Young Ms. Martina Teko achieved her dream by graduating from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) University of Technology (UoT) recently with a bachelor’s degree, thanks to the NICTA Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship program. Ms. Teko, who is one of eight recipients of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority’s (NICTA) Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship Program in the country, graduated during the 57th PNG UoT graduation ceremony in Lae city. She achieved a Bachelor of Business. She described the scholarship as life changing, saying it created a pathway for young women like herself to pursue and build careers in the ICT sector. “The NICTA Girls in ICT Scholarship is truly life changing. It is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in PNG that continues to provide opportunities for young girls who want to pursue studies in ICT and eventually build a career in the field,” she said. Like many students in higher education in the country, Martina was aware of the financial challenges. With both her parents currently unemployed, she knew pursuing tertiary studies would place a heavy burden on her family. However, the scholarship provided much-needed relief. “It has significantly helped me with my tuition fees, which took the burden off my parents and siblings. That was a huge relief for me,” she said. Her father, Rebon Teko Snr, who attended the graduation, expressed deep gratitude to God and NICTA for supporting his daughter throughout her studies. “On behalf of my family, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank God for NICTA. As parents, we are not employed, and for NICTA to support my daughter from first year to fourth year with her tuition fees brought us great relief because we could not afford it,” he said. Overcome with emotion, he added, “I don’t know how to repay you, but I sincerely thank you for your support. Thank you to the management, staff, and the entire corporate body behind this scholarship.” Martina’s hard work earned her an impressive GPA, reflecting her dedication to a field she now sees as both a profession and a passion. “I was able to stay focused on my studies and my passion in Business IT. It kept me grounded throughout my academic journey and strengthened values such as discipline, commitment, resilience, and hard work that were instilled in me during my upbringing,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to NICTA for enabling her to achieve her qualification and begin her journey in the ICT industry. “I’m grateful to NICTA. I now have a qualification that allows me to build a career in the ICT industry. I’m excited and look forward to contributing meaningfully to the development of the ICT sector in PNG and beyond by providing real IT solutions to business processes,” she said. The NICTA Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship, established in 2016, has supported more than 40 women in ICT and STEM-related studies across the country. The program covers tuition, accommodation, transport, book allowances, and stipends. It aligns with national goals on gender equity, digital transformation, and human capital development, while empowering young women to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s growing digital economy.

The newly Gobo All-Girls School of Excellence in Jiwaka Province is set to receive 50 desktop computers for students and 15 laptops for teachers as a major digital upgrade following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership with PNG DataCo Limited in aims to improve access to technology and modern education. The MoU establishes a five-year strategic partnership, effective from the date of execution, with provisions for review during its term and potential extension by mutual agreement. Either party may terminate the agreement with one month’s written notice, ensuring flexibility while maintaining commitment to long-term collaboration The company will also install a satellite terminal to deliver high-speed internet, supported by campus-wide Wi-Fi with built-in cybersecurity and content filtering systems. The partnership is designed to improve access to digital education, particularly for young women in rural areas, while building long-term ICT capacity within the school. PNG DataCo will also carry out a full site survey, provide technical support, and subsidize internet services for the first four months. In addition, half of the installation cost has been waived, with the school contributing K15,000 plus GST. The school will be responsible for providing essential infrastructure such as power supply, secure facilities, and ongoing service costs after the subsidy period. It will also appoint an ICT officer and enforce digital safety measures to protect students and equipment. The partnership builds on the opening of the school beginning this year as it goes in-line with the schools aim to provide specialized science education for young women, marking a major step forward in the province’s educational landscape. As it strengthens ICT capacity in schools and safeguarding critical digital infrastructure through community awareness and joint oversight. At the time, the school was designed to focus on science education, with an initial intake of around 150 students and support from government, partners, and donors. The introduction of digital infrastructure now strengthens that vision, giving students access to modern tools that support learning, research, and future career pathways. This latest partnership signals a shift towards integrating technology into education systems across Papua New Guinea, particularly in underserved areas.

At IBS University’s sixth graduation ceremony, among the many proud graduates one story carried a quiet powerful weight, a story not just of academic success but of resilience, loss, and purpose. For Bachelor of Information Technology Award of Academic Excellence recipient Richie Manuta, the journey to that stage was not defined by ease, but by a promise rooted in love and tested by grief. When Richie Manuta stood to receive his award, it was more than recognition for academic performance, it was the fulfillment of a dream his mother would never see, but one she had always believed in. Richie’s path into Information Technology began years earlier, shaped by a spark in the classroom. A Grade 9 teacher first introduced him to the world of IT, and what started as curiosity slowly evolved into a deep passion. After graduating from Port Moresby National School of Excellence in 2021, he was accepted into the Bachelor of Information Technology program at IBS University, a transition that would test both his adaptability and determination. Moving from handwritten assignments to fully computer-based systems was not easy. The shift demanded discipline, technical understanding, and a new way of thinking. But for Richie, technology was more than just tools and systems. He saw it as a language of its own “Technology is a powerful form of communication, it has its own history and methodology, just like any other field.” His passion showed not only in his words, but in his understanding. Richie spoke confidently about the key strands of the IT program, including networking, database management, and programming, breaking down complex systems into ideas that reflected both knowledge and curiosity. But behind the academic journey was a far heavier story. On January 24th, 2025, during his final semester, Richie lost his mother. The loss shook him deeply “Even though I have my dad” he paused for a while and asked “how can you go on when one of your parents is no longer there?” Grief lingered, quiet but constant within that pain, Richie found a reason to keep going and it was his mother’s dream of him. He reflected on the sacrifices both his parents had made for his education and the lessons they had instilled in him about perseverance and purpose. Slowly, that grief transformed into motivation. “Even though it was heartbreaking, I knew I had no choice but to stay on that path they showed me, and now, that’s what I want for myself,” he said. His final semester brought another test of resilience. On the eve of his final presentation, Richie faced an intense challenge. He had to be present with his team debate for an invitation while also preparing for a major group project presentation. He chose to do both and after the debate presentation, he returned to difficult news that their project server had crashed. Time was running out and pressure was building so Richie stayed up through the night working to restore the system. But thought he managed to bring the server connection back the website wasn’t fully operational. Still, he refused to walk into the presentation unprepared but when standing before the panel, Richie and his group member of fellow website developers shifted their focus on how to explain the development of the website rather than present on ho with website functions so they ended up explaining in detail during the presentation on how the server functioned, turning a near failure into a demonstration of understanding. It was not perfect, but it was real, technical, and resilient and that was enough. In the end, Richie Manuta did not just graduate. He carried a legacy forward with his achievement stands as more than an academic milestone but as proof that even in loss, purpose can endure. Somewhere between lines of code and long nights of perseverance, a promise was kept and it was not just to finish the journey, but to become the man his mother always believed he could be.

A total of 319 students graduated from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University during its sixth graduation ceremony in Port Moresby, marking a significant milestone for the institution as it gains official government recognition and new financial support.Apart from the 319 graduates also saw the celebration of 19 graduates from Southern Cross University, highlighting IBSU’s growing academic partnerships and expanding role in higher education in Papua New Guinea. Graduates received qualifications across a range of programs, including Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics and Development Studies, and Information Technology. The diversity reflects the university’s focus on building practical skills for a changing workforce. IBS University Chancellor Mrs. Auvita Rapilla, told graduates that their achievement represents a transition into a new phase of responsibility, not the end of their journey. “You leave this institution not only with qualifications but also with the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the development of Papua New Guinea and beyond,” she said. She encouraged the graduates to carry discipline, integrity, and courage into their future careers, reminding them that the path ahead will be shaped by their choices and actions. The event also marked a major turning point for the university itself. Earlier this year, IBS University was officially recognised by the government as a higher education institution, a move that validates its long-standing operations and academic standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Kinoka Feo, acknowledged the institution’s achievement, noting that it has operated independently for decades without government funding. “IBS University has shown strong leadership and governance by sustaining itself over the years while continuing to deliver quality education,” he said. In a major announcement, the Minister confirmed that the government will provide K5 million to support infrastructure development at the university. “We want the university to expand, build more classrooms, and improve its facilities. This is also a gesture of support for the many years it has operated independently.” The funding is expected to support the country’s broader education reforms, particularly the 1-6-6 system, which aims to increase student progression to Grade 12 and create more space in tertiary institutions. As more students complete secondary education, the demand for university placements continues to grow, placing pressure on existing institutions. IBS University’s expansion is seen as part of the solution, helping to create more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans to access higher education. The graduation ceremony not only celebrated academic success but also reflected a wider shift in the country’s education landscape, where private institutions are playing an increasingly important role.

Fiji’s Ishani Singh turned a powerful performance into a moment of compassion, dedicating her Player of the Match award to people back home affected by Cyclone Vaianu.Singh delivered a match winning effort in the opening game of the ICC Under 19 World Cup East Asia Qualifier against the PNG Siales. The young fast bowler claimed four wickets and helped guide Fiji to a narrow two wicket victory over the home side. Her bowling set the tone early, as PNG Siales were dismissed for 40 runs in 12 overs. Fiji later chased down the target under pressure, finishing at 8 for 41 in less than eight overs to secure the win. But it was her words after the match that stood out most. “It’s really an honour receiving this award, and I dedicate this to everyone back home. I wish everyone safety during this cyclone,” she said. PNG Siales batters struggled to handle Singh’s pace and control. Top batter Rollie Aiva said the challenge was something new for the team. “Her bowling was fast and difficult. She really gave us a hard time on the pitch,” she said. Despite the early setback, PNG showed heart in the field, taking eight wickets and pushing Fiji all the way. Head coach Jason Kila praised the team’s effort and spirit. “I was pretty impressed with the girls’ fielding,” he said. While Fiji celebrated the win, Singh’s gesture reminded everyone that sport is bigger than the scoreboard. In a moment of victory, she chose to stand with her people, turning a personal achievement into a message of care, strength, and unity.

The growing presence of Papua New Guinea rugby league players in England’s competitions is shaping early expectations for the PNG Chiefs as they prepare for their NRL debut in 2028. PNG players are gaining valuable experience in competitions like the Betfred Championship, with clubs such as the London Broncos actively developing Kumuls talent. Young players including Morea Morea, Alex Max, Finley Glare, Elliot Wallis, and Robert Mathias are emerging as key prospects. They are joined by experienced internationals such as Nene Macdonald, currently with St Helens and set to join the London Broncos, and Lachlan Lam, who plays for the Leigh Leopards. This overseas experience is expected to pave the way for spots in the Chiefs’ 2028 squad. The appointment of Super League-winning coach Willie Peters, who led Hull KR to major success, has put the spotlight on how this overseas-based talent can strengthen the future team. PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas said the focus is not on a lack of talent, but on identifying and developing players effectively. “We have no shortage of quality players,” he said, emphasizing the importance of tapping into overseas experience and professional systems. Chammas highlighted Peters’ knowledge of the Super League as a strong advantage in identifying emerging PNG talent. “His knowledge of the league is second to none,” he added. The experience gained by PNG players overseas is not only technical but also mental, with structured competitions preparing them for the demands of the NRL. For Kumuls star Nene Macdonald, representing Papua New Guinea remains a powerful motivation. “It’s always an advantage playing here in PNG. The atmosphere helps you play better,” he said, reflecting on the unique energy of home support during the 2025 Pacific Championship. As preparations for the 2028 NRL season continue, the influence of England’s rugby league system is becoming clear. With international experience, local passion, and strategic leadership, the PNG Chiefs are building a pathway to a competitive and representative team for their NRL debut.

A strong turnout marked the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball Competition on Easter Monday, with players, families, and supporters filling the Taurama Aquatic Centre for round seven of the tournament. Despite the public holiday, organisers were met with an unexpected crowd, creating an energetic atmosphere that added excitement to the day’s matches. Teams competing in the competition were supported by colleagues, friends, and families, giving the event a lively and competitive edge. Treasurer of the competition, Kathrine Hauda, said they were surprised by the level of participation. “We thought during Easter there wouldn’t be many teams and players turning up, but it was a good turnout,” she said. Now in its seventh round, the competition is beginning to take shape, with top teams from previous seasons starting to regain momentum after a slow start. Their return to form is setting the stage for a more competitive second half of the season. At the same time, new teams are beginning to show potential, catching the attention of organizers as they build confidence and improve their performance. However, with more rounds still to be played, the competition remains open. “We are starting to see new teams picking up strength, but it’s still early and we are watching closely,” she said. Organizers say the growing turnout reflects increasing interest in the competition, which continues to provide a platform for workers to engage in sport, build teamwork, and promote healthy lifestyles. Hauda also reminded participants and supporters to maintain professionalism during matches, noting that the competition is a work-related sporting activity. “Work is work and sport is sport. This is a space to relax and build sportsmanship, but we still expect everyone to be professional,” she said. With strong support and rising competition, the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball Competition is building momentum, promising more intense matches as the season progresses.

PNG Power Limited (PPL) has entered the final phase of its Easipay system restoration advancing long term infrastructure upgrades to modernize electricity vending services and reduce reliance on third party vendors. Full access for all remaining third-party agents will be restored once system stability is confirmed marking a major step in strengthening national infrastructure. The Chief Executive Officer of PPL Mr. Paul Bayly, highlighted the actions taken during the restoration process. “As of tonight, we will be making progress as we are taking decisive actions to ensure this situation does not occur again,” he said whilst acknowledging the disruption caused to families, businesses, and communities during the outage. Mr. Bayly commended the engineers, technicians and information specialists who worked tirelessly to stabilize the system. A key measure in the final phase is the transition of Easipay servers to a PNG based data center Bayly explained the importance of this move. “It will strengthen reliability, improve responsiveness, enhance data security, and ensure that sensitive customer information remains within Papua New Guinea.” He added that these steps also reduce dependence on offshore vendors and retain more economic value within the country. Alongside the server transition, PPL is also upgrading older seven-digit meters to modern 11- digit meters. “The 11- digit meters are important because they will provide stronger security better reliability compatibility with modern vending systems and improve service to customers.” He stated that customers with the old meters are expected to regain full access within hours. Meanwhile, significant investment has supported these upgrades as Kumul Consolidated Holdings contributed K1.4 million for the installation of the PPL Oracle ERP system which underpins both Easipay recovery and broader business continuity planning. Mr. Bayly emphasized that these reforms are designed to prevent outages like the recent one while improving database integrity and transaction monitoring. Furthermore, he praised and commended all staff dedication during this restoration process as many have worked tirelessly. “Many have worked through the Easter week and weekend day and night to restore services and support customers.” “Their commitment reflects the seriousness in which we treat this issue and our responsibility to the people of Papua New Guinea.” With these measures PPL is not only restoring Easipay services, but also establishing a more resilient and modern platform Customers can expect improved service reliability faster response times and safer access to electricity tokens nationwide.

The Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power Limited (PPL), Mr. Paul Bayly, confirmed in a Press Conference today that no customer will lose money, following recent system disruptions, emphasizing that every transaction remains recorded and fully recoverable. Mr. Bayly underscored the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability during the restoration process. “Let me be clear, no customer will lose their money. Every transaction is recorded and every token is recoverable,” he stated. PNG Power has successfully stabilized its Easipay system following a nationwide outage, with full restoration expected in the coming days. The outage disrupted electricity top-ups across homes and businesses, causing inconvenience for thousands of customers. The outage revealed vulnerabilities tied to the system’s previous management by third-party providers. In response, PPL is transitioning the Easipay system and its data to a Papua New Guinea-based data centre. “This transition is essential. It will strengthen reliability, improve responsiveness, enhance data security, and ensure that sensitive customer information stays in Papua New Guinea.” Over the past 48 hours, PPL engineers and technical teams have worked tirelessly to restore services for the third-party vending partners, including BSP Online, Digicel, and Interlink have resumed transactions under a phased reopening plan, ensuring system stability as access expands. Full service for all agents is expected within two weeks and engineers are monitoring transaction volumes and backend performance to prevent further disruptions. Customer support remains a top priority as PPL launched the Easipay Token Relief Portal to assist customers who paid during the outage but did not receive tokens. The digital portal allows users to register their meter numbers and retrieve missing tokens, with over 100 successful recoveries recorded so far. The national call center is proactively contacting affected customers to ensure all tokens are recovered. Meanwhile, the company is also upgrading old seven-digit meters to 11-digit units, addressing limited token combinations and outdated vendor support. The new meters are designed to improve security, reliability, and compatibility with modern vending systems. Customers with seven-digit meters who were previously unable to access tokens will have full access restored within hours. The transition also reduces reliance on offshore vendors and retains more economic value in the country. To support these modernization efforts, Kumul Consolidated Holdings has invested K1.4 million to support the installation of the PPL Oracle ERP system and broader recovery initiatives, reinforcing the company’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance service delivery. Mr. Bayly praised the dedication of PPL staff, many of whom worked around the clock during the Easter period to restore services. “We are committed to improving our systems and delivering a stronger, more reliable Easipay platform for the future,” he said, acknowledging the hard work and resilience of engineers, technicians, and customer support teams. As PNG Power moves forward, the company remains focused on building a robust, secure, and customer-centric Easipay system that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving electricity market while safeguarding the interests of Papua New Guineans.

A new direction for netball in the country, as Netball PNG now aims to meet international standards by building development pathways for a future franchise. At the launch of the Butterfly Netball League at Sir John Guise Stadium on 29th March, Netball PNG President Ulato Avei said the board has taken steps to change the direction of netball in the country. This is to create an environment with intensive training to help players grow and be competitive enough for national selection. “And we have taken that bold move to bring seriousness to both athletic performance and administration,” she said. This follows plans by the netball board to put systems and processes in place this year to build a strong foundation. The aim is to bring out the best in athletes and officials, with a vision of creating a franchise in the future. “If rugby league can do it through the Digicel Cup, then we are hoping netball can take that direction as well,” Avei said. The Butterfly Netball League has been created to improve competition in the sport. The league has selected top players from competitions around the country and placed them into four teams: Island Monarch, Sepik Green Moon, Alexandra Birdwing, and Blue Mountain Swallowtail. Avei also highlighted the importance of sponsorship, saying young players need strong support to reach this level. “It is a dream that every young girl has in netball, but that dream can only come true if we have serious sponsorship,” she said. For the sport to meet international standards, there must be a strong national development pathway to support young talent. Sponsorship helps grow these pathways, similar to how the Digicel Cup has helped players move on to the Hostplus Cup. “That is why I am appealing to all sponsors. The main sponsor should be the Government of Papua New Guinea, followed by private sponsors,” she said. She also noted the need for better support in terms of gender equality, saying netball does not receive enough attention despite being a female-dominated sport, compared to rugby league. She called for equal recognition and support for all sports.

With the 2028 NRL season getting closer, the PNG Chiefs have made a strong move, naming former NRL star and coach Willie Peters as their new head coach, a decision that already feels bigger than just football. Peters arrives with a reputation that is hard to ignore. Over in England with Hull KR Rovers, he did not just coach, he made history. In his first season, he pushed the club into a Challenge Cup final and made the regular season top four in 2023. Not long after, just last year, he led the club to break a forty-year drought to lift the Super League trophy, before backing it up with a statement win over the Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge. For Lorna McPherson, the CEO of the PNG Chiefs, the moment carries real weight not just for the club, but for what is being built behind the scenes. She described it as a proud and historic step forward, adding that the club is not only bringing in a top-level coach, but someone whose passion for the game, culture, and leadership stands out. "It is a historic day and something that I am really proud of. It is another step in the right direction where we are going as well. And not only that, we have got an amazing, amazing coach, one that many other clubs were looking at as well." While the spotlight is on the coach, work is already happening off the field, with the club beginning to build its foundation, recruiting staff, setting systems, and preparing for what lies ahead. General Manager Michael Chammas made it clear that this role goes beyond tactics and game plans. For him, this job comes in three parts: football, the responsibility to unite the country, and the reality of building a team that will live and grow together. He pointed to Peters' record overseas as proof of what he brings but stressed that success here will be measured in more than just wins. “This is not just about coaching. It is about bringing the country together and building something people can believe in.” For Kumuls legend Stanley Gene, the timing feels right. With young talent rising and pathways now in place, he believes the pieces are finally coming together. What is needed now is the right leader to guide it, and in his eyes, that is exactly what the Chiefs have found. "For a coach who has won everything there in a short space of time, he expects success wherever he goes. He has had his show at Hull KR and he is not going to be shy saying this team is going to be competitive." As the road to 2028 continues, this team is no longer just preparing to enter the NRL; they are shaping the team’s identity in PNG.

Hula Village is preparing to mark 150 years since the arrival of Christian missionaries, a moment that shaped the faith, culture, and identity of its people. The United Church anniversary will be held from June 23 to 28, 2026, at Hula along the Hood Peninsula, bringing together community members from across Papua New Guinea and overseas. The milestone commemorates the arrival of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes of the London Missionary Society in 1876, when he first made contact with the Hula community. That moment is widely seen as the beginning of major social and spiritual change in the village. Church and community leaders officially launched preparations on March 28 at the original missionary landing site, marking the start of months of planning for the historic event. Pastor Kila’apae Walo of Morris Nixon Memorial Church described the anniversary as a defining moment. “This is a very historical event connected to the faith of our people,” he said. “We are calling all Hula sons and daughters, wherever they are, to come home and be part of this celebration.” He said the arrival of Christianity in 1876 introduced not only religion, but also education and new ways of living that helped shape Hula into what it is today. A key highlight of the celebration will be the renewal of a covenant first made in 1909, when village leaders formally committed to the Christian faith. “We believe that covenant must be re-established so future generations continue to walk in its blessings,” Pastor Walo said. Support for the event is also being coordinated with NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank, who is of Hula heritage. He said the anniversary is not only about remembering the past but also protecting the future. “This is not just a village event, it is our shared history,” he said. A research group formed in 2024, led by University of Papua New Guinea history lecturer Keimelo Gima, has been documenting Hula’s genealogy, church history, and cultural stories. The project combines oral history with old records, including newspaper archives from the 1800s. “History helps us understand who we are and where we are going,” Mr. Gima said. As part of preparations, a fundraising dinner will be held on May 2 at Sir John Guise Stadium aiming to raise about K350,000 to support the five-day event. Mr. Frank says the anniversary is a call for unity, inviting people from all provinces who have ties to Hula to return and reconnect with their roots. With 150 years marking a rare milestone, organizers believe the celebration carries deep meaning beyond the present generation. “We may not see 200 years,” Mr. Frank said, “but what we do now will shape the stories our children tell in the future.” The week-long program will include church services, cultural activities, and historical presentations, reflecting both the spiritual journey and the cultural strength of the Hula people.