South Pacific Brewery Ltd, a HEINEKEN operating company, continues to prioritize human resources by investing in employee training and development opportunities. The company's Short-Term Assignment Program allows employees to improve their skills and knowledge while also contributing to their host OpCo and SP Brewery's success. Since 2018, SP Brewery has sent staff members on STA Programs to other HEINEKEN OpCos in the Asia Pacific Region. One of them is Andrew Tobe, who was recently appointed as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Manager at HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad. Mr. Tobe is the first Papua New Guinean to hold this position. This significant achievement reflects the talent pool within the company and further demonstrates Papua New Guinea’s human capital strength to compete and contribute effectively on a global scale. Andrew Tobe has extensive experience in IT operations and a thorough understanding of the Digital & Technology (D&T) market, having spearheaded D&T initiatives in PNG. Prior to his appointment, Andrew served as the Information Security Supervisor at SP Brewery in 2021, ensuring that SPB met HEINEKEN's Cyber Security Standards. He was instrumental in increasing SPB's security awareness and compliance status. He also contributed significantly to major ICT projects across various functional areas of the business, such as OneHR, PCD VersionDog, the migration of JDE Legacy to the Singapore Cluster, and the rebuilding of the Brewmax System in the Lae brewery. Andrew began a virtual Short-Term Assignment as Cluster Cyber Security Officer with HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad on July 1st, 2023 (ending December 31st). He was stationed in Papua New Guinea during this assignment. In January, Andrew began an in-person Short-Term Assignment with HEINEKEN Myanmar as the Cluster Cyber Security Officer. Aside from his short-term assignment, Andrew has been appointed as HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad's PCI DSS Manager. Andrew will support HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad's PCI DSS Programme and ensure that it adheres to the Global HEINEKEN PCI DSS Standard.

Jacks of PNG’s 2024 Design PNG Competition announced their winners on Thursday May 23rd at Jacks of PNG, Central Waigani in Port Moresby. Competition began on the 22nd, February 2024 and closed on March 31st marking the competition’s fourth year. Out of 383 entries, the winners: Mike Joseph from Mt. Hagen (absent), Lele Leonard Hanul and Solomon Waibaru from Madang, were the lucky recipients of K2, 000 and were also entitled to K10, 000 in royalties. Both artists had the honour to explain their designs to the audience and customers present. Lele Leonard Hanul explained his three designs which he names, ‘The Great Fisherman’, ‘A Great Warrior’ and ‘Design of the Oro Butterfly’. “The design of the Great Fisherman demonstrates how the fisherman equips himself with his fishing gear and mode of transportation (canoe) while on a fishing trip.” “The next design, which is the design of a Great Warrior, shows the warrior dressed in his traditional attire – his headdress includes the Bird of Paradise.” The third design he explained shows the bird wing butterfly from Oro Province. Solomon Waibaru stated that he took inspiration for his design from artefacts. “The selected design was a necklace design which can be found in Milne Bay Province where you will see dancers wearing such similar designs during dances.” Presently, Jacks has worked with 11 designers in PNG and roughly of K160, 825 have been paid out in royalties. Asiani Vagi, who is part of the PNG Olympic Committee, in her opening remarks stated that it was a delight to see such talented individuals in PNG. Participants whose design did not make the final three will have their designs returned to them or they can have their designs destroyed in the presence of a police officer.

Despite the recent unfortunate event where their science laboratories were lost to a fire on Friday during morning hours, 250 Grade 10 students at Good Shepherd Lutheran Secondary School in Madang province are determined and focused on preparing for their upcoming Written Expression Exam, scheduled for June 6th. Principal Mr. Ben Tamilong shared that despite the challenges faced, the school had previously scheduled mock exams to aid the students in their preparation. “The first mock exam, based on the 2022 paper, was administered two weeks ago, and the second mock exam, featuring the 2023 paper, is set to take place this Thursday as planned.” “There will be no disruptions or deferrals in the students' exam readiness leading up to the crucial exam week in the coming month.” The school's Principal also mentioned that despite the loss of the labs, the school has not been deterred in its efforts to equip the students adequately for their exams. Additionally, in response to inquiries regarding GTFS funds for term 2, Mr. Tamilong shared that the school had recently received slightly over K150, 000, which will be utilized. “Part of these funds will be allocated towards procuring the necessary equipment required for the upcoming science exams.” These funds were confirmed to have been received within the time-frame ranging from last Friday to this week Monday.

To ensure the successful preparations for the much-anticipated Papal Visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) has devised a comprehensive plan that is set to involve a significant number of approximately 7, 000 youths. With just four months remaining until the arrival of Pope Francis in September, the dedicated efforts in organizing this extraordinary event have already been set in motion. Anticipation is high as the event promises to attract a diverse array of attendees, not only from PNG, but also from neighboring regions such as the Solomon Islands, creating a truly global gathering. With the anticipated large turnout, the CBC has emphasized the crucial role that the youths will play in assisting with the smooth flow of the event, highlighting the need for marshals to help maintain order and manage the crowds effectively. “In all the dioceses in PNG, roughly 100 individuals from each diocese will attend, and most of these individuals will be young people.” “It is our desire for as many young people to come and be a part of this spiritual event.” Pope Francis’ visit is scheduled from September 6th – 9th, 2024.

The PNG Barramundis have arrived in the West Indies for the ICC T20 World Cup Tournament. After an exhausting four-day journey, the team has arrived in St Kitts, where they will spend the first round of training sessions and practice matches. The PNG Barramundis, who are part of the support team for the ICC T20 World Cup, benefit from the invaluable expertise of specialist Coach Phil Simmons, a former West Indies cricketer and Trinidadian all-rounder with over 40 years of cricketing experience. This is why Simmons is in this position with the PNG Barramundis, returning to his home territory where he played as a youngster for the West Indies and now serving as a specialist coach. The towering athlete's impeccable career has included domestic representation with county teams such as Border and Easterns in South Africa, Durham, Leicestershire, and Wales Minor in England and Wales, as well as his home country of Trinidad and Tobago and, of course, the West Indies Cricket Team. Simmons has coached the national teams of Zimbabwe, India, the West Indies, and, more recently, Afghanistan. “My role here is as a consultant coach and how I put across my experience, not just playing in world cups but playing in the Caribbean and the things that we should be looking at to make sure we do it right in the Caribbean and especially the venues that we play at,” said Simmons. “As a player internationally, for fourteen years and then as an international coach for eighteen years it’s been a long time in the game.” “It’s always brilliant to come home, always brilliant to come back to any part of the West Indies." “I’m looking forward to getting home to Trinidad. Having people come here, me getting back here, it's always a great thing, it’s always something to look forward to.” He commented on the PNG Barramundis and their arrival and going straight into their training. “Their energy is unbelievable! Their warmups alone yesterday, got me tired; the guys look like they have settled in really well.” “On Sunday in training we started to get out in the middle of their game, so they started on some of the things they have to do here in the Caribbean and it's nice to see the energy that’s among this squad.” “I’ve known the head coach (Tatenda Taibu) for a long time and he’s always energetic, there is always a lot of energy but the players seem to be pushing him where that is not so and I like that atmosphere in the team, I like the liveliness in the team.” The first practice match was played against Canada over the weekend, with more practice matches planned throughout the week as the team adjusts. The first match was delayed slightly due to a rain squall.

Prime Minister James Marape has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the PNG men's cricket team, the Barramundis, on their recent qualification for the 2024 Twenty20 Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. As the Barramundis left for the World Cup this week, Prime Minister Marape extended his best wishes to the team's management, coaching staff, officials, and players. "You are not only participating in a World Cup; you are also representing our great country, Papua New Guinea." “This significant achievement makes my government and the people of PNG extremely proud." The Prime Minister praised the team's passion and dedication to cricket. "As you wear the PNG colours and face your opponents, remember that your country fully supports you.” “You are the best of the best, and I am completely confident in your abilities and sportsmanship." The Barramundis will compete in the tournament from June 1-29, 2024, as champions of the East Asia-Pacific Region, following a strong qualifying round under the International Cricket Council system. The team left PNG on Monday and will play a few warm-up matches before the official tournament begins. Prime Minister Marape concluded his remarks with a rallying cry for the players. "Aim high and give your absolute best.” “You have been chosen to represent our country because you are worthy of the honour.” “Remember, every victory you achieve on the field benefits all of Papua New Guinea."

Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Ms. Elizabeth Genia officially opened the Women’s Micro Bank Branch in Kerema, making it the fifth branch to be operating in the country. Ms. Genia addressed the hundreds of witnesses of Kerema town who were present for the event. “Today’s official opening of its fifth branch celebrates another achievement in a long line of achievements we have seen for women’s micro bank.” “I am sure your highly esteemed founder, the late Janet Sape, would have been extremely proud of the organization affectionately known as Mama Bank, now one of the top 50 companies for women in APEC countries and well regarded as a financial services innovator.” Ms. Genia stated that WMB has emerged as a key driver of financial inclusion, which was initially a BPNG-led innovation but is now a national strategic priority. She praised women's microbank services for addressing several financial inclusion goals, particularly emphasizing depositing, and lending opportunities for the 85% of the population who remain unbanked. “I understand the Kerema branch will enable the people of the district, particularly the women, to take advantage of services such as the MSC credit scheme, financial literacy training, as well as basics, including deposit takings and loans.” “The branch will provide a practical and desirable alternative to the risks of holding cash, informal money lending and money scams, all of which stop people from building a comfortable standard of living.” “Today’s official opening gives members of the community the opportunity to take significant steps forward towards building the financial security and financial independence.” Concurrently with the opening, the Kerema District SME Policy was officially launched by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Honourable James Marape. The Prime Minister committed K3million to the WMB Kerema branch as part of the Government's partnership with KDDA in assisting to create a credit lending facility where Gulf women, particularly mothers in SMEs, can benefit.

The Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) yesterday launched the official registration website papalvisitpng.com and logo for the 2024 Papal visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in September. The website designed by CBC's IT specialist will enable attendees from PNG and Solomon Islands to register and confirm their attendance. General Coordinator of the Papal Visit, Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj confirmed the purpose behind launching the website. “The reason for the website is to bring together the people of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and provide an opportunity to experience the Pope’s presence in the region.” Meanwhile, the visitation logo, which contains three elements (the cross, the bird of paradise & the word PRAY), was explained by the Chairperson of the Papal Visit and Bishop of Lae Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Rozario Menezes. “The cross helps us to recall that the Holy Father comes to visit PNG not in his own name, but in the name of Jesus, whom the Pope represents on earth as the Vicar of Christ.” “It reminds us of the sacrifice that opens the gates of heaven and obtains salvation, and for this reason since the very beginning of the Church, it became the source of glory for Christians as it is referred to in Galatians 6:14 [“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (ESV).”] “The bird of paradise represents Papua New Guinea, because this species can be found only in Papua New Guinea and Eastern Australia.” “The word PRAY is making reference to Luke 11:1 [‘Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”] When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray which gave rise to the most perfect and beautiful prayer that has ever been heard: the Lord’s Prayer.” Registration is now open with the website's launch.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape recently lauded the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project (CADIP) for their significant role in the planned construction of the new K76.8 million Gurney Airport in Alotau, Milne Bay Province. He expressed his commendations during the groundbreaking ceremony held in Alotau, highlighting the initiative as a crucial component of the Government’s Connect PNG initiative. The upgrade of provincial airport terminals under CADIP, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), represents a strategic component of the country's infrastructure development aimed at boosting economic growth and tourism. Since its inception in 2010 with CADIP1, the project has facilitated the enhancement of numerous airports across the country, resulting in investments totalling K1.6 billion. The project, which is expected to be completed in 26 months, aims to improve travel times, cargo and passenger handling services, and overall travel facilities. This initiative not only helps to improve operational efficiencies, but it also promotes regional economic growth and tourism development. Minister Marape extended his gratitude to the ADB for their enduring support and underscored the importance of infrastructure in improving the livelihoods of Papua New Guineans. “Upgrading airport terminals, enhancing safety and security, and generating job opportunities are pivotal for the holistic development of the region.” He also mentioned the promising prospects for tourism in Milne Bay and urged local leaders to prioritize this sector. The collaboration between the NAC, various investors, and the ADB demonstrates a shared commitment to improving transportation and connectivity in Papua New Guinea. Alotau's Gurney Airport is proud to be the first recipient of the second phase of CADIP, known as CADIP 2. “The diligent efforts by our investors compel us to rise to the occasion, ensuring we match their commitment to delivering 21st century infrastructure.”

Former Olympic gold medalist and swimming legend Liesel Jones will serve as the SP Sports Awards guest speaker this year, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Crown Hotel. SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare introduced the swimming sensation during the announcement of the SP Sports Awards finalists. "Leisel is an 8-time Olympic medalist and the first Australian swimmer to compete in four Olympic Games, and we are delighted to have her here for the awards night on June 1st." "During her visit, we've scheduled a coaching clinic at the Taurama Aquatic Center with the Boroko Swimming Club with aims to inspire our younger swimmers.” “Leisel, who began swimming at a young age and went on to win one of Australia's youngest Olympic medals, is looking forward to working with our young swimmers." · At just 15, Liesel became the youngest member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Swimming Team. · Leisel won two silver medals in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m Medley Relay, making her one of the youngest Olympic medalists in Australia’s history. · 1 gold medal (1x100m medley relay), 1 silver (200m breaststroke, 1 bronze (100m breaststroke) at Athens in 2004 Olympic games. · 1 gold (100m breasts), 1 gold (4x100m medley relay), 1 silver (200m breaststroke) in Beijing 2008. · 1 silver (4x100m medley relay) London Olympic Games 2012. Since announcing her retirement in 2012, Jones has continued to excel. She published a memoir, hosted Network Ten's coverage of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and was a swimming expert commentator for the 7 Network's Tokyo Olympic Games. She is currently a commentator for Triple M's Rush Hour in Brisbane.

As part of a vision to transform his home province – Madang, youth and community leader Kurere Matanzana, once again took to the grassroots level, initiating another project in April. This time, a cocoa farming project called the ‘Madang Solar Cocoa Farmers’ with the support of Mr. Seth Mal, who was elected as the chairman of the association, upon establishment of the project, given his vast background in the agriculture sector. Matanzana stated that more than 250 cocoa farmers and their families from Ambenob and Transgogol LLGs are involved in the project. “The concept used in the project is known as the family cocoa concept – in this concept we have a goal for every family to plant at least 300 cocoa seedlings, which in turn encourages SME (Small Medium Enterprise). Despite it being a noble task, he explained the complicated process involved in starting and maintaining this initiative. “We created an association, opened up a bank account, and obtained an export license, which was a huge milestone for us, although challenging.” “Our organization was registered with PNG IPA (Investment Promotion Authority) under the name ‘Madang Solar Cocoa Cooperative Society’; hence, it became a legal entity recognized by the PNG Cocoa Board.” Matanzana stated that the Madang Solar Cocoa Cooperative Society can be a trusted body in assisting cocoa farmers in and around Madang Province to find potential buyers. “We are acting as the middleman for Madang cocoa farmers, connecting them to overseas markets, facilitating a channel to export their produce and also help the farmers gain more financially that reflects the value of their time, energy and effort invested in growing cocoa.” He further stated that they are working on collecting data and getting other cocoa farmers who are not connected, that is, individuals in rural locations and farmers who are unaware of Madang Solar Cocoa Cooperative Society. Additionally, he and the farmers reached a verbal agreement, which will see Mr. Matanzana conduct certain training sessions, equipping them with financial knowledge and information, and build their capacity. " “The cocoa farmers must recognize the importance of land and cocoa seedlings and how to maximize both the human and natural resources they possess.” Matanzana’s ultimate goal is to connect at least 5, 000 – 6, 000 cocoa farmers from selected LLGs and as well as diversify and include vanilla farmers. Meanwhile, the Madang Provincial Government has pledged to support Mr. Matanzana and Madang Solar Cocoa Cooperative Society, which will be launched at Yelso village between May – July 2024.

Prime Minister James Marape recently praised the efforts of the PNG Customs in Port Moresby for their significant achievements in combating the importation of counterfeit goods into Papua New Guinea from 36 per cent to 4 per cent. “This has been made possible by increased government investments in border surveillance and fighting illicit trade.” During a meeting with PNG Customs Chief Commissioner, David Towe and representatives from British American Tobacco (BAT) PNG, discussions focused on excise tax enforcement and the penalties for businesses that do not comply with customs regulations. “Whilst I am greatly concerned about continued activities relating to directly importing or aiding in the import and distribution of counterfeit goods in Papua New Guinea, I would like to commend Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe and his team at PNG Customs for putting in place stricter mechanisms and processes with regards to trade at our borders, which is resulting in the identification of illegal trade and smuggling of goods.” The PM also acknowledged PNG Customs' role in generating significant revenue for the government over the last few years, emphasizing the importance of strict measures to combat illegal imports. He highlighted the critical situation of illicit cigarette trafficking and related goods, which was discussed with BAT PNG. Chief Commissioner Towe outlined the difficulties in distinguishing between counterfeit and genuine products, noting that illicit goods frequently resemble real items and are sold at comparable prices. He confirmed continued collaboration with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to address these issues.