in a unified visual language that supports storytelling through feeling, not just detail.Piper Curda delivers a strong performance of Mabel capturing the enthusiasm and energy of youth. Her voice remains steady throughout the film shifting through numerous emotions effectively to match scenes and tone, except during her accountability moment where her voice acting sounds more corny than sincere. Despite this brief inconsistency, her overall performance remains solid and believable.Although Hoppers uses common tropes, it’s realistic portrayal of environmental issues communicated in a family-friendly way remains its greatest strength.Final Verdict:A visually distinctive and emotionally open animated film that balances environmental commentary with character growth, even if it occasionally leans on familiar storytelling patterns.★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)

Creator: Liklik MediaRelease Date: Wednesday June 10th, 2026Cast: Nellie Seta, Joseph Paul, Angeleen Sapsi, Joshua Komet, Benjamin WillieDaniel (Joseph Paul) wishes to take the next major step with Maria (Nellie Seta), but first he has to speak to Maria’s father (Joshua Komet).The ending was predictable right from the beginning as it leaned too much into tropes yet remained underdeveloped. Maria and Daniel are characters in a classic, Class Difference Romance of ‘rich guy, poor girl’, where the poor girl eventually ends up in a relationship with the rich male lead in spite of love rivals and family disapproval. Daniel’s career virtually remains unknown while Maria’s character is well-established right from the beginning. This imbalance limits the depth of their relationship and makes the narrative feel one-sided.The musical score often felt overly dramatic rather than supportive of the story's emotional moments. At times, the soundtrack overshadowed key scenes instead of enhancing them. This is particularly evident when Daniel approaches Maria's father for a conversation. The music abruptly shifts from a dark, suspenseful tone to an overly sentimental piece. Such transitions feel inharmonious and detract from the scene's emotional impact. Furthermore, the soundtrack was frequently mixed at a volume that competed with the dialogue, making conversations less clear and reducing the effectiveness of important character interactions.One of the episode's standout features is its closing credits sequence. Rather than relying on a simple scene cut, the filmmakers employ a gradual fade-in followed by a fade-out as the credits roll. This editing choice creates a smoother transition, complementing the film's overall atmosphere. The subtle effect leaves viewers with a polished and satisfying final impression.Final Verdict:While the series delivers moments of strong performances, it struggles with uneven character development, predictable plotlines, and inconsistent emotional delivery. Musical score occasionally distracts rather than enhances. Nevertheless, thoughtful touches, such as the closing credits’ fade-in/fade-out sequence, demonstrate the filmmakers’ attention to atmosphere and style, offering glimpses of polish amidst narrative shortcomings.Episode 12: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)Overall:A drama with compelling individual performances but hampered by uneven storytelling and predictable tropes.

The International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea (IEA PNG) is celebrating 50 years of shaping the nation’s education landscape, with Chief Executive Officer Neal Mather commending the organization’s commitment to student development, teacher professional growth, and technological innovation.Formed in 1976, shortly after Papua New Guinea gained independence, IEA PNG was established to take over the operations of Australian schools in the country, transforming them into a sustainable, fee-paying, not-for-profit system.“All of the money that parents pay goes directly into services and stays within the organization.”The 50th anniversary celebrations began with a professional development conference in Port Moresby, bringing together teachers from all IEA schools for a five-day program focused on digital learning and curriculum innovation.Experts from outside Papua New Guinea were invited to guide educators on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.“AI can assist teachers with lesson preparation and information gathering, but we need to ensure students use it wisely and authentically.”“We are teaching them to discriminate between reliable and unreliable information and to produce their own work.”Mather stressed the importance of student safety and digital etiquette.“Parents can be assured that students operate in a secure, controlled environment, learning not only the technology but the social responsibility that comes with it.”“We also educate on the safe and appropriate use of social media.”In addition to technology, the conference emphasized curriculum alignment and core values.When asked what makes IEA schools stand out from other international and private schools, Mather explained that the agency has contributed significantly to Papua New Guinea’s development since independence.“We've had thousands and thousands of students who are successful and contributed to PNG in fields of business, politics, law, medicine and aviation.” “Internationally, many of our former IEA students are successful in their home countries or they've moved on to other countries so they can demonstrate the skills and the expertise that they learned in the IEA system.”As the agency continues its 50th-year celebrations, Mather extended an invitation to parents considering enrolment.“We encourage everyone to explore our schools and see the opportunities we provide.”“Sustainability and investment in our teachers are key to ensuring IEA PNG remains a leading educational institution for another 50 years.”IEA PNG’s curriculum, established in 1995, integrates the best practices from international systems, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the International Baccalaureate.The school also prepares students for both national and international examinations, ensuring readiness for further education in Papua New Guinea and abroad.Additionally, IEA operates 18 schools across the country, serving more than 5,500 students from early childhood to vocational TAFE programs.

Rugby league fans have a new reason to celebrate as the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG launch a nationwide campaign aimed at bringing the game closer to communities.From collectible player-themed cans to grassroots engagement and support for youth development, the four-month initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between the country’s most popular sport and its passionate supporters.Here are five things you need to know about the campaign.1. A Nationwide Campaign That Reaches EveryonePNGRFL teamed up with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG for a four-month campaign bringing rugby league closer to communities across Papua New Guinea- including the most remote areas were watching footy on TV is not always possible.2. Collectible Rugby League CansFans can collect Coca-Cola cans featuring their favourite rugby league players. These limited-edition cans aren’t just fun collectibles- they can double as souvenirs that celebrate PNG’s beloved sport.3. Building Communities Through SportAccording to PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina, rugby league is more than a game. The campaign is designed to connect communities, promote positive values, and support the development of young people across the country.4. Perfect Timing for Finals SeasonThe four-month campaign aligns with the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals and grand final in September, giving fans a chance to celebrate the sport during one of the most exciting periods of the rugby league calendar.5. A Partnership for the Long TermMr. Hondina praised Coca-Cola as a long-standing partner that goes beyond sponsorship, helping PNGRFL promote rugby league across the country. Both organizations are committed to extending the partnership in future seasons.

Creator: Liklik Media Release Date(s): Friday June 5th, 2026; Sunday June 7th, 2026Episodes Reviewed: Episode 10 & Episode 11Cast: Nellie Seta, Joseph Paul, Angeleen Sapsi, Carlos Zeng, Joshua KometEPISODE 10: THE TRUTH COMES OUTMaria’s father (Joshua Komet) threatens to disown her after discovering his daughter at Daniel’s (Joseph Paul) residence. Rumors of the alleged affair spread among Daniel’s coworkers, forcing him to seek out the truth.Episode 10 also uses plot convenience to further the story. This is demonstrated when Daniel leaks footage of Jessica’s schemes online instead of reporting to the police. Realistically, Daniel could face legal issues especially if the footage was released without consent. Additionally, with him being the beneficiary to a reputable company, criticisms from both employers and the public would be evident.The series suffers from an underdeveloped love rival. Despite his initial introduction in Episode 4, Carlos Zheng’s character, Blaise, remains an unconvincing competitor for Maria’s affections. Limited screen time and minimal interaction with the female lead render the love triangle forced rather than organic. Blaise often feels more like a protective brother than a romantic contender, and a potential confession to Maria in later episodes could come across as awkward.In contrast, Joshua Komet delivers an outstanding performance as Maria’s father. His dialogue in Tok Pisin resonates deeply with Papua New Guinean audiences, providing cultural and emotional connection. In addition to his delivery, his performance is grounded and authentic.EPISODE 11: CONFESSIONSJessica (Angeleen Sapsi) comes clean of her intentions behind sabotaging Maria (Nellie Seta) and Daniel’s (Joseph Paul) relationship.Daniel’s company is underwritten throughout the series, with its interest in acquiring land for commercial housing development only becoming clear in this episode. The ‘corporation’ remains like a myth – a business without a name, a license and a reputation. The reveal feels unearned due to the lack of buildup. There was an opportunity to present the corporation as a powerful antagonist given that land ownership is a serious topic in the country.Joseph Paul’s delivery of emotionally charged dialogue falls short. In the confrontation between his character and Angeleen Sapsi’s, Sapsi’s acting outshines Paul’s making her performance more memorable than his. Similarly, when confessing his true feelings to Maria, Paul’s delivery lacks nuance and emotional depth, coming across as awkward and unconvincing. These moments weaken the significance of his character and make his performance less gripping.Final Verdict:Episode 10 and 11 delivers strong supporting performances, particularly from Joshua Komet and Angeleen Sapsi, and uses Tok Pisin to connect with local audiences. However, underdeveloped characters, plot conveniences, alongside a poorly established corporate antagonist weaken the story. Love triangles and key reveals arrive too late, and some lead performances lack emotional depth.Episode 10: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)Episode 11: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)Overall:The drama is engaging but uneven, offering promise that is not fully realized.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop has emphasized the urgent need for climate action and environmental stewardship during the World Environment Day event held yesterday at Independence Boulevard in Port Moresby.Addressing a gathering of students, community leaders, and dignitaries, Governor Parkop emphasized the pressures facing Papua New Guinea’s natural environment, including deforestation, species endangerment, and marine biodiversity loss. He warned that without immediate action, both terrestrial and marine ecosystems could face irreversible damage, threatening life on earth. “The environment needs us, needs us to take action.” “Our forests, our coral reefs, our bees, all contribute to sustaining life. If they disappear, life as we know it cannot exist.” Governor Parkop underscored the significance of Papua New Guinea’s tropical rainforests, which host up to 10% of global biodiversity, and stressed the country’s role as a custodian of the Coral Sea Triangle, a critical marine ecosystem that provides 50–80% of the oxygen humans breathe. He also mentioned PNG’s status as a carbon-neutral nation – a country that does not emit much pollution; and called for continued efforts to maintain this position. During the event, Governor Parkop announced practical initiatives for environmental protection, including tree planting campaigns in Port Moresby and ecological waste management projects, such as recycling plastics and converting waste to energy. He encouraged young people to actively participate, promising scholarships for future botanists, entomologists, and marine biologists. “We are stewards of the environment.” “These resources are not ours to exploit; they belong to future generations. Let us care for them so they will continue to sustain life, both now and for those who come after us.”