A new toll-free hotline, aimed at equipping girls across Papua New Guinea with vital health information, was officially launched today (Friday 18th, 2025) in Port Moresby city. Known as the Oky Toky IVR Service, the initiative is a collaboration between Save the Children, UNICEF, and the Government of Papua New Guinea, with funding from the Australian Government through its Indo-Pacific Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights COVID-19 Surge Response Program. By simply dialing ‘1565’ on any phone, girls can now access accurate, youth-friendly health information in Tok Pisin—making it accessible to those without smartphones or internet connectivity. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform delivers guidance through short stories and interactive quizzes on important topics such as menstrual health and hygiene, puberty, child marriage prevention, and referral pathways, all tailored to the PNG context. This service builds on the success of the Oky PNG Period Tracker app, launched in 2024, and represents a major step toward inclusive access to reproductive health education for adolescent girls nationwide. The project was made possible through technical support from Digicel and the National Information & Communications Technology Authority (NICTA). Lisa K. Piper, Country Director of Save the Children explained the impacts of the Oky app. “We’ve seen how the Oky app empowered girls to better understand their health and make informed choices." “Now, with the launch of the 1565 IVR service in Tok Pisin, means that girls who do not access to technology like smartphones or internet can obtain crucial information anytime." Developed using a "do no harm" approach to protect young users, the service was co-designed throughout 2024 with input from adolescent girls across PNG. The goal was to ensure the final product truly meets their real-life needs and experiences. In addition to the hotline and app, the Oky Toky radio show on Tribe FM has become a popular source of entertaining and educational content. Currently in its second season, the show will air its final episode for the season later this month before taking a brief break. With the ‘1565’ hotline now live, a national awareness campaign will roll out in the coming weeks through schools, youth networks, and media, ensuring every girl knows that essential health information is now just four digits away. This multi-platform Oky PNG initiative signals a bold and inclusive future for girls’ health education in Papua New Guinea.

Martial arts continue to grow in popularity around the world, but not all styles are the same. Two of the most well-known disciplines are Kung Fu and Karate, each with its own history, techniques, and cultural roots. While they may look similar to the untrained eye, they differ in philosophy, movement, and purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two according to Sifu Andrew Molen, a practitioner of both disciplines: Origin and Culture Karate comes from Japan and is heavily influenced by the ancient warrior code of Bushido, the way of the Samurai. Kung Fu, on the other hand, originated in China, and is rooted in Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. It was developed not just as a combat system, but also as a spiritual and physical discipline. Style and Movement Karate features linear, powerful movements, with strong emphasis on strikes—punches, kicks, elbow and knee attacks—plus throwing and grappling techniques. Kung Fu is more fluid and circular, often mimicking animal movements. It incorporates explosive power, acrobatic manoeuvres, and techniques designed to confuse or misdirect an opponent. Philosophy Karate focuses on self-discipline, respect, and mental training, developed under the influence of Bushido (Way of the Warrior). It is about character development as much as physical ability. Kung Fu emphasizes balance, harmony, and self-awareness, inspired by Chinese monks who combined meditation with movement to stay alert and healthy. The term "Kung Fu" means "ultimate skill"—and it applies to any craft, from martial arts to painting or carpentry, achieved through dedicated practice. Grading and Progression Karate adopted the belt ranking system from Judo. Students' progress through coloured belts, with black belts indicating higher levels of mastery. Kung Fu does not have a universal grading system, though many schools or clubs have their own ways of evaluating progress through forms, sparring, and demonstrations. Titles and School Structure In Karate, the head instructor is called Sensei (teacher), and senior students are known as Senpai (senior). The structure is similar to a military hierarchy. In Kung Fu, the instructor is referred to as Sifu, which means “father” or “master.” The school is often run like a family, with a strong emphasis on lineage and tradition. Different Forms and Modern Styles There are different types of both arts: In Karate: Traditional Karate – Focuses on survival, practical self-defense, and functional techniques. Budo Karate – Emphasizes self-discipline, stances, breathing, and personal growth. Sport Karate – Centers on competition, guided by rules and scoring systems. In Kung Fu: Traditional styles focus on real-world application, while Modern Wushu emphasizes performance, fitness, and sport. “Wushu” literally means "martial art", and the term is often used interchangeably with Kung Fu in China. Karate and Kung Fu in PNG In Papua New Guinea, martial arts have continued to expand. Karate is governed by the PNG Karate-Do Federation, which oversees various styles, including Shotokan and others. Kung Fu is represented by the Kung Fu Wushu Association of PNG, promoting both the traditional and modern sport aspects of Chinese martial arts. Both organizations work to promote discipline, physical fitness, cultural understanding, and youth development through martial arts training across the country. Whether you’re drawn to the precise strikes of Karate or the flowing movements of Kung Fu, both martial arts offer valuable lessons beyond just self-defense. They teach respect, discipline, mental focus, and perseverance, values that are as important in life as they are in training.

PNG’s Leading Taekwondo Club - Kassman Taekwondo, along with two of PNG's Olympians, are preparing for their inaugural training and competition tour in China and Thailand over the next five months. PNG Olympians Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman are departing from PNG for what can be described as a ground-breaking training and competition tour of Asia - the first of its kind for KTC and the country's Taekwondo athletes and coaches. Founder and Head Coach of the Kassman Taekwondo Club Master Edward Kassman, confirmed that the two athletes will spend over two months overseas, preparing for the upcoming World Championships and the Grand Slam set to take place in Wuxi, China from October 25th till November 4th this year. “We’re just here to shine a light on Kevin and Gibson as they head off to China and Thailand. This will be their first-time training outside the region, and it's a big deal for PNG.” Chongqing, China is where the athletes will begin training under a top Chinese taekwondo coach and will continue training in Thailand with another one of Asia’s best taekwondo coaches. This global exposure is expected to enhance their performance in preparation for the World Championships taking place from October 24–27. Kassman disclosed that this marks PNG’s fourth participation in the World Championships, and if everything proceeds smoothly, the athletes will also take part in the Grand Slam tournament scheduled for November 2–4. “None of our PNG athletes have ever competed in the Grand Slam before. It’s a high-level tournament where athletes can win prize money but for us, it's all about learning and building experience toward the 2028 Olympic Games.” IBS University through the support of Sir Mick Nades and his company, are sponsoring the entire trips including flights, accommodation, and training. “We’re extremely thankful to Sir Mick and IBS University for believing in our athletes and helping make this preparation phase possible.” The athletes are anticipated to return to PNG approximately in mid-November, after which additional training strategies will be formulated based on sponsorship backing, with a chance that a third PNG athlete will accompany them for the World Championships and will be verified shortly. This tour marks a significant step in PNG Taekwondo’s long-term goal of preparing a strong team for future international competitions such as the 2027 Pacific Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

In case you missed the memo, Facebook is cracking down on accounts that recycle other people’s content without adding anything new. Good thing Facebook is not monetized in PNG, but with recent developments in ICT, you might want to pay attention. Reposted Content Will Affect Your Reach Facebook will reduce the distribution of copies to prevent them from taking views that rightfully belong to original creators. Repeated Offenders will Lose Monetization Accounts that frequently reuse other people’s content and posts may lose access to Facebook’s monetization programs for a period of time. Meta Wants to Give Credit to Original Creators Meta is testing new features like adding links to the original post when duplicate content is detected, helping audiences find and follow the main source. These Changes Are Rolling Out Gradually The rollout will happen over the coming months, so expect more updates and enforcement as Facebook refines the system. Instagram and Threads Aren’t Affected… Yet Meta made no mention on whether these changes would apply to Instagram or Threads, so for now, the new policy is Facebook-only. Adding Your Own Twist? You’re Safe. If you add a twist to the original content such as a commentary, or a reaction video, your content won’t be affected. Avoid Watermarks and Obvious Reposts Don’t post content with visible third-party watermarks or obvious recycling from apps like TikTok. That’s a quick way to get identified. So, with this in mind, it's time to stop stealing and get creative.

Toare village, over the weekend, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Toare Mask Festival, an event deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Gulf people. Held on July 12–13, this year’s celebration was especially significant with the official opening of the new Toare Cultural Centre and the announcement of the Toare Mask tradition’s nomination for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List. Established in 2005, the Toare Mask Festival ran annually until 2014 before going on hiatus. In 2022, the National Cultural Commission (NCC), the Gulf Provincial Government, and TotalEnergies revived the festival, which has since picked up momentum, drawing growing attention from within the country and overseas. Following its revival, concerns about the authenticity and preservation of traditional masks led NCC to commission in-depth research on mask types and meanings; research that underpins the nomination now submitted to UNESCO. If successful, the Toare Mask tradition would become the first cultural practice from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region to be included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The Toare Cultural Centre was constructed as a dedicated space for preserving and showcasing traditional masks and knowledge to support the nomination. The centre received initial funding of USD 10,000 (PGK 41,169.20) from UNESCO, followed by PGK 20,000 from NCC and PGK 80,000 from the Gulf Provincial Government to expand the facility. The two-day event began on Saturday, 12th July, with a festival launch attended by dignitaries including Gulf Provincial Administrator Mr. Clement Tare, TotalEnergies Managing Director Mr. Arnaud Berthet, and H.E. Jacques Fradin, European Union Ambassador to PNG. The following day, Sunday, 13th July, saw the official opening of the Cultural Centre, officiated by Finance Minister and Member for Kerema Open, Thomas Opa, along with representatives from NCC and UNESCO. Minister Opa encouraged communities to take pride in the festival, calling it not only a vital tool for cultural preservation and community development but an important part of their identity and heritage. He reminded communities that the festival is a way of attracting the government and other stakeholders to bring in services to the community. NCC Research Manager Mr. Alex Puki hailed the project as a historic partnership. “This is the first time the National Cultural Commission has worked with UNESCO to build a cultural centre in a province. It’s a milestone not just for us, but for grassroots communities.” The Toare Cultural Centre is expected to play a key role in educating young people and preserving mask traditions that were previously stored in family homes at risk of damage or loss. Mr. Alex Pukie, Research Manager at NCC, said that this was the first time NCC had partnered with an international organization to build a cultural centre. It is a historic milestone, not just for NCC but for the communities that benefit.

Ten children were the lucky recipients of gift bags from Friends of POMGen (FOPG) when they paid a visit to the Paediatric Cardiac ward with essential supplies, dry goods and fun reading books. These little heroes had undergone surgery at the Port Moresby General Hospital, Cardiac Ward. The authorized charity and fundraising division of Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) organized and handed out gift bags to the children and their caregivers while they were admitted to the ward. The initiative, led by FOPG Manager Ms. Grace Roland, sought to provide a moment of happiness and solace to children receiving critical care. Ms Roland expressed pleasure seeing the children’s delighted faces. “It was wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of these little warriors, who have shown remarkable recovery and steady improvement following their surgeries.” “These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.” FOPG has been supporting more than 400,000 struggling patients at PMGH since its establishment in 2022 and still continues with the help and support from our donors and supporters. FOPG gives its thanks to the local and Singapore heart specialists for the marvellous job at the Cardiac Diagnostic Centre, the Operation Open Heart for the coordination of this life changing surgery as well as the donors, volunteers, and supporters whose generous contributions continue to make occasions like this possible. ENDS//

The New Guinea Islands (NGI) Regional Music Forum concludes today at the Kokopo Village Resort, East New Britain with strong calls for greater awareness, responsibility, and cultural respect in the local music industry. The two-day event, (15th – 16th July 2025) hosted by the Office of Censorship under the theme “Respect and Decency in PNG Music,” brought together musicians, producers, media, and government representatives to discuss the importance of Music Classification Guidelines aimed at guiding lyrical content. Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter, officially opened the forum on Tuesday. Among the key participants were stakeholders from the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), Intellectual Property Office, National Cultural Commission (NCC), provincial administrators, and artists including trailblazing reggae musician, Anslom Nakikus. Chief Censor, Mr. Jim Abani restated that the initiative is not about silencing artists but about working together to establish clear appropriate standards that promote responsible creativity and composition. “Music reflects who we are. Through this forum, we hope to guide artists in creating content that is not only entertaining but also respectful and culturally appropriate.” The forum is part of the Censorship Office’s broader national outreach program, responding to concerns over the rise of offensive or inappropriate content in PNG music. Sessions focused on: Raising awareness of censorship laws and classification standards, Encouraging music that upholds PNG’s social and cultural values, Promoting youth engagement and positive role models through music, and Fostering collaboration between artists, media, and policy makers. The Office of Censorship hopes the outcomes of the forum will lead to more informed, respectful, and positive content in PNG’s evolving music landscape.

A group of bright young students from a small school nestled in the Sogeri Plateau departed Papua New Guinea (PNG) three days ago for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Led by JICA Volunteer teacher Mr. Uchiyama Shota, the delegation from Sogeri Primary School includes six students and one local teacher who will spend 10 days in Japan, from 13 to 22 July 2025 – a trip facilitated through the Osaka Education Board. Located in Central Province, Sogeri Primary School serves the communities of Sogeri, Sirinumu, and the wider Koiari area. For years, the school had minimal exposure to the outside world—until JICA volunteers arrived in 2023, introducing innovative teaching techniques and building bridges between PNG and Japan through education. Mr. Uchiyama has been instrumental in transforming the learning experience for both students and staff. His efforts included organizing online exchange classes with schools in Japan, giving Sogeri students their first glimpse into classrooms across the globe. As part of their itinerary, the group will visit two elementary schools in Japan to meet their online peers in person and participate in shared classroom activities. The trip is expected to leave a lasting impact on the young pupils from Sogeri, inspiring them to aim high and share their experiences with their community upon return.

Known as the largest butterfly in the world, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera alexandrae) —is facing an uncertain future. This majestic insect boasts wings that stretch nearly a foot in length, but its beauty is no shield from the dangers threatening its existence. Habitat destruction, illegal trade, and climate change have left the Queen Alexandra Birdwing on the brink of extinction. Ahi Matue, a volunteer with the National Volunteer Service (NVS), is on a mission to accelerate the conservation of this unique species, with hopes of elevating its cause to a global stage. Ahi’s work, fronting the Dun Eco-Tourism Project in Yoivi village, Oro Province, has earned him a spot as one of the top ten finalists in the ClimateLaunchpad National competition, a prestigious event that champions climate-focused solutions. “The Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly is the largest butterfly in the world, and it is only found in Papua New Guinea.” “I fear that, without immediate intervention, we could lose this national treasure in the next decade.” Ahi’s mission is simple but crucial: raise global awareness about the Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly and Papua New Guinea’s distinctive biodiversity, forge networks with like-minded environmentalists, and promote volunteerism on an international scale. His entry into the ClimateLaunchpad competition focuses specifically on the conservation of the butterfly through partnerships aimed at safeguarding its future. Through his efforts, the community of Yoivi has not only raised awareness about the butterfly but also taken practical steps to protect it. In 2023, Ahi was tasked with promoting eco-tourism in the area, and his vision quickly evolved into a broader conservation initiative. Ahi has established a breeding nursery for the Queen Alexandra Birdwing and is building a conservation site that allows tourists and conservationists alike to visit and learn about the species in its natural habitat. Additionally, he led the construction of a 1-kilometer road connecting the site to the main highway, increasing access to this remote area and enhancing public awareness of the butterfly's plight. “This competition might seem like a routine event to many but for me and the 2,000-plus people of Yoivi village, it means everything.” “It represents hope, visibility, and a long-awaited chance to tell our story of preserving the Oro Butterfly on a global platform.” But Ahi's work does not come without its challenges. The butterfly's status as a rare species has made it a target for illegal collectors who seek to sell specimens for export. This growing problem, coupled with habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture, has left the Queen Alexandra Birdwing with an increasingly uncertain future. The grand finale of the National Competition will take place in August, with three finalists selected to represent Papua New Guinea at the Global Grand Final event in Vienna, Austria. Ahi Matue, with his unwavering dedication to the conservation of the Queen Alexandra Birdwing, is confident that his work will help secure a brighter future for this endangered species. The National Volunteer Service (NVS), a state agency under the Ministry of Defense, is instrumental in supporting Ahi's efforts. NVS recruits, trains, and places professional volunteers in remote communities across Papua New Guinea, and its support has been crucial in helping Ahi lead this vital conservation initiative.

Rumors circulating on social media of local artist Daniel Bilip’s death have been established as fake news by the artist’s elder sibling, Steven Bilip. A Facebook Post from a verified Page which was posted approximately 30 minutes ago, reached over a thousand shares on Facebook, causing many users to share condolence messages online. The poster, shared a photo of the artist, with the caption (incomplete): “Breaking News: Local Singer, Daniel Bilip, Passed On…” At this time, the immediate family is looking to confirm the source of this fake news publication. Steven Bilip added that (brother) Daniel is NOT deceased and people posting as such are merely seeking clout with such unverified information

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and Digicel PNG have signed a contract agreement for the construction of a 40-metre self-supporting spectrum monitoring tower in Port Moresby. The tower will be built at NICTA’s headquarters in Hohola and will form an essential part of the Radio Spectrum Monitoring System (RMS), a major initiative designed to strengthen the authority’s capacity to detect and respond to radio frequency interferences in real time. During the signing ceremony, Kila Gulo-Vui, the Chief Executive Officer of NICTA, called the project essential for the regulatory body's mission. “It’s an exciting project that will help NICTA monitor the radio frequency spectrum and ensure all our licensees are operating within the terms and conditions of their licenses.” “This is very important not only for NICTA but for the entire ICT industry. It will significantly enhance our ability to discharge our spectrum responsibilities.” The RMS, once fully operational, will provide NICTA with advanced monitoring tools to manage, plan and utilize Papua New Guinea’s limited frequency spectrum resources more efficiently and securely. Digicel PNG CEO Tarik Boudiaf reaffirmed the telecommunications company’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital development goals. “For Digicel, this is not just a commercial project but also a meaningful contribution toward the country’s development, digital inclusion and the prosperity of telecommunications in Papua New Guinea.” The spectrum monitoring tower is anticipated to be an important regulatory tool, allowing for better monitoring of spectrum use while ensuring adherence to regulations and aiding the government's wider digital transformation goals. Once completed, this infrastructure will enhance NICTA's ability to provide a safe, secure, and connected digital space for all people in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea has recently begun a countrywide consultation on the rights of persons with disabilities, beginning with a two-day regional workshop in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province. The initiative, led by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR), is supported by the Australian Government and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Highlands consultation brought together participants from all seven provinces in the region, including provincial government officers, persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, churches, and development partners. The forum provided a platform for open dialogue, policy review, and data collection to strengthen disability rights and promote inclusive development in line with PNG’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Department Secretary Jerry Ubase, in his opening remarks, thanked Australia and OHCHR for their continued support, stating the consultation marked an important step toward building inclusive communities. “By engaging stakeholders across the country, we are ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and reflected in our national policies.” Western Highlands Deputy Provincial Administrator Esley Tikil officially welcomed delegates, while Australia’s Second Secretary at the High Commission, Tomoko Kognezawa, reaffirmed her country’s support for inclusive governance in PNG. Speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, Lupo Kon, Chairman of the Highlands Regional Assembly of Disabled Persons, described the consultation as a first of its kind. “I am proud to be part of this initiative and will continue to advocate for disability rights on any platform available.” Similar workshops are scheduled to take place in the Momase, Southern, and New Guinea Islands regions in the coming months. A study visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD is also planned, aimed at aligning PNG with global standards. The consultations are expected to result in a national CRPD report, improved reporting mechanisms, and stronger collaboration between government agencies and community organisations. PNG’s next periodic CRPD report is due in 2029.