The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) received a major boosting to help deliver its programs in the country thanks to WR Carpenters. On Wednesday 16th April, WR Carpenters donated two (2) brand new D40 Nissan Navara, twenty (12) HP laptops, 2 high-end printers and a Maintenace account for consumables to the PNGRFL under their continued partnership. The sponsorship is in its third year and PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Stanley Hondina, who said this partnership has assisted the PNGRFL greatly in delivering its programs nationwide. “On behalf of the PNGRFL Board and Management, we are extremely grateful for this partnership with the WR Carpenter Group of companies. The last 3 years, these branded vehicles from Boroko Motors have taken our game development officers right around the country to deliver our rugby league programs.” Hondina also highlighted the back-office support through the Group’s other divisions who also assisted PNGRFL. “The support from Daltron, Courts and Budget Rent-A-Car has been tremendous. It is with this great partnership that we are able to deliver our rugby league programs around the country. WR Carpenter is not new to rugby league in PNG. They have supported us over the past and we acknowledge their contribution to rugby league and nation building.” Speaking on behalf of WR Carpenter Group, Liza-Marie Brooks, General Manager Boroko Motors, emphasized the company’s strong commitment to supporting rugby league through its diverse businesses. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with PNGRFL, supporting the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea. This commitment reflects our belief in the sport’s potential to inspire communities and unite the nation.” “It's not about vehicles and laptops it's about ensuring the growth of rugby league in all provinces because rugby league is the sport that brings the country together.” She then added by quoting Nelson Mandela, saying, “Sport has the power to change the world, it has the power to inspire and unite people like nothing else does.” Before handing the key to PNGRFL Liza- Marie said, “Rugby league in PNG is entering an exciting era, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping its future. We look forward to seeing the game grow and develop at all levels through this partnership.” WR Carpenter (PNG) Ltd has numerous subsidiaries in PNG including Boroko Motors, Budget Rent-A-Car, Courts, Daltron, Globe, National No1 Tea, Sigri Coffee, Carpenters Shipping, CS Logistics and Eda Assurance. Which has made WR Carpenters the largest employer in the country since 1919.

Aiio Primary School in Kutubu now has access to consistent, sustainable energy, thanks to a solar power kit donated by BSP Financial Group through its annual Community Project initiative. The installation of the solar system marks a major step forward for the school, addressing its challenge with electricity. The new power source will support essential tools such as printers and computers, improving both classroom learning and school administration. BSP Moro Branch Manager, Bau Kiso, said the initiative reflects BSP’s ongoing commitment to uplifting communities through education. “At BSP, we believe that empowering education means empowering our future. By supporting Aiio Primary School, we’re not just providing solar power — we’re creating opportunities for growth, learning and lasting impact in the communities we serve,” Mr. Kiso added. The newly installed solar power system delivers reliable and renewable energy, enabling teachers to carry out their duties more effectively and students to learn in an environment that fosters success. Chairman of the Aiio Primary School Board, Henry Samogo, expressed his appreciation, saying BSP’s support is transformative for the school. “It allows us to enhance learning and improve our teaching environment. We are sincerely grateful to BSP for this meaningful contribution.” This project is part of BSP’s broader commitment to care for communities, inspire through positive action, and grow together with the people of Papua New Guinea.

The local basketball community is buzzing with energy following the official launch of the Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) Competition earlier this week. The launch, held on Monday 7 April, was officiated by the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology and Minister for Sport, Hon. Feo Kinoka, alongside Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, signaling strong government backing for the sport’s development. In his address, Minister Kinoka encouraged young athletes to aim high, noting the global stature of basketball. "Basketball is amongst the highest-paid sports in the world." "If you want to be the best player, you have to work hard for it,” he told an enthusiastic crowd. Prime Minister Marape also spoke at the event, acknowledging the rapid improvement in local basketball standards. He called on the Basketball Federation to increase focus on grassroots programs such as school and regional competitions, particularly fostering relationships with teams in Queensland, Australia. Adding a light-hearted yet heartfelt touch, the Prime Minister expressed his interest in returning to the court, suggesting the introduction of a "golden oldies" division to encourage participation from former players like himself. Basketball Federation of PNG (BFPNG) President David Peter responded positively, highlighting that such aspirations are already reflected in the Federation’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which was launched three weeks ago. He confirmed that copies of the plan would be shared with both the Prime Minister’s and the Minister’s offices as requested. “Although the road ahead is challenging, these are exciting times for basketball in PNG,” Peter said. “The visit by the Prime Minister, the Sports Minister, and the Vice Minister adds immense value to our mission of growing and professionalizing the sport.” The launch of the PEB competition represents a crucial step in BFPNG’s broader goal of establishing semi-professional competitions nationwide. Acknowledgement was given to Competition Director Lawrance Lahari and Chairman David Wereh for spearheading the initiative. With national leadership visibly backing the sport and strategic plans in place, the stage is set for a transformative era for basketball in Papua New Guinea.

The Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion has been an exciting opportunity for consumers across Papua New Guinea (PNG) since it launched on January 20th, 2025. The promotion, which offers a total prize pool of K500,000, has seen multiple winners across different categories, ranging from K500 to K50,000. As the campaign nears its conclusion on April 20, 2025, the excitement continues to grow, with lucky consumers claiming their life-changing prizes. Meet the Third K50,000 Golden Ticket Winner nick-named Kura Naisi from Mt. Hagen city. Though he chooses to go by a nickname, his story is one of resilience and fortune. The night before discovering his win, Kura went to bed hungry due to unresolved family conflicts. Determined to start his day positively, he headed to town the following morning to buy his favorite Maggi noodles to accompany the kaukau (sweet potato) he had cooked. Purchasing a six-pack of Maggi Noodles from Pick and Pay Grocery Shop, Kura went home to prepare his meal. As he opened the first packet and dropped the noodles into boiling water, he noticed something unusual—the seasoning sachet was golden yellow and upon closer inspection, he found the ticket confirming his K50,000 win. Overwhelmed with excitement, he chose to keep quiet initially, knowing that his family might react strongly. After ensuring he was alone, he carefully pulled out the ticket and immediately contacted Nestlé's marketing team. His win was officially confirmed, making him the latest recipient of the grand prize. Kura plans to use his winnings wisely, securing a secondhand vehicle to help him with his job. "I wanted to invest in something that will last," he shared. At the same time, he also intends to share a portion of his winnings with his family and close friends, despite any past grievances. "I’m not a greedy guy. Everyone deserves to share in the blessing," he said. Expressing gratitude to Nestlé, Kura described the Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion as "a dream come true. He also encouraged consumers in the Islands Region to keep buying Maggi noodles, as winners have already emerged from the Southern, Momase, and Highland's regions. "Now it's the Islands Region's turn!" he declared enthusiastically. Nestlé PNG’s Trade Marketing Lead, Ronil Prasad, emphasized the promotion’s success, calling it one of the company’s most exciting consumer campaigns. "The Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion is about more than just rewarding loyal consumers—it’s about enhancing in-store excitement and creating real value for our customers," he said. With a simple buy, check, and win mechanism, the campaign has garnered a highly positive response. "To date, we have 63 winners across all prize categories. However, there are still unredeemed golden tickets out there. We encourage everyone to keep purchasing Maggi noodles for their chance to win," Prasad stated. For larger prizes of K50,000 and K20,000, winners receive their payouts via direct bank transfer, while K500 and K1,000 prizes are processed through Digicel’s Cell Money Wallet. According to Prasad, the most rewarding aspect of the promotion has been witnessing the profound impact on winners’ lives. "Many winners expressed that the prize money would go toward essential needs like school fees, housing, and family expenses. Some were in disbelief, overwhelmed by the unexpected financial relief." Even smaller prize winners of K500 and K1,000 found the support invaluable. "Many students have told us that the money will help them purchase university supplies and cover daily expenses. It’s heartwarming to see how this promotion has positively impacted the lives of everyday Papua New Guineans," Prasad added. GOLDEN TICKET WINNERS TALLY K50,000 Winners (3 total) 1 x Port Moresby Winner 1 x Lae Winner – Samuel Peter Siari 1 x Mt. Hagen Winner – "Kura Naisi" K20,000 Winners (3 total) 1 x Port Moresby Winner 1 x Kimbe Winner 1 x Wewak Winner K1,000 Winners (7 total) 3 x Port Moresby 1 x Lae 1 x Kimbe 2 x Goroka K500 Winners (27 total) 11 x Port Moresby 4 x Lae 2 x Wewak 4 x Hagen 1 x Alotau 1 x Madang 1 x Kimbe 3 x Goroka As the Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion enters its final stretch, Nestlé PNG remains committed to delivering value to its consumers. "This promotion has been a great success, proving that simple mechanics and relevant rewards resonate strongly with our customers. We look forward to more winners coming forward to claim their prizes," Prasad concluded. For those who have yet to check their Maggi noodle packs, there’s still time to join the excitement and win a share of the remaining K500,000 prize pool.

25 Young intellectual disabilities athletes successfully participated in the ‘Athlete Leadership Training Program’ which was designed by the Special Olympics Papua New Guinea to develop the young athlete's leadership qualities. The diverse group of participants included students from Callan Inclusive Education Resource Centers, Red Cross Society, Cheshire Disability Centre, and the Academy of Inclusive Learning. The training covered two essential courses, Introduction to Athlete Leadership and Understanding Athlete Leadership, that are specifically designed to empower these special abilities athletes to take on leadership roles. The program features a combination of group and individual activities, incorporating both theoretical and practical components. Among the SOPNG facilitators was Miss Hannah’s Beauty Box, Shonaye Leslie who emphasized the key qualities of effective leadership, and the various roles athletes can assume within Special Olympics, their schools, and local communities. Then right after the theory half of the program, each athlete leader was paired with a mentor to form a mentor-mentee relationship, providing ongoing support and personal development. Acting Program Manager Ectopia Ame explained the significance of this training, noting that while sports are the main focus of Special Olympics, they also focus on capacity building to help develop their athletes. “This training is specifically designed for athlete leaders to teach them how to communicate confidently and lead others,” said Ame. Ame further stressed that such training is important for athletes' personal growth, as leadership development is not commonly taught in schools in Papua New Guinea. She encouraged parents, who were present during the training, to continue supporting their children at home and to bring them to similar programs in the future. At the conclusion of the training, athletes were awarded certificates and badges, marking the beginning of their leadership journey with SOPNG. These 25 special abilities athletes were encouraged to identify areas in which they wish to lead within SOPNG programs where they will receive continued support from special Olympics and their mentors to develop the necessary skill in success in their chosen leadership roles. And showing his aspiration to be a leader is Zechariah Abaik, a Grade 8 student from the Academy of Inclusive Learning. He expressed, “I’ve learned how to become a leader, and now I will go back to school and take on leadership roles. I always enjoy giving speeches during special occasions.” To conclude, Ame announced that additional training sessions will be offered in the near future, including a Family Network program, to further support the athletes’ growth and leadership development.

This week Buk Bilong Pikinini (BbP) celebrated its sweet 18th Birthday on Tuesday at APEC Haus in Port Moresby by looking back to the missions that provide quality early childhood education to children across Papua New Guinea. The BbP team received a special visit from Bronwyn Wright, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation and Chair of the BbP board and her mother Fay Clough. Bronwyn wished the Buk bilong Pikinini team a happy 18th birthday and remarked on how incredibly proud she is of the SBBF partnership with BbP and the incredible work achieved thus far with improving young minds and looks forward for more to come. The lunch was a feast, over 100 donors, sponsors, and supporters of BbP gathered to celebrate BbP’s success and progress with the BbP team that has been empowering young minds since 2007. The celebration was filled with heartfelt appreciation and inspiring stories by the BbP’s Founder and Vice-Chair, Anne-Sophie Hermann. She ended her speech by expressing her deep gratitude to the generous donors who have made the organization's work possible over the years and highlighted the wonderful work achieved by Buk bilong Pikinini in the last 18 years. "We owe the success of BbP to the unwavering support of our donors and sponsors.” “Your contributions have made it possible for us to create a lasting impact on the lives of more than 15,000 children so far.” "I also want to thank my daughter, Yasmine, who inspired me to start this journey in 2007.” “Her passion for learning opened my eyes to the critical need for accessible education for every child." The celebration also featured moving testimonies from several former students, now successful individuals who attributed their academic success to the learning they received at BbP’s library learning centres. Also present to show their appreciation are former BbP students Baru Vagi, Hellen Dai Haraga, Baia Baigago Gagoa, and Rao Ben of Badihagwa Secondary School, along with Delilah Uro from Port Moresby International School. They shared their stories of how the foundational literacy skills they gained at Buk bilong Pikinini helped them excel in school, earn top awards, and even skip grades. "Thanks to BbP, I was able to develop my reading and comprehension skills, which gave me a huge advantage in school," said Baia Gagoa. "I truly believe that my journey and success in education began at Buk bilong Pikinini." From Lae, a former BbP student Alucia Alusi who is currently in Bumayong Secondary School in Lae, and her mother Pamela were also featured in a radio interview with Anne-Sophie to talk about the positive impact attending BbP had on Alucia. In recognition of their dedication and hard work, all BbP teachers were presented with gifts to celebrate the organization's 18th anniversary. The event, which was catered by Chef Julz and The Catering Co., featured a delicious canape spread, with several large cakes from Sweetheart Bakery, making the celebration even more special. As Buk bilong Pikinini looks ahead to the next 18 years, the organization remains committed to its mission of providing free, high-quality early childhood education to the children of Papua New Guinea with the support of its amazing donors and sponsors, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The 2025 Jacks of PNG Design Competition has once again spotlighted the incredible creative talent across Papua New Guinea, celebrating three remarkable designers whose works drew deeply from cultural heritage and natural beauty. Now in its fourth year, the Jacks of PNG Design Competition continues to provide a national platform for local designers, empowering them to share their stories and traditions through fashion and art. [caption id="attachment_64224" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Solomon Waibauru[/caption] Solomon Waibauru, originally from Milne Bay and flying in from Madang, captivated judges with his Coastal Design. Drawing inspiration from the shell necklaces worn by elder men in Cape Vogel, his piece pays homage to traditions where jewellery signifies social status and is worn during sacred ceremonies. “I took three weeks just to complete my Coastal Design because, as a designer, I had to tell a story through my work.” “People might think it’s an easy job, but it takes a lot of time and dedication.” [caption id="attachment_64225" align="aligncenter" width="715"] Lele Leonard[/caption] Also flying in from Madang, Lele Leonard presented a trio of powerful designs: Great Fishermen – portraying traditional fishing culture and the resilience of PNG’s coastal communities. Great Warrior – featuring a warrior in full bilas, crowned with a bird of paradise and five symbolic stars representing global unity. Oro Butterfly – a tribute to the iconic Oro butterfly, often referenced in local music and culture, affectionately known as the ‘Butterfly bilong Madang’. “I didn’t think my designs would make it into the competition because there are so many talented designers in the country.” “I have been drawing and designing for almost 16 years since I was in primary school, and now being awarded for three of my designs is a testament to hard work and dedication.” [caption id="attachment_64226" align="aligncenter" width="713"] Mike Joseph[/caption] Mike Joseph, who flew in from Mt Hagen, amazed the audience with his environmentally inspired design titled Butterfly Stage. The piece visually narrates the life cycle of a butterfly, from egg to larva, caterpillar, pupa, and finally, its rebirth as a full-grown butterfly - symbolizing transformation, resilience, and continuity in nature. “I love nature, and I wanted my design to be connected back to nature and how it evolves.” “That is why my design is based on the cycle of a caterpillar to a butterfly.” Jacks of PNG remains committed to fostering local talent and inspiring future designers to step into the limelight. A prime example is Ben Jawai, a standout winner of the 2023 competition, whose designs caught the attention of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee. His work was chosen for the national team’s attire at the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, elevating his profile both locally and internationally. “We’re committed to inspiring and supporting your creative and design journeys. Your unique talents strengthen our community,” Jacks of PNG stated, encouraging upcoming designers to seize this incredible opportunity. With the competition set to continue as an annual event, the future looks bright for PNG’s talented designers, as they carve their place in the fashion and design industry.

A spirit of celebration filled the air in Lihir as 120 students across Grades 9-12 marked a significant milestone in their educational journey. Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Newmont Corporation, the New Ireland Provincial Administration, and KTF, the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) program has successfully completed its second year in the province. What makes this program particularly impactful is its focus on teachers—95% of the graduates are educators themselves. The initiative ensures that teachers can upgrade their qualifications while continuing their classroom responsibilities, bridging the gap between professional development and practical teaching. The graduation ceremony was a testament to the resilience and dedication of these students for which many had to juggle full-time roles as teachers, parents, and community leaders while pursuing their studies. Their commitment to education not only shapes their futures but also strengthens the schools and communities they serve. Speaking at the event, Newmont’s Manager – Non-Process Infrastructure in Lihir, Michael Cotterell, commended the graduates for their perseverance. “You should be very proud of everything you have achieved and for the positive example you have set for others. Your commitment to your students and your unwavering pursuit of excellence have made this graduation possible. You have navigated challenges, inspired minds, and cultivated a love of learning,” he remarked. The celebration saw the presence of key stakeholders, including Rogers Lulagarea, Nimamar Division of Education Provincial Education Inspector; Josephine Warmanai, District Education Manager; and a proud KTF team, led by CEO Genevieve Nelson and Head of Education Martha Bentley. Also in attendance were FODE principals Donald Moko and Paul Umbe, alongside the wider Lihir community, who turned out in full force to honor the graduates. This milestone highlights Newmont Australia's deep commitment to supporting education in New Ireland. Through their generous backing, KTF’s FODE program continues to thrive, empowering teachers and students alike and reinforcing the vital role education plays in sustainable community development.

Yesterday, April 5th, 2025, Ela Beach was alive with excitement during the highly anticipated Trukai Vanagi Race, a central feature of the renowned Hiri Moale Festival. This year’s event highlighted the rich maritime culture of the Motu-Koita people, attracting participants and spectators from all over the region. In the A Grade division, Jalova emerged victorious after an impressive performance throughout the 13-course race. With Mari Kapa as skipper and Richard Giaole on the crew, the team maintained a commanding lead to secure first place. Warrior Princess finished in second, while Gensi claimed third. The B Grade division showcased an outstanding effort by a father-son team from Kapari Viriolo village. Vewaa Giriwa and his son, Lakaura Vewaa, skillfully navigated their canoe, Waikato, through the challenging 13-course race to claim the top spot. Kotawin took second place, followed by LGK in third and Valina Rau in fourth. In the C Grade event, Vula Kele from Hula Village displayed excellent control and strategy, dominating the race from start to finish. Their performance suggests a possible future move to the B Grade division. The festival went beyond the canoe races to offer an enriching cultural experience. Traditional dance groups enchanted the crowd with performances that honored the Motu-Koita heritage. These dances, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of kundu drums and chants in the Motu language, provided a captivating look into the community's traditions. Another major highlight was the re-enactment of the Hiri Lakatoi, a traditional double-hulled sailing canoe, which celebrated the historic trade voyages of the Motuans and reinforced their cultural legacy. Additionally, the Hiri Hanenamo contest saw young Motuan women competing for the title of "Hiri Queen," judged on their knowledge of traditional culture, which emphasized the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage. Trukai Industries was instrumental as the event’s naming rights sponsor, contributing K80,000 in cash along with rice and merchandise valued at over K30,000, totaling K110,000 in support. Marketing Manager Peggy Maha expressed the company’s commitment to cultural preservation, stating, "At Trukai, we aim to support community activities that honor cultural practices and traditions, as our own history is deeply intertwined with PNG's culture." As the canoes glided through the waters and the crowd cheered, the 2025 Trukai Vanagi Race and Hiri Moale Festival highlighted the importance of celebrating culture, fostering community spirit, and safeguarding traditions for generations to come.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) took this initiative by expending the Team PNG HERO Athlete Workshop across to Kokopo, Lae and Goroka to ensure that more athletes be part of this impactful program. The three-day workshop, which ran from Friday, 28th to Sunday 30th March, introduced athletes to the foundation of being a Team PNG HERO Athlete, delivering impactful programs, and taking action as HERO athletes. This initiative, which develops leadership and community engagement among athletes, is designed to empower sportsmen and women to create meaningful change in their communities through sport. This year’s batch of HERO athletes included 46 new members, with the highest number from Lae with 16, followed by 11 from Goroka, 10 in Port Moresby, and 9 in Kokopo. By expanding to new provinces, PNGOC aimed to reach athletes who previously had limited access to such programs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to inspire their communities. The Team PNG HERO Athlete Program is more than just a sports ambassadorship. It is a leadership program designed to impart core values of Honesty, Excellence, Respect, and Openness in athletes, preparing them to serve as role models both on and off the field. The program also focuses on community outreach through projects such as the Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP), Love Your Coast, and Kicks for Kokoda. PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu emphasized the importance of this program. “The HERO Program is not just about developing great athletes, but great leaders. Expanding to Kokopo, Lae, and Goroka ensures that we are reaching more athletes who have the potential to drive change in their communities. This initiative is an investment in our future, in the character of our athletes and our commitment to nation building through our platform that is sports.” One of the participants, Eugene Eka, a national Touch Footy athlete, also took the time to express his excitement from these three days program. “Now that I am a Team PNG HERO athlete, I feel that I am prepared to go out and represent not just myself, my family, or my sporting code, but all Team PNG HERO athletes and practice the HERO values – Honesty, Excellence, Respect, and Openness.” The final day of the workshop focused on acting, ensuring that each athlete left with a clear plan on how they would apply their newfound knowledge and skills to benefit communities through PNGOC. As the Team PNG HERO Athlete Program continues to grow, PNGOC remains committed to expanding opportunities for athletes nationwide by nurturing leadership and empowering athletes as agents of change, this program is paving the way for a brighter future in Papua New Guinea’s sporting landscape.

SNS Tech subsequently hires its first 3 cohort after successfully completing their inaugural internship program. Launched in December 2024, the program aimed to provide recent graduates namely Kristina Kovea, Monty Trei, and Gabriel Isikiel with practical experience and professional development. Initially, the program was slated for a longer duration, but it accelerated due to the interns’ exceptional performance and the company’s growing project demands. Highlighting the interns' exceptional performance, Chief Executive Officer and Technological Officer Samson Korawali shared. “SNS Tech’s internship program, focused on digital communications, IT support, and digital transformation, was accelerated from six to three months due to the interns’ rapid contributions. Their impact on project execution and operational capacity will lead to this model’s replication in future intakes, ensuring a steady flow of skilled talent.” Throughout the internship, the cohort participated in real-world projects, collaborating across various departments, including project management and technical execution. This hands-on approach allowed them to gain a thorough understanding of the company’s operations. Sharing her experience is Kristina Kovea who is now the Digital Communication Officer. “My internship at SNS Tech was a transformative experience that provided a deep understanding of strategic digital marketing and corporate communications. I gained valuable skills in social media strategy, visual storytelling, and user-centric website development. Beyond the technical skills, I developed analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities, learning the importance of data-driven decisions and continuous learning. This internship has been a powerful launchpad for my professional journey, solidifying my passion for digital marketing and equipping me with the confidence to excel,” said Kovea. Monty Trei, who is now employed as the IT Support Officer, also took some time to share his experience. “During my internship, I gained hands-on experience with modern IT systems, including cloud platforms and network security. I also worked on important client projects, such as digital transformation and IT audits. These experiences improved my technical skills and taught me how to communicate effectively with clients and work well under pressure.” Lastly Gabriel Isikiel who is also being successfully employed as an IT Support Officer, shared his experience as well. “The internship at SNS Tech was highly impactful, offering practical skills in cloud technology and technical support. Beyond technical knowledge, I gained important insights into professional conduct, client communication, and teamwork. The mentorship and support I received were instrumental in my professional growth, and I’m eager to apply these learnings in my full-time role to contribute to the company’s success," Isikiel said. Their hard work led to full-time employment offers, which they accepted, SNS Head of Business and Operations Gerard Habitein praised the interns for their dedication. “The unpaid internship has proven to be a success. This program has reinforced our commitment to fostering young talent. Their dedication and rapid learning were instrumental in meeting our clients’ needs, and they quickly became valuable contributors to our team. We’ve gained valuable insights into structuring future internships to ensure they benefit both the interns and our company,” said Mr. Habitein. SNS Tech plans to continue this internship program as a key component of its talent development strategy, aiming to build a diverse and skilled workforce, contributing to nation building by developing local talent within Papua New Guinea by growing them in the Information and Communications technology (ICT) sector.

The tense situation at Koki in Port Moresby this morning that disrupted the normal flow of activities, stemmed from two separate incidents according to police. In an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG today, Chief Sergeant Abel Andrew, the Police Station Commander for Badili Police Station, provided details on the two major incidents that have heightened security concerns in the community. The first incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday April 1st at around 6:00 PM, when police officers from Badili Police Station responded to a reported disturbance at Koki Market and upon arrival, the officers attempted to disperse an unruly crowd and mediate tensions between individuals involved in the altercation. However, during the intervention, a group of 8 men turned on the police, pelting stones and other objects at them. The attack resulted in damage to a police vehicle, with broken windows and dents from the impact with one officer sustained injuries to his arm and head due to the assault. Given the severity of the attack and the increasing disorder, law enforcement officials made the decision to temporarily shut down Koki Market until the 8 suspects are apprehended or brought to them by the community. This measure was intended to prevent further violence, allow investigations to proceed, and ensure public safety. MORNING CLASH BETWEEN TARI AND GOILALA COMMUNITIES The second incident was this morning, Wednesday April 2nd, when tensions escalated further when a violent confrontation broke out between members of the Tari and Goilala communities near Koki Market. Preliminary investigations suggest that the dispute may have stemmed from an unresolved disagreement from the previous evening. However, police are still working to determine the exact cause of the conflict. Eyewitnesses reported that the fight involved the use of bush knives, sticks, and stones. The altercation quickly attracted bystanders, leading to a chaotic scene that required immediate police intervention. Officers were deployed promptly and managed to restore order before the violence could escalate further. While there were no confirmed fatalities, one individual suffered minor injuries while trying to flee the scene. Police took statements from several witnesses and are working to identify those responsible for inciting the violence. Sergeant Andrew has emphasized the need for community members to cooperate with law enforcement to maintain peace and prevent further escalations. He warned against retaliation and urged residents to report any relevant information that could aid in the investigation. "We are committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will not tolerate acts of violence that endanger lives and disrupt public order," Sergeant Andrew stated. "Community leaders must step up and take active roles in fostering harmony within their respective groups." To address ongoing security concerns, local police have increased patrols around Koki Market and its surrounding areas and urging residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities or brewing tensions in their communities. Law enforcement is also encouraging peaceful dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. The situation at Koki Market continues to be closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as investigations progress.