Other members of BTS have gone solo, but none as big as Jimin. According to Billboard, his “Like Crazy” single has debuted at No. 1 on this week’s Hot 100 chart, making him the first South Korean solo artist to ever top that chart. The successful start for “Like Crazy” was driven by sales of the five different versions of the song, Billboard reported. Grammy-nominated BTS is one of the most successful boy bands in music history. In addition to Jimin, its members are Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, V, and Jungkook. Jimin’s new song sold 254,000 song downloads and CD singles combined and drew 10 million streams and 64,000 radio airplay audience impressions in its first week, according to Billboard. The artist has been making the rounds to promote his new music, including recently appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Source: CNN News

273 students of Mapex Training Institute in Port Moresby have finally attained certificates and diplomas during the schools graduation on Friday after continiued postponements since 2022. The graduating students are from last years  batch of graduands especially from the Business Management Department that couldn't graduate due to certain policy issues between Mapex Institute and Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. Founder and Chief Executive Director, Mr. Marcus Palem Kara, said this was a special occasion for the institute as it portrayed yet another successful outcome for the school since its establishment in 2015 and with challenges encountered throughout the journey, has only strengthened the institute to improve and progress forward. “The dreams of becoming a National Training Institute in the country and then a National University is yet a long journey which we are aiming for moving forward.” Kara outlined five courses which have been approved by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology online selection for school leavers. The courses which are Human Resource Management, Business Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Accounting and ICT, which received accreditation by the Department as academic courses. “Reaching the level of a university isn’t easy but we as an institute believe that we can perform well to achieve our prime goal. We have professors and doctors from the Universities such as UPNG and Divine Word University writing books for the five academic courses. “Consulting from our own professors nationally, gives them the opportunity to write the books in the PNG context that will be well understood by our students when applying for their degree.” In addition, with the help of the National Training Council and DHERST, Mapex is able to work towards achieving their goal in becoming a University. Kara thanked all stakeholders as well its main partners who helped move Mapex ahead to where it is now. “This partnership arrangement we have is to train our students; the success of this nation lies in the hands of these young generation that we are graduating and through this partnership I can say, we have successfully grown from where we started.” Furthermore, based on the transformation that Mapex has gone through the years, has shown their commitment towards producing quality education and that comes with new and improved infrastructures. “We now have a new state of the art learning facility and that is part of our dream of being the best learning facility. Despite obstacles we faced, we produced our end result which was seeing our students graduate with flying colors.” Kara congratulated all the graduating students of 2022 and commended all hard working staff and parents for their support in making the graduation a memorable one.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, officially opened the East Sepik Provincial Specialist Hospital recently in Wewak, East Sepik Province. According to PM Marape, the National Government made a decision to build provincial hospitals around the country in the 22 Provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. "We made that decision after COVID-19 shutdown the country and revealed to us that we had only 44 beds with inbuilt oxygen valves in the whole country. Another thing was that Health and the economy go hand in hand; therefore in 2022, we gave more funding to the health sector. "PM Marape stated that in the 2022 Budget, his government also increased funding for education infrastructure and roads that will contribute towards reducing the time people use to travel to their nearest health facilities.” Today we have more than 300 contractors working in road construction, health infrastructure development and education.” "Modern Health care is an entitlement for our people and a security for our economy." The Specialist Hospital is an asset for not only the people of East Sepik, but also the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). In addition to that, the National Government has already allocated K15 million to start work on staff housing so that specialist doctors can be brought in to work at the hospital. The PM further added that he has brought in another K5 million for the hospital to start work on a seawall to protect the state asset from rising sea levels and another K3 million for the Provincial Government to start feasibility studies on alternate sources of energy (power) supply. Marape said that the government will now work on sourcing cheap loans to ensure all the other provinces can have hospitals that are built to standards like the East Sepik Provincial Specialist Hospital. By doing so, PM Marape said he does not want to pass on the development burden to the next generation. He also urged the people to trust that his government is not taking out loans that will make the country so indebted with no way to pay back the loan. “We getting loans to invest in infrastructures and assets like this that will carry the country.” PM Marape placed on record his acknowledgement of the contributions and work made by the former O'Neill Government on the Specialist hospital. He also thanked the contractor, VAMED, for working through challenges like during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

A total of ten students attending the University of PNG and the PNG University of Technology are the recipients of Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) 2023 Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme with a funding of over K250, 000. The students who are in their third year of studies are studying various science and engineering courses. Of the ten students, three are studying Environmental Science, and Geology at UPNG while seven students are studying Applied Physics/Instrumentation, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mineral Processing and Mining Engineering at Unitech. The 2023 batch of awardees include five females and five males. The total amount of the two-year scholarship program is K253, 781.44 and covers the cost of their tuition fees, boarding/lodging, book allowances, travel assistance, and stipend for each student for this year. Of the total amount, K49.200 has been paid to UPNG and K204, 781.44 to Unitech. The Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme is an initiative of OTML to help support high performing students attending tertiary institutions in PNG. OTML Manager for Organizational Development and Training, Ian Strachan, said the Program aims to assist third-year university undergraduate students with school fees and other associated costs while ensuring OTML maintains an industry-institution relationship with respective universities that provide graduates into its training programs and workforce. “An additional component to this scholarship is the opportunity for these awardees to conduct their industrial training with OTML. It also sets a pathway for them to join our Graduate Development Program upon completing their studies.” The scholarship program is dependent on each student’s academic performance in the first year of the scholarship whereby the student must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or above to continue the scholarship for a second year. Since the inception of the Undergraduate Scholarship Program in 2007, Ok Tedi has so far sponsored fifty undergraduates

PNG’s well known brand in the fashion industry, Lavagirl and Maku Gifts, will be hosting their first ever Lavagirl Xplosion Fashion Show which will take place on the 6th of May at the APEC Haus. Entrepreneur and Owner of Maku Gifts, Annette Sete, said the Runway Show will be give them the opportunity to be able to tell a story on their journey and challenges showcasing them as a homegrown business in PNG. Being the first ever runway show for Lavagirl and Maku Gifts, Sete said preparations leading to the big event, took over two years which has been budgeted for as she shared her journey towards the event as something both exciting and scary at the same time. “For this year, we decided to have a show that is particularly ours. We wanted to be able to tell a story based on our journey using a creative side and making sure that we see that Lavagirl is committed to the PNG women in particular.” Several partners have come onboard in assisting in the Lavagirl Xplosion Fashion Show with more partners to be introduced as they on with their preparations. In addition, the main objective of the Fashion Show is for Lavagirl diversity as well as to showcase their products a little bit more into driving traffic into the shops as well as diversify. “One thing we are showcasing is that it is not just about the clothing but about the creativity that Maku Gifts and Lavagirl bring to the market. It’s a mixture of fashion, as well as creative spirit we bring to the market and new items that we are planning to put out this year.” Tickets are now on sale for K300 and can be purchased at any outlets or via their Facebook page.

Papua New Guinea- Australia Partnership highlighted how Incentive Fund is contributing towards empowering women across PNG. This following the recent PNG Women’s Day which took place on the 24th of March. Through Incentive Fund Phase IV, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) - Australia Partnership is supporting women from across the country to access economic and education opportunities and to participate equally in all aspects of society. Across all Incentive Fund projects, 80% of projects are empowering women and girls. Since 2015, Incentive Fund has: • Provided livelihoods and sanitation training for over 3000 women • Worked with 17 partner organizations to improve how they include and work with women and girls, and people with disability • Upgraded or built facilities at schools, universities and other education institutions to improve quality, safety and security for women and girls accessing education, including constructing 388 new beds in female student dormitories • Renovated 3 hospitals to provide better maternity and women's healthcare, covering a service catchment area of nearly 400,000 people. • Constructed 1 new women's resource center and 1 new early childhood center • Provided new water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities to over 7600 women Australia is proud to work with partner organizations all over PNG that will create opportunities for women and girls and set a better foundation for the future.

Bilum Books are proving a valuable resource to teachers who want to foster both fluency and a love of English among their students. Rachel Damien, a teacher who has taught for fourteen years, said she was first introduced to Bilum Books six years ago in which she has found them to be of positive teaching and learning resources. “Bilum Books have helped our students to build their reading skills at an early stage, starting from Preparatory, Grade 1 and 2 and from there are then ready for Grade 3.” “The child-centered learning activities and lessons are interesting and promote good student attendance. "Because the children are interested in what we are teaching them, they come to school every day.” Ms. Damien was among 150 early grade teachers who recently undertook a three-day intensive workshop on the use of the Bilum Books texts, dictionaries, and teacher guides. The books are designed to assist teachers in teaching the National Department of Education Standard-Based Curriculum English Syllabus. The workshop also gave her the opportunity to refresh her teaching approach to English reading, comprehension, and phonics. Another teacher and participant, Agnes Kairu, explained that the training helped her to assess children individually and to identify their strengths and weaknesses in order to help assist her in preparing quality lessons. “I have taught in schools for 25 years, and I can see that Bilum Books will help young children with phonics, speaking better English at an early age and to really understand the content of English; written and spoken.” The training was facilitated by Bilum Books and supported by the NDoE through the Sandaun Provincial Education Department, with support from the Papua New Guinea and Australia Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) Program. Similar training activities have also been completed for Central and Enga provinces as well as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The World Health Organization PNG recently hosted a two- day consultative workshop on the 23rd of March along with key stakeholders and partners. This was part of a process to develop the Country Cooperation strategy (CCS) for PNG for the next five-years (2024-2028). This follows on from one-on-one consultative meetings which was held recently with the National Department of Health, key development partners, donors and relevant UN agencies who work closely with WHO to help achieve the country’s health agendas. In opening the workshop, WHO PNG Country Representative, Dr. Sevil Huseynova, said the country cooperation strategy is; WHO’s strategic framework to guide the organization’s work with a country. “The WHO CCS responds to the country’s National Health and Development Agenda and identifies a set of agreed joint priorities for WHO collaboration, covering those areas where the Organization has a comparative advantage in order to assure the impact on public.” “The National Health Plan is certainly a key basis for identification of CCS priorities.” The two-day workshop was a wider group consultation process which allowed for all partners to build consensus, ownership and agree on more than three top priorities for PNG. NGOs, CSO’s and faith-based organizations were also invited to attend to provide valuable insight and feedback on priority areas. Dr. Huseynova further stated that WHO CCS would also outline how it would contribute to the attainment of outcomes in a United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) being developed for PNG, which frames the new partnership between the UN and the Government of PNG. The session had key technical officers and program leads from WHO who covered areas on Health Systems, Family Health and Social Determinants of Health, Non-Communicable disease and Mental Health, Communicable Diseases, Health emergencies, Climate change and environment. They presented based on the key achievements, challenges, lessons and also recommendations for the next five years. In addition, group sessions were also held to discuss thematic area priorities, where the findings were presented. These will set the strategic agenda for WHOs cooperation with the government of PNG. Meanwhile, Secretary for Health Dr. Osbourne Liko said he was happy to support the process and through the consultative meetings, was confident that the CCS will align very well with the National Health plan in delivering health services to the people.

City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Group is pleased to announce the opening of our newest City Pharmacy branch in Eriku, Morobe Province. The new branch, placed conveniently in the heart of the busy suburb of Eriku, now takes the total number of City Pharmacy outlets in the Morobean Capital to three, adding to the number of branches in Top Town and Market. The opening of this new branch further strengthens City Pharmacy’s commitment in providing quality and affordable healthcare as well as wellbeing retail services to the people of Morobe and Papua New Guinea. City Phamacy Eriku was officially opened with a traditional singsing group, led by CPL Founder, Sir. Mahesh Patel, Morobe Provincial Health Authority Chairman, David Wissink and CPL staff. Sir Mahesh Patel said that in a country like Australia in terms of healthcare, a pharmacy can cater for 4,000 people and in PNG, have 70,000 people for one pharmacy. “So you see we still have a long way to go. We’ve got our nurses, pharmacists and amazing staff here to serve you now and thank you Morobe for making us feel welcome to do business here”. Meanwhile, Morobe Provincial Health Authority Chairman, David Wissink congratulated City Pharmacy Ltd on behalf of the PHA, for coming back to set up another pharmacy in Lae. “In healthcare, we’re trying to get it to where we can provide good service to the population of Morobe, and we need good partners like CPL.” The opening of City Pharmacy Eriku now brings the total number of branches in the Momase region to eight, with three being in Lae, two in Madang and one each in Vanimo, Wewak and Maprik. Customers will also be eligible to sign up and use Real Rewards Plus, CPL’s customer loyalty program at the new Pharmacy. City Pharmacy has over thirty Pharmacies across the country, strengthening the company’s vision to help Papua New Guineans live better and healthier lives.

Moses Koairi, who was once a TB patient, now works as a Treatment Supporter officer at World Vision and shares his experience on how he got through battling the illness. Koairi who comes from Kikori district in Gulf province has been working with United Church Health services in most of the rural areas for thirty years. Speaking during the recent World TB Day that was held at Port Moresby General Hospital, Koairi shared his experiences for someone who lived and overcame TB. “For six years I took up the office as a Regional Health Secretary at the United Church Health Service and then for three years I served as a Regional Team Programme Coordinator.” “In 2013 I resigned because I lost my wife who worked as a nursing officer and later joined Gulf Provincial Government where I served as a provincial member representing all the churches in the province.” It was in 2020 that Koairi left the province to go live in Port Moresby where he developed the sickness. Based upon sharing his journey as a survivor of TB, he said that whilst living in Moresby, he fell very sick and it was then that his children rushed him to the hospital at Port Moresby General Hospital. After going through all the tests, the father of four was then diagnosed with TB. “After going through all the test they realized that my left lung was filled with fluid. I was admitted to Ward 3A where I was under medication. From there, I was discharged and taken to the JBK TB Clinic where I continue taking my medication.” “TB as we see today can be cured, but would only be cured not only by taking medication but by understanding that you can be cured. Believe in yourself because it starts within you.” After successfully completing his medication, Koairi has now been cured of the sickness and is a living testimony to those who are fighting the same battle as he did. “I was asked if I was willing to help as a volunteer by World Vision to help assist in the JBK clinic. I accepted so that I can help those who have TB." “I always talk to patients encouraging them to always be faithful with their medication. I even talk to their guardians telling them that they must love and be kind hearted to the very person that they are taking care of to help them get better.”

The Remington Group recently announced that their third batch of apprentices under their Apprenticeship Program are now recognized apprentices in the country. Last week saw five of their Service Technicians from their business units Remington Technology, FX Business Centre and BizPrint & Scan achieved a milestone in their careers by signing their Apprenticeship contract with the National Trade and Testing Board (NATTB). The Remington Group Apprenticeship Program is facilitated in collaboration with the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR) through the National Apprenticeship Trade and Testing Board (NATTB). Quality Assurance Accreditation Officer at NATTB, William Tiru, expressed his concern that there was a decline in the past year with organizations registering new apprentices and he is now pleased that the Remington Group has continued with this program. The certification program is offered by the Remington Group through its different business units and is a rigorous process that ensures the apprentices get the appropriate training and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in their chosen field. Remington Group CEO Mr. Peter Goodwin said that it was thrilling to see their apprentices achieve this important milestone. “As a 100% PNG owned group, we are absolutely committed to helping the next generation achieve their dreams. This certification demonstrates their dedication to their craft and commitment to their future careers.” Out of the five apprentices, Yvonne Mavirit is the only female service technician to finally sign up as an Apprentice, making her very proud as the only female in this male-dominated field. “I want to say thank you to the Remington Group for giving me this opportunity as I am learning new things every day on the job through hands-on training, guidance from the senior service technicians and online training.” Meanwhile Remington Group HR Manager Natasha Austin, expressed the company’s commitment in providing their apprentices with the best possible training and support, stating that this certification is a reflection of their commitment, and are looking forward to seeing their apprentices continue to grow and succeed in their careers. The apprenticeship program is just one example of the many opportunities the Remington Group offers to young individuals in this country.

The staff and students at the Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Social Works Day on the 21st of March. Themed, “Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action,” it was the first time for the university especially for the students and staff from the Social and Religious Studies (SRS) Department, to take part in this significant event. [caption id="attachment_37941" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Photo Courtesy: KUMUL Express[/caption] On the day, they remember all the hard-working Social Workers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and around the world who dedicated their lives to serve humanities. World Social Works Day is a celebration that aims to highlight the achievements of social work, raise and bring about more social services, and to promote humanitarian work. The day itself has become a highpoint in the social work calendar with social workers all over the world celebrating it since 2007. According to SRS and Social Works Lecturer and organizer of the event, Miss Kuhlik, the program outlined three important speakers who each spoke about social issues affecting human rights in the country and how it can be protected. [caption id="attachment_37940" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Photo Courtesy: KUMUL Express[/caption] The issues highlighted were violence against children, as well as Sorcery Related Accusation Violence and people living with HIV/AIDS. One of the issues highlighted during the event was Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) made by Keynote speaker and President of DWU, Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, who shared his experiences of his ministry work he did up in the Highlands regions. [caption id="attachment_37943" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Photo Courtesy: KUMUL Express[/caption] “I spoke to many victims who have been hospitalized and are living in fear because of the horrendous actions from the accusers. Just by visiting them, I have seen that they are just ordinary people who are living normal lives.” Fr Gibbs also visited Kundiawa, Mt Hagen, Mendi, and Enga provinces where he experienced and saw how many of those accused in the society were marginalized. Awareness work was carried out during his ministerial work, where he portrayed that every human life matters and to show that there are just as human and not sorcerers. In addition to this, he encouraged all SRS students to research well these kinds of issues and to study the work of a social worker and what is required of them to help others. Fr Gibbs also commended all social workers out there throughout the country who work hard to protect human rights.