A total of 319 students graduated from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University during its sixth graduation ceremony in Port Moresby, marking a significant milestone for the institution as it gains official government recognition and new financial support.Apart from the 319 graduates also saw the celebration of 19 graduates from Southern Cross University, highlighting IBSU’s growing academic partnerships and expanding role in higher education in Papua New Guinea. Graduates received qualifications across a range of programs, including Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics and Development Studies, and Information Technology. The diversity reflects the university’s focus on building practical skills for a changing workforce. IBS University Chancellor Mrs. Auvita Rapilla, told graduates that their achievement represents a transition into a new phase of responsibility, not the end of their journey. “You leave this institution not only with qualifications but also with the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the development of Papua New Guinea and beyond,” she said. She encouraged the graduates to carry discipline, integrity, and courage into their future careers, reminding them that the path ahead will be shaped by their choices and actions. The event also marked a major turning point for the university itself. Earlier this year, IBS University was officially recognised by the government as a higher education institution, a move that validates its long-standing operations and academic standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Kinoka Feo, acknowledged the institution’s achievement, noting that it has operated independently for decades without government funding. “IBS University has shown strong leadership and governance by sustaining itself over the years while continuing to deliver quality education,” he said. In a major announcement, the Minister confirmed that the government will provide K5 million to support infrastructure development at the university. “We want the university to expand, build more classrooms, and improve its facilities. This is also a gesture of support for the many years it has operated independently.” The funding is expected to support the country’s broader education reforms, particularly the 1-6-6 system, which aims to increase student progression to Grade 12 and create more space in tertiary institutions. As more students complete secondary education, the demand for university placements continues to grow, placing pressure on existing institutions. IBS University’s expansion is seen as part of the solution, helping to create more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans to access higher education. The graduation ceremony not only celebrated academic success but also reflected a wider shift in the country’s education landscape, where private institutions are playing an increasingly important role.

Fiji’s Ishani Singh turned a powerful performance into a moment of compassion, dedicating her Player of the Match award to people back home affected by Cyclone Vaianu.Singh delivered a match winning effort in the opening game of the ICC Under 19 World Cup East Asia Qualifier against the PNG Siales. The young fast bowler claimed four wickets and helped guide Fiji to a narrow two wicket victory over the home side. Her bowling set the tone early, as PNG Siales were dismissed for 40 runs in 12 overs. Fiji later chased down the target under pressure, finishing at 8 for 41 in less than eight overs to secure the win. But it was her words after the match that stood out most. “It’s really an honour receiving this award, and I dedicate this to everyone back home. I wish everyone safety during this cyclone,” she said. PNG Siales batters struggled to handle Singh’s pace and control. Top batter Rollie Aiva said the challenge was something new for the team. “Her bowling was fast and difficult. She really gave us a hard time on the pitch,” she said. Despite the early setback, PNG showed heart in the field, taking eight wickets and pushing Fiji all the way. Head coach Jason Kila praised the team’s effort and spirit. “I was pretty impressed with the girls’ fielding,” he said. While Fiji celebrated the win, Singh’s gesture reminded everyone that sport is bigger than the scoreboard. In a moment of victory, she chose to stand with her people, turning a personal achievement into a message of care, strength, and unity.

The growing presence of Papua New Guinea rugby league players in England’s competitions is shaping early expectations for the PNG Chiefs as they prepare for their NRL debut in 2028. PNG players are gaining valuable experience in competitions like the Betfred Championship, with clubs such as the London Broncos actively developing Kumuls talent. Young players including Morea Morea, Alex Max, Finley Glare, Elliot Wallis, and Robert Mathias are emerging as key prospects. They are joined by experienced internationals such as Nene Macdonald, currently with St Helens and set to join the London Broncos, and Lachlan Lam, who plays for the Leigh Leopards. This overseas experience is expected to pave the way for spots in the Chiefs’ 2028 squad. The appointment of Super League-winning coach Willie Peters, who led Hull KR to major success, has put the spotlight on how this overseas-based talent can strengthen the future team. PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas said the focus is not on a lack of talent, but on identifying and developing players effectively. “We have no shortage of quality players,” he said, emphasizing the importance of tapping into overseas experience and professional systems. Chammas highlighted Peters’ knowledge of the Super League as a strong advantage in identifying emerging PNG talent. “His knowledge of the league is second to none,” he added. The experience gained by PNG players overseas is not only technical but also mental, with structured competitions preparing them for the demands of the NRL. For Kumuls star Nene Macdonald, representing Papua New Guinea remains a powerful motivation. “It’s always an advantage playing here in PNG. The atmosphere helps you play better,” he said, reflecting on the unique energy of home support during the 2025 Pacific Championship. As preparations for the 2028 NRL season continue, the influence of England’s rugby league system is becoming clear. With international experience, local passion, and strategic leadership, the PNG Chiefs are building a pathway to a competitive and representative team for their NRL debut.

A strong turnout marked the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball Competition on Easter Monday, with players, families, and supporters filling the Taurama Aquatic Centre for round seven of the tournament. Despite the public holiday, organisers were met with an unexpected crowd, creating an energetic atmosphere that added excitement to the day’s matches. Teams competing in the competition were supported by colleagues, friends, and families, giving the event a lively and competitive edge. Treasurer of the competition, Kathrine Hauda, said they were surprised by the level of participation. “We thought during Easter there wouldn’t be many teams and players turning up, but it was a good turnout,” she said. Now in its seventh round, the competition is beginning to take shape, with top teams from previous seasons starting to regain momentum after a slow start. Their return to form is setting the stage for a more competitive second half of the season. At the same time, new teams are beginning to show potential, catching the attention of organizers as they build confidence and improve their performance. However, with more rounds still to be played, the competition remains open. “We are starting to see new teams picking up strength, but it’s still early and we are watching closely,” she said. Organizers say the growing turnout reflects increasing interest in the competition, which continues to provide a platform for workers to engage in sport, build teamwork, and promote healthy lifestyles. Hauda also reminded participants and supporters to maintain professionalism during matches, noting that the competition is a work-related sporting activity. “Work is work and sport is sport. This is a space to relax and build sportsmanship, but we still expect everyone to be professional,” she said. With strong support and rising competition, the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball Competition is building momentum, promising more intense matches as the season progresses.

PNG Power Limited (PPL) has entered the final phase of its Easipay system restoration advancing long term infrastructure upgrades to modernize electricity vending services and reduce reliance on third party vendors. Full access for all remaining third-party agents will be restored once system stability is confirmed marking a major step in strengthening national infrastructure. The Chief Executive Officer of PPL Mr. Paul Bayly, highlighted the actions taken during the restoration process. “As of tonight, we will be making progress as we are taking decisive actions to ensure this situation does not occur again,” he said whilst acknowledging the disruption caused to families, businesses, and communities during the outage. Mr. Bayly commended the engineers, technicians and information specialists who worked tirelessly to stabilize the system. A key measure in the final phase is the transition of Easipay servers to a PNG based data center Bayly explained the importance of this move. “It will strengthen reliability, improve responsiveness, enhance data security, and ensure that sensitive customer information remains within Papua New Guinea.” He added that these steps also reduce dependence on offshore vendors and retain more economic value within the country. Alongside the server transition, PPL is also upgrading older seven-digit meters to modern 11- digit meters. “The 11- digit meters are important because they will provide stronger security better reliability compatibility with modern vending systems and improve service to customers.” He stated that customers with the old meters are expected to regain full access within hours. Meanwhile, significant investment has supported these upgrades as Kumul Consolidated Holdings contributed K1.4 million for the installation of the PPL Oracle ERP system which underpins both Easipay recovery and broader business continuity planning. Mr. Bayly emphasized that these reforms are designed to prevent outages like the recent one while improving database integrity and transaction monitoring. Furthermore, he praised and commended all staff dedication during this restoration process as many have worked tirelessly. “Many have worked through the Easter week and weekend day and night to restore services and support customers.” “Their commitment reflects the seriousness in which we treat this issue and our responsibility to the people of Papua New Guinea.” With these measures PPL is not only restoring Easipay services, but also establishing a more resilient and modern platform Customers can expect improved service reliability faster response times and safer access to electricity tokens nationwide.

The Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power Limited (PPL), Mr. Paul Bayly, confirmed in a Press Conference today that no customer will lose money, following recent system disruptions, emphasizing that every transaction remains recorded and fully recoverable. Mr. Bayly underscored the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability during the restoration process. “Let me be clear, no customer will lose their money. Every transaction is recorded and every token is recoverable,” he stated. PNG Power has successfully stabilized its Easipay system following a nationwide outage, with full restoration expected in the coming days. The outage disrupted electricity top-ups across homes and businesses, causing inconvenience for thousands of customers. The outage revealed vulnerabilities tied to the system’s previous management by third-party providers. In response, PPL is transitioning the Easipay system and its data to a Papua New Guinea-based data centre. “This transition is essential. It will strengthen reliability, improve responsiveness, enhance data security, and ensure that sensitive customer information stays in Papua New Guinea.” Over the past 48 hours, PPL engineers and technical teams have worked tirelessly to restore services for the third-party vending partners, including BSP Online, Digicel, and Interlink have resumed transactions under a phased reopening plan, ensuring system stability as access expands. Full service for all agents is expected within two weeks and engineers are monitoring transaction volumes and backend performance to prevent further disruptions. Customer support remains a top priority as PPL launched the Easipay Token Relief Portal to assist customers who paid during the outage but did not receive tokens. The digital portal allows users to register their meter numbers and retrieve missing tokens, with over 100 successful recoveries recorded so far. The national call center is proactively contacting affected customers to ensure all tokens are recovered. Meanwhile, the company is also upgrading old seven-digit meters to 11-digit units, addressing limited token combinations and outdated vendor support. The new meters are designed to improve security, reliability, and compatibility with modern vending systems. Customers with seven-digit meters who were previously unable to access tokens will have full access restored within hours. The transition also reduces reliance on offshore vendors and retains more economic value in the country. To support these modernization efforts, Kumul Consolidated Holdings has invested K1.4 million to support the installation of the PPL Oracle ERP system and broader recovery initiatives, reinforcing the company’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance service delivery. Mr. Bayly praised the dedication of PPL staff, many of whom worked around the clock during the Easter period to restore services. “We are committed to improving our systems and delivering a stronger, more reliable Easipay platform for the future,” he said, acknowledging the hard work and resilience of engineers, technicians, and customer support teams. As PNG Power moves forward, the company remains focused on building a robust, secure, and customer-centric Easipay system that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving electricity market while safeguarding the interests of Papua New Guineans.

A new direction for netball in the country, as Netball PNG now aims to meet international standards by building development pathways for a future franchise. At the launch of the Butterfly Netball League at Sir John Guise Stadium on 29th March, Netball PNG President Ulato Avei said the board has taken steps to change the direction of netball in the country. This is to create an environment with intensive training to help players grow and be competitive enough for national selection. “And we have taken that bold move to bring seriousness to both athletic performance and administration,” she said. This follows plans by the netball board to put systems and processes in place this year to build a strong foundation. The aim is to bring out the best in athletes and officials, with a vision of creating a franchise in the future. “If rugby league can do it through the Digicel Cup, then we are hoping netball can take that direction as well,” Avei said. The Butterfly Netball League has been created to improve competition in the sport. The league has selected top players from competitions around the country and placed them into four teams: Island Monarch, Sepik Green Moon, Alexandra Birdwing, and Blue Mountain Swallowtail. Avei also highlighted the importance of sponsorship, saying young players need strong support to reach this level. “It is a dream that every young girl has in netball, but that dream can only come true if we have serious sponsorship,” she said. For the sport to meet international standards, there must be a strong national development pathway to support young talent. Sponsorship helps grow these pathways, similar to how the Digicel Cup has helped players move on to the Hostplus Cup. “That is why I am appealing to all sponsors. The main sponsor should be the Government of Papua New Guinea, followed by private sponsors,” she said. She also noted the need for better support in terms of gender equality, saying netball does not receive enough attention despite being a female-dominated sport, compared to rugby league. She called for equal recognition and support for all sports.

With the 2028 NRL season getting closer, the PNG Chiefs have made a strong move, naming former NRL star and coach Willie Peters as their new head coach, a decision that already feels bigger than just football. Peters arrives with a reputation that is hard to ignore. Over in England with Hull KR Rovers, he did not just coach, he made history. In his first season, he pushed the club into a Challenge Cup final and made the regular season top four in 2023. Not long after, just last year, he led the club to break a forty-year drought to lift the Super League trophy, before backing it up with a statement win over the Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge. For Lorna McPherson, the CEO of the PNG Chiefs, the moment carries real weight not just for the club, but for what is being built behind the scenes. She described it as a proud and historic step forward, adding that the club is not only bringing in a top-level coach, but someone whose passion for the game, culture, and leadership stands out. "It is a historic day and something that I am really proud of. It is another step in the right direction where we are going as well. And not only that, we have got an amazing, amazing coach, one that many other clubs were looking at as well." While the spotlight is on the coach, work is already happening off the field, with the club beginning to build its foundation, recruiting staff, setting systems, and preparing for what lies ahead. General Manager Michael Chammas made it clear that this role goes beyond tactics and game plans. For him, this job comes in three parts: football, the responsibility to unite the country, and the reality of building a team that will live and grow together. He pointed to Peters' record overseas as proof of what he brings but stressed that success here will be measured in more than just wins. “This is not just about coaching. It is about bringing the country together and building something people can believe in.” For Kumuls legend Stanley Gene, the timing feels right. With young talent rising and pathways now in place, he believes the pieces are finally coming together. What is needed now is the right leader to guide it, and in his eyes, that is exactly what the Chiefs have found. "For a coach who has won everything there in a short space of time, he expects success wherever he goes. He has had his show at Hull KR and he is not going to be shy saying this team is going to be competitive." As the road to 2028 continues, this team is no longer just preparing to enter the NRL; they are shaping the team’s identity in PNG.

Hula Village is preparing to mark 150 years since the arrival of Christian missionaries, a moment that shaped the faith, culture, and identity of its people. The United Church anniversary will be held from June 23 to 28, 2026, at Hula along the Hood Peninsula, bringing together community members from across Papua New Guinea and overseas. The milestone commemorates the arrival of Reverend Dr. William George Lawes of the London Missionary Society in 1876, when he first made contact with the Hula community. That moment is widely seen as the beginning of major social and spiritual change in the village. Church and community leaders officially launched preparations on March 28 at the original missionary landing site, marking the start of months of planning for the historic event. Pastor Kila’apae Walo of Morris Nixon Memorial Church described the anniversary as a defining moment. “This is a very historical event connected to the faith of our people,” he said. “We are calling all Hula sons and daughters, wherever they are, to come home and be part of this celebration.” He said the arrival of Christianity in 1876 introduced not only religion, but also education and new ways of living that helped shape Hula into what it is today. A key highlight of the celebration will be the renewal of a covenant first made in 1909, when village leaders formally committed to the Christian faith. “We believe that covenant must be re-established so future generations continue to walk in its blessings,” Pastor Walo said. Support for the event is also being coordinated with NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank, who is of Hula heritage. He said the anniversary is not only about remembering the past but also protecting the future. “This is not just a village event, it is our shared history,” he said. A research group formed in 2024, led by University of Papua New Guinea history lecturer Keimelo Gima, has been documenting Hula’s genealogy, church history, and cultural stories. The project combines oral history with old records, including newspaper archives from the 1800s. “History helps us understand who we are and where we are going,” Mr. Gima said. As part of preparations, a fundraising dinner will be held on May 2 at Sir John Guise Stadium aiming to raise about K350,000 to support the five-day event. Mr. Frank says the anniversary is a call for unity, inviting people from all provinces who have ties to Hula to return and reconnect with their roots. With 150 years marking a rare milestone, organizers believe the celebration carries deep meaning beyond the present generation. “We may not see 200 years,” Mr. Frank said, “but what we do now will shape the stories our children tell in the future.” The week-long program will include church services, cultural activities, and historical presentations, reflecting both the spiritual journey and the cultural strength of the Hula people.

Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma, has praised the partnership behind the country’s first sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre, describing it as a strategic collaboration that will shape the country’s digital future. Speaking at the launch on March 27 at the Hilton Hotel & Residents in Port Moresby, Minister Duma acknowledged the joint effort between Telikom PNG, Datec PNG, and CloudSigma, saying the initiative reflects strong coordination between state-owned enterprises and private sector partners. “This partnership reflects a combined strategy between government entities and SOEs working together for the country,” he said. He then framed the project as more than just a technological rollout, emphasizing its deeper national significance. “This is not just a launch. This is about sovereignty.” He explained that sovereign AI ensures data generated within Papua New Guinea across government systems and businesses, remains within the country, rather than being stored offshore. “This is about our data staying within our borders. It is about national security and national power.” The Minister noted that local data control will lead to more efficient and reliable services, with AI-driven systems expected to improve how government and businesses operate. He added that the infrastructure will play a key role in strengthening the country’s digital independence while creating long-term benefits for future generations. “This is an investment not just for today, but for the generations to come.”

Papua New Guinea has taken a major step into the digital future with the launch of a sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre, a move aimed at strengthening national control over data, improving security, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation. Speaking at the launch on 27th March at Hilton Hotel & Residents in Port Moresby, Amos Tepi, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telikom PNG, said the initiative marks a turning point in how the country manages its digital infrastructure. “For many years, our data has been stored offshore and tonight, that changes,” he said. Tepi emphasized that the new facility ensures data generated within PNG is stored locally, giving the country greater control over its information systems and reducing reliance on foreign infrastructure. He described the data centre as a foundation for national security and digital sovereignty, allowing government agencies, businesses, and institutions to operate within a secure, locally managed environment. Beyond security, the platform is designed to support flexible digital solutions, including hybrid cloud systems that allow organizations to keep sensitive data on-site while still accessing scalable cloud services. A key feature of the centre is its Artificial Intelligence capability, which Tepi said will allow businesses and government departments to develop customized AI solutions tailored to local needs. “AI is not one-size-fits-all. Every industry has its own needs, and this platform allows us to build solutions that are truly our own,” he said. The project also aligns with broader government priorities, including digital identity systems, financial inclusion, and improved access to online services nationwide. Meanwhile, Preetam Taludar, Acting CEO of Datec PNG, described the launch as a transformative moment for the country’s digital landscape. He pointed to global trends, noting that many countries are now prioritizing control over their citizens’ data, referencing international frameworks like General Data Protection Regulation, which emphasize data ownership and protection. Taludar said the country is now moving in the same direction building not just infrastructure, but digital independence. “This is about ensuring that our data belongs to us, and that we have the systems to manage it securely,” he said. The sovereign AI data centre is expected to support government services, enable local innovation, and position Papua New Guinea to better compete in an increasingly digital global economy. Furthermore, officials say the platform will also create opportunities for local developers, businesses, and institutions to build and scale digital solutions within the country marking a shift from being technology consumers to active creators.

Prime Minister James Marape has called on Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) 284 newest police recruits to serve with discipline, loyalty, and purpose, as he laid out a long-term vision for a stronger national force during the passing-out parade at the National Centre of Excellence Bomana in Port Moresby yesterday.Addressing 284 graduating recruits of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Marape reminded them that policing is not just a job but a lifelong duty to protect the nation. “Be loyal not to tribe, not to family, but first and foremost to your country,” he said. The Prime Minister framed their graduation as a historic moment, coming just after the country’s 50th anniversary, telling recruits they are part of a generation that will shape the country’s future. He challenged them to look ahead to the year 2075 when PNG marks 100 years of independence and reflect on the legacy they will leave behind. “I want you to look back in 2075 and say you helped secure this nation,” Marape said. Laying out the government’s broader vision, Marape reiterated plans to significantly expand the police force, with a long-term goal of building a force capable of effectively serving a population of 10 million Papua New Guinean Citizens. He said this growth will be matched with improved conditions, including a review of police salaries, insurance, and support systems for officers injured in the line of duty. “Our country needs men and women who are not in love with themselves, but in love with their country,” he added. Marape also acknowledged the sacrifices required in policing, urging the recruits to rise above personal interests and commit fully to national service. The Prime Minister’s address positioned the new constables not just as law enforcers, but as guardians of the Constitution and the country’s unity that are tasked with carrying Papua New Guinea forward into its next 50 years.