The passion and excitement for rugby league is on with the JT Super 9’s Rugby League Tournament and currently on is the Under 20 (U20) Men’s Division matches at the Moresby South Stadium. In one of the matches today, the Kaugere Bulldogs were just too good for the Elcom Dustees with a thrilling victory of 26 to 5 this afternoon. With only three minutes into the first half, Kaugere Bulldogs wasted no time by scoring their first two tries of the match with one successful conversion. The brothers from Elcom Dustees tried their best to level up but only managed to score one try in the first five minutes of the game with a successful conversion. As both teams battled it out under the scorching sun, the energy from the fans and supporters gave both teams the stamina to endure the remaining minutes of the first half before they switched sides to continue to the second half of the match. The boys from Kaugere managed their first touchdown of the second half in just four minutes, taking the crowed off their seats. Another two consecutive tries came after but had most of their conversions unsuccessful. Despite the loss, the Elcom Dustees showed determination throughout the game to maintain their position and tried their best to hold off their defence.

The excitement of the JT Super 9’s rugby tournament is off the hook with players, fans and supporters all geared to support their teams whether they lose or win in the matches today. Tournament Manager Mr. Moses Kumbi told PNG HAUSBUNG that for this weekend, the men’s Under 20 (U20) division are playing their round robin matches while the Senior Men’s Division will kick off their round robin matches next weekend. He said, they have a total of 147 teams taking part in this year’s tournament with 19 women’s team, 60 teams in the U20s Division & 68 Senior Men’s teams. He said, unlike previous years, for this year they have an increase of teams due to the prize money up for grabs which is a total of K50, 000 to commemorate the countries’ 50th Independence celebrations. Kumbi said, they have not only attracted the interest of teams from the nation’s capital but also from the Central province villages. “We have 16 affiliate teams from the Moresby South competition, with teams from the Moresby Northeast and Northwest areas and teams from the Motu Koita area, Rigo and Aroma as well.” Meanwhile, the women’s division played their last round robin matches on Friday and are waiting for the U20’s and Senior Men’s divisions to complete their round robin matches before they enter the finals phase. He said, so far, the competition has seen a good turnout of team participation, and the interest of rugby league played at Kone is just as exciting as it was when they launched the tournament. He further stated that they are anticipating ending the competition on a high note.

The residents and the New Ireland community in the nation’s capital Port Moresby city bid their final farewells to the ‘Last Man Standing’, the Late Governor Rt Hon. Chief Sir Julius Chan, as the casket containing his body arrived at the APEC Terminal at 11:17am after the Lay in State at parliament. Upon arrival at the APEC Terminal, his casket was taken straight to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J aircraft, where some members of his family and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) who will provide a ceremonial detail during Sir Julius’s final journey boarded the flight. The family, dignitaries and relatives all boarded the two first charter flights that took off at the same time along with the Royal Australian Air Force plane. The Royal Australian Air Force was given the last farewell water salute wash down before the plane took off at 12:34pm, bound for New Ireland Province where he will be laid to rest. Earlier during the day, fellow colleagues of the Late Sir Julius Chan paid respect to him at the National Parliament Grand hall, a solemn moment for the leaders who have just lost a very senior politician. PM James Marape in his tribute speech acknowledged the massive contribution Late Sir Julius made to the country 50 years ago, saying he served the country with loyalty and distinction.

Hekari United (Southern) and the ladies from raining Lae, the Lae City Dwellers (Northern), the winners of two conferences, have now advanced to the Women's Conference Soccer League (WCSL) semifinals, which will take place in Port Moresby on Wednesday, February 5th. Both teams won their respective quarter final matches in Port Moresby and Lae cities respectively. In Port Moresby, Hekari proved that they are the team to beat in the WCSL with a 9-0 victory against Allies FC. Leading 6-0 at half time, Hekari had difficult time against Allies FC in the second half and managed three goals only. Ramona Padio came back from the break, scored a hattrick of goals to help her team beat the Allies FC. Other goal scorers were Assaiso Gossi (2), Marie Kaipu (2) while Phylis Pala and Mavis Singara scored a goal each. Allies FC had couple of chances to score goals but failed to secure them. Merolyn Sali, Calista Maneo, Zakaina Kiasaka, Carwin Hakaria played strong for their team while whole Hekari United team played well. Meantime at the Lae Football Association grounds, the Lae City Dwellers proved too strong achieving a 4-0 victory over FC Morobe Wawens.

Two important devices to support the kidney transplant program are about to be put into service at the Port Moresby General Hospital, marking a significant accomplishment for both Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific. The two key machines, the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Device (TDM) were commissioned in a small but significant ceremony at PMGH on 31st January 2025. The HLA Machine is used for compatibility testing between the donor and recipient while the TDM machine monitors the immunosuppressive drug levels post-transplant.  The commissioning of the machines will eliminate the need to send blood samples overseas. Present to witness this momentous occasion was Dr Nora Dai, Acting Executive Manager, Medical Standards and Chief Anaesthetist, National Department of Health and Dr Paki Molumi, CEO of PMGH together with the Director Medical Service. Dr Dai congratulated PMGH for driving the National Health Service Standards for the Level 6 National Tertiary Referral, Research and Teaching Hospital to achieve the Key Result Areas (KRAs) in the National Health Plan 2021-2030. “We are on the eve of the first kidney transplantation in the Pacific region. This is a real momentous occasion not just for Papua New Guinea but for the rest of the Pacific, and we are sending shock waves in places where they thought that we could never do this,” she said. “These two machines will also help to reduce the cost of the travel, sending tests overseas, and the laboratory costs.” Meanwhile, Dr Molumi, thanked National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for the funding of K10.0 million towards the kidney transplant program, without which the project would not have made it this far. He further congratulated the Kidney Transplant Project Steering Committee Chairman, Dr. Otki Poki, and the committee members for the tireless effort to ensure all requirements are met for a successful first kidney transplant. “By introducing a kidney transplant program, we can free up patients from the dialysis machine so that they can live a free economical life rather than been hooked to the dialysis machines.” “The kidney transplant service will be extended to the neighbouring pacific countries so that their patients, who are currently being sent to New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, or other countries for kidney transplant services, can have the procedure done in our country,” he said. He acknowledged the remaining challenge of finalizing the kidney transplant policy and legal framework but aims to conduct the first transplant as a Golden Jubilee gift to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Representing his father, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare & his family and the people of East Sepik, Arthur Somare expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the family of Late Sir Juluis Chan, one whom they’ve looked up to and respected. “Em bigpla blo mi na mi come. Because it is our duty and we are obligated, lo come na tok condolences blo mipla igo lon ol pikinini, you Venassa na man blo you, Toea na meri na pikinini blo youpla na ol tumbuna blo Sir Juluis Chan.” (I am here because he is my elder too. Because it is our duty and we are obligated to pay our condolences to the family, you Venessa and your husband, Toea and your wife and the children, the grand children of Sir Julius.) Mr. Somare also acknowledged the presence of Late Sir Julius’ brother Michael Chan who is the only surviving brother out of five siblings and will be joined by his sister later. Joined by his elder brother Sana Somare, Arthur Somare said, “Mi na brata blo mi com lo showim face tasol lo makim leg mark blo papa blo mipla.” (My brother and I are here representing our father.) He recounted the story of when his Late father and the Late Sir Julius held hands to build this great country, which we now call home. He said, Sir Julius left a brilliant constitution. He then urged the next generation to make sure to continue to uphold those values that Sir Julius, Sir Michael, Dr. John Momis together with Sir Albert Maori Kiki had when they pushed for independence, 50 years ago. Arthur also announced that the Somare family will pay their respects through a “custom wok” or a traditional way of respect, at a later time due to the short time given. He said once the Late Sir Julius is buried, Sana and himself will appoint a relevant date and time to show their appreciation and say thank you to the Late Sir Julius’ family in accordance with Sepik traditions.

In honor and memory of the Late Sir Julius Chan, the New Ireland community in Port Moresby on Saturday gathered as early as 2pm at the Kopkop College in Gerehu to pay their respects to their Late Governor. In attendance to mark the momentous occasion was the Late Sir Julius' only brother, Michael Chan, who was with his two kids Kori and Vanessa Chan, along with Arthur Somare and other invited special guest and family members witnessed the gathering. With a heavy heart speaking on behalf of her family, Vanessa Chan thanked the New Ireland Community for their thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. "I know everyone that he has touched a lot of lives, and I always have to remind my brothers that his not only our father but the father of this great nation." "He worked very hard for the future of our country, our future. He worked till the day he passed on." Vanessa Chan said, New Ireland is a "Bilas Peles" and asked for the people to attend the state funeral today at the St Mary's Catholic Church 2pm in town, not be sad, but to celebrate his life and remember the life and his journey for this country. "I'd like you to remember that we come from the proud province of bilas and I'd like that if you attend the state funeral not to be saddened but to celebrate his life."

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in progressing work towards the draw down of the investment promotion and business registration powers for the ABG. Managing Director of the Investment Promotion Authority Mr. Clarence Hoot signed the MoU with the ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei in a momentous ceremony witnessed by key stakeholders and members of the private sector in Bougainville. The MoU serves as a work plan for IPA and ABG to share knowledge and skills to build capacity within the ABG Department of Commerce Trade and Industry and Economic Development; as well as develop appropriate policies and legislations to establish an entity fitting for Bougainville once relevant powers have been drawn. The MoU also allows for IPA to provide support to the ABG towards establishing a Bougainville entity registration facility and to transition entity registration powers from the IPA to ABG. The MoU includes work on intellectual property rights which will also be transferred to the ABG. IPA Managing Director Mr. Clarence Hoot said, “A key consideration in the process is the need to explore a corporate structure for ABG to adopt for the region in terms of business entity-types and how it can work best for the private sector on the ground.” Mr. Hoot told the ABG government representatives and the AROB private sector to discuss whether it is necessary to create a new agency to perform the IPA and business registry functions or to capacitate the existing Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau and give them the powers to deliver the IPA and business registry powers. He also said that the agency that will perform these functions must contain the four principles of: good governance, transparency, accountability and responsiveness firstly to private sector and the Bougainville government. Mr. Hoot gave statistics from the IPA business registry which showed that currently there are 569 limited Bougainville companies registered; 2,319 Business Names, 98 Business Groups, 53 Associations and 18 Foreign Companies. Mr. Hoot also said that some of the things included in the MoU were already under implementation, for instance, collaboration under the Inward Investment Bureau since 2013 and now the strategies towards the drawdown of business registry powers. The IPA also assisted the ABG back then in the establishment of the Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau to perform investment promotions function for the Bougainville region. ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei was appreciative of IPA through the Managing Director for progressing the MoU which he says will assist towards the revenue generation of the Region. “We would like to develop a system and entity that is friendly and addresses the Ease of Doing Business agenda in AROB,” he said The signing the MoU was made possible because of the Sharp Agreement 2019, which allows ABG to progress the process of transfer of functions and powers irrespective of whether a specific request was made by ABG or not. The Sharp Agreement demonstrates both Government’s understanding of the need to remove other forms of economic and financial controls which hinder the ability of the ABG to effectively perform its functions as well as manage its own revenue collection. Meanwhile, Mr. Hoot has refuted a misleading media report published in The National Newspaper on January 27th that the IPA has handed over its powers to ABG to run its business and company registrations and other IPA functions. He said the media was invited to the MoU signing and workshop so they could understand the discussions right from the start and be part of the process. The report by the newspaper however, shows the inability of relevant stakeholders in following and understanding the process.

The Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) is building the new Kamatohu Primary School in the heart of the Sepik Plains. Member for Yangoru-Saussia District and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru said this is the first time in 50 years the people in this area are getting a school for the education of their children. “Like I said many times, we are working hard since my election in 2012 to reach the unreached and to make sure no one is left behind.” He said, this new primary school and three other new primary schools in the district now completes the final effort to make sure every child in Yangoru-Saussia District has access to primary school, high school and secondary school education. “We have also built a road to this very remote village community and linking their surrounding communities.” “As we celebrate our 50th Independence Celebrations this year, we have a moral duty to deliver these remote communities all basic services like health and education so they too will have a reason to join our Independence Celebrations.”

Providing equal space for women and girls to thrive will contribute a lot to almost every aspect of development of this amazing city of Port Moresby and the nation as a whole. NCD Governor Powes Parkop alluded this during the first ever-official visit to Papua New Guinea by UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Christine Arab. Ms. Arab’s first engagement on Tuesday 28th, was at Gordons market which is the largest market ever built in the country and around the Pacific region. Upon her reception, Governor Parkop shared sentiments on issues and challenges women and girls in the city face and highlighted on the progress and efforts taken at different levels of government to create space, give women and girls equal opportunity to thrive. “Women and girls in our city and country have the potential and can contribute better to the success and development of this nation once they feel safe and are given the space to either succeed in doing business or participate equally in decision making at different levels of our government system, “said Governor Parkop. Being an active advocate of Gender Equity, and an advocate against Gender Base Violence at the National level currently as chair of the GBV Committee, Governor Parkop said a lot of effort has been done but not much has been achieved. “In the city, we are doing our best to improve where we can provide the space that our women and girls thrive, and Gordons market is a testament. We have built a world-class standard facility that is designed to allow our women and girls to feel safe when selling their goods to generate income,” Governor Parkop said. In partnership with UN Women through the Safe City Programme aimed at creating safe markets for women and girls, NCDC was able to collaborate with the New Zealand government to co-fund the redevelopment of Gordons market and was completed and reopened in 2019. UN Women as the global champion for gender equality is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women all around the world. They deliver programmes, policies, and standards that uphold women's rights and ensure that every woman and girl live up to their full potential. As the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific to Papua New Guinea, Ms. Arab’s presence in the country signifies the urgency to invest more efforts towards women and girls in the country. “Through my visit here, I realized that women and girls in Papua New Guinea are vulnerable most of the time but, most especially mothers, are leaders either in their communities or in associations and groups such as markets vendors associations or women’s groups,’’ Ms. Arab said. She said, when given the space for equal participation and the platforms to harness their potentials, women can contribute better to the greater outcomes for this country. “UN women stand ready to work together with the Governor, National Capital District Commission and other developing partners in the space of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment to explore opportunities for women and girls to succeed,” she added. City Manager Ravu Frank when acknowledging the UN Women on their work in the country stated that NCDC will continue to collaborate with them including the developing partners such as New Zealand Government to create a city that is not only safe, but clean healthy and planned for women and girls to thrive. New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Peter Zwart expressed his gratitude towards the management of Gordons markets since it was re-opened in 2019. “I come to Gordons market every Saturday to buy fresh produce and to see and hear success stories from mothers and women vendors is great,” Zwart said.

During the high-level delegation with TotalEnergies to discuss the progress of key LNG projects in Papua New Guinea, including the flagship Papua LNG project, a new exploration opportunity at Mailu in Central Province, Prime Minister James Marape stressed that employing Papua New Guineans is non-negotiable. The delegation included Mr Mehme Celepoglu – Vice President Oceania and Southeast Asia, Mr Daniel Domine – Managing Directo of Marketing and Services PNG, and Mr Arnold Berthet – Managing Director of Exploration and Production for Papua LNG. The meeting centred on project timelines, workforce development, and the significant economic benefits these initiatives are expected to deliver for the country. During the discussions, TotalEnergies provided an overview of their operations and outlined their strategic roadmap for advancing LNG production in PNG. Four key work streams were highlighted: securing competitive contractor offers, marketing LNG, finalising project financing, and obtaining regulatory approvals. Substantial progress has already been made, including optimising project designs, encouraging competition among contractors, and securing supply agreements with LNG buyers. The delegation detailed specific design optimisations that have helped reduce project costs. These included reducing the diameter of gas pipelines to attract more competitive bids, replacing condensate pipelines with an FSO (Floating Storage and Offloading) pipeline system, and implementing horizontal drilling to minimise environmental impacts. These measures have not only lowered costs but also ensured alignment with global sustainability standards. PM Marape used the opportunity to underscore the importance of prioritising Papua New Guineans in the workforce. He stated, “I do not want 10,000 overseas workers to fill these roles. I want 10,000 Papua New Guineans—from Kikori, Gulf Province, and other communities across the country—trained and ready to contribute.” PM Marape delivered a strong message to TotalEnergies and its contractors, emphasising that employing Papua New Guineans is non-negotiable. “We expect at least 5,000 Papua New Guineans to be employed in these projects. This is imperative, and we will work closely with all stakeholders to make it a reality,” he said. The PM also reiterated his government’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment. He offered access to land at reduced costs to facilitate operations, storage facilities, and long-term strategic developments. “Compared to Singapore or other regions, Papua New Guinea offers a more affordable and strategic location for investments.” “We are open to discussions about relocating parts of your operations to key project sites,” he said. Additionally, PM Marape addressed the need to reduce fuel costs and improve supply chain efficiency. He encouraged TotalEnergies to explore partnerships with local companies to develop integrated supply chains that reduce reliance on costly imports. The meeting underscored a shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive future for Papua New Guinea. Both PM Marape and the TotalEnergies delegation expressed optimism about the transformative potential of these LNG projects. The PM concluded, “Investing in Papua New Guinea is investing in a free market and a growing economy.” “Together, we can create opportunities that will benefit not only Papua New Guineans but the entire Pacific region.” The TotalEnergies delegation reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the PNG government to ensure the success of these projects, further strengthening Papua New Guinea’s position as a key player in the global energy market.

With the start of another academic year students, parents and guardians are all geared up for registrations and orientation, especially for new students starting their academic journey at a new institution. The University of Papua New Guinea took time out to clarify its GPA and course combination in selection criteria during its orientation program on Tuesday, 28th January for new students. The University has affirmed that they can only deal with students selected already through the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) National Online Application System (NOAS) and the National Online Selection System (NOSS). The Executive Management Committee led by Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Cecilia Nembou, PhD, said that the NOAS and NOSS are complementary online application and selection systems set up with specific entry requirements based on Grade Point Average scores from specific combination of courses. "This NOAS and NOSS are established to avoid nepotism, favouritism and other ills in both the application and the selection process.” "The university cannot make any changes to the selection done already through the NOAS and NOAS computerized process," said Dr Nembou, who is also Chair of the UPNG Senate (responsible for academic matters). "The required GPA from the approved combination of courses are set for all schools of the university.” “They are in the online application system and the portal allows students a timeline of seven weeks to ensure they check and re-check their entry qualifications before finalizing and submitting their applications online." Once the NOSS kicks in, neither the UPNG Executive Management Team nor Executive Deans of the schools are unable to make changes at their individual or even collective discretion. According to the EMT, any changes in the NOAS and the NOSS managed by DHERST will follow an established and rigorous process beginning at the UPNG which includes; 1) Recommendation by the School's Executive Dean. 2) Deliberation and approval by the School Board of Directors. 3) Deliberation and approval by the UPNG Senate; 4) Deliberation and approval by the UPNG Council, and 5) Submission to DHERST for entry into the NOAS and NOSS computers. As it stands now, the fixed combination of courses per school and the minimum grades and/or GPA used to select UPNG students are: School of Law: First Year Bachelor of Law B or better in Literature or Applied English B or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics B or better in the social sciences courses: a) Economics, b) Geography or c) History B or better in any of science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 3.0 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. School of Business and Public Policy: Business and Management Foundation Year C or better in Language and Literature or Applied English C or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics C or better in any two of the following courses: a) Economics, b) Geography, c) History, d) Accounting, e) Business Studies, and f) Legal Services. C or better in any of the science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 2.6 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. School of Natural and Physical Sciences: For entry into Science Foundation Year B or better in Language and Literature or Applied English B or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics B or better in science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 3.0 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. School Humanities and School Sciences entry requirements into two Arts Studies: A) Bachelor of Arts programme with majors in Anthropology and Sociology, History, Gender and Philosophy, Information and Communication Science; Journalism & Public Relations; Linguistics & Modern Languages, English Communications & Literature; Political Science; Population Studies & Geography; Psychology, and Social Work C or better in Language and Literature or Applied English B or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics B or better in two or more Social Science courses: a) Economics, b) Geography, and c) History B or Science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 2.75 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. B) Bachelor of Arts programme with majors in Creative Artis (Music, Art and Design) and Diploma in Language and Communications: C or better in Language and Literature or Applied English C or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics C or better in two or more Social Science subjects. a) Economics, b) Geography, c) History; C or better in two or more Science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry, c) Physics 2.25 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses.