The PG420: International and Regional Security unit at Divine Word University’s Madang campus perfectly showcases the institution's drive to produce work-ready graduates.This forward-thinking program pairs final-year Papua New Guinea and International Studies (PGIS) students with their peers from Communication Arts (CA) to research and launch strategic public awareness campaigns on critical national security threats, including food insecurity, corruption, border vulnerabilities, drug smuggling and other topics. Facilitated by Senior International Relations Lecturer Bernard S. Yegiora, students bridge academic theory and digital execution by building YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and group blogs. Rather than just writing traditional essays, groups translate complex national policies, like the Boe Declaration and international treaties, into engaging multimedia content, utilizing digital equipment to produce high-quality audio-visual pieces, live streams, and interactive polls. This real-world campaign doubles as a professional portfolio, with Mr. Yegiora urging students in the criteria to take pride in their digital footprint to boost their CVs in media publishing and strategic communication, a model that has already seen graduates transition into successful roles as digital disruptors and content creators. “Make sure to respond to comments made by your readers on your group blog…in a respectful manner. Some of the readers might be your future employers.” “Your work could be added to your resume or CV to showcase your communication skills or social media publishing experience...the content you create will showcase your skills and creativity.” Putting these ideas into action, a team of seven students: Cosmas Hafak, Damien Kingi, Anslem Nakin, Penuel Ben Wangu, Nina Marie Tibong, Twyla Yalu, Martha Yagama, and Olivia Alutao, has launched an urgent digital campaign. They are pushing the message across their own newly created pages (Borders & Beyond), while also sparking dialogue on the PNG Foreign Policy Community Facebook forum. Their focus targets the intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Abuse as critical threats to national stability. Backed by rigorous referencing from think-tanks, journals, and mainstream media, the team is mastering the technical side of content creation and audience engagement while fulfilling DWU’s core mission: amplifying a powerful public message that human rights abuses cannot be normalized, and that citizens must actively speak up to protect the future of Papua New Guinea and the region.

Stepping onto the stage at the YumiFM PNG Musik Awards last Saturday night was a deeply moving moment for Roman Kili.He was there to present the prestigious Justin Kili Award, marking exactly 20 years since his father pioneered the historic initiative. Moments before stepping into the spotlight, Roman thought about his father and how proud he would be to see how far the country's music scene has advanced. He also recalled the playful, perfectionist pressure his father used to put on the family. "Everyone that knew dad knew that he was some sort of a perfectionist. At that moment, before I walked out, all I could think of was how proud he would’ve been to see how far Music in PNG has come, oh and of course the 'don’t make me look bad in front of everyone'. Perfectionist I tell ya." Growing up with a cultural icon, the Kili children saw firsthand that music was more than just a job for their father; it was an all-consuming lifestyle. He worked tirelessly as a radio host, emcee, and journalist. Yet, at home, he remained a down-to-earth family man. It was only after he passed away in 2015 that his children truly realized the massive scale of his impact on the country. “We knew dad was an important person in the music industry, but it was not till we lost him back in 2015 that we realized what impact he truly had; he was just Dad, Uncle, Bubu, Papu to us.” Today, Justin Kili’s name remains securely anchored to the heart of PNG’s biggest music night. He shaped the local industry by creating the country's first music program, its first radio countdown, and its first music awards. He was a fierce advocate who believed all PNG music was fundamentally great, no matter the genre, and fought for artists to get the recognition they deserved. He even welcomed musicians into the family home for his Glassim Musik Wantaim JK articles, sharing local delicacies like mumu or aigir during the interviews. This open-minded philosophy still guides the Kili family today. Seeing the vibrant crowd and the influx of fresh, young talent last Saturday proved that his long-term vision has fully come to life, held together by the high standards he championed. The Kili family highly praised the ongoing management and staff of PNGFM for keeping those meticulous benchmarks alive. “Dad always made sure everything was done to the highest standard. I commend the management and staff of PNGFM for continuing to uphold that standard and carry his vision forward." Roman further shared with PNG Haus Bung the simple rule his father lived by, “Something dad used to tell us was ‘If you’re not doing your best, you’re not trying’. I think that is something everyone can take in on a personal level. Older PNG artists' music styles were influenced by JK in some way.” This spirit was beautifully illustrated when legendary artists Sharzy and Anslom Nakikus, both close friends of Justin Kili, shared the stage once more in a perfect tribute to his legacy. “I hope the next music awards is even bigger and better. It was great to see Sharzy and Anslom sharing the stage again. Those were two of dad’s good friends, he influenced their music a lot, I’m sure they would agree."

“Lewa!” shouted Freddy Black of YumiFM, as a massive crowd enthusiastically chanted back “AJ!” during a lively meet-and-greet event at Rangeview Mall, today.The event was part of the Lae Biscuit Company’s promotional tour for its brand ambassador, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Alex Johnston. The tour marks the launch of several new products, including coconut and chocolate cookies under the Lewa brand, alongside the Gutpla Kakaruk – Yumi Yet two-minute noodles. Johnston did not travel alone. He brought along two of his Rabbitohs teammates, Sean Keppie and Peter Mamouzelos, to meet local fans in Papua New Guinea (PNG). For Mamouzelos, who plays hooker and dummy-half for the Rabbitohs, it was his first time visiting the country. He expressed his gratitude to the crowd, noting how much he appreciated the warm welcome and open arms of the PNG public. His teammate Keppie, a powerhouse prop, noted that this was his second visit to PNG and thanked the locals for always making them feel at home. “Thank you for welcoming us with open arms; we really appreciate it.” To gain exclusive access to a private, one-on-one meet- and- greet with the NRL stars, fans registered by purchasing at least one carton of the new Lewa coconut or chocolate cookies. Francis Chow from the Lae Biscuit Company spoke at the event, explaining that when consumers buy Lae Biscuit products, they are directly supporting community initiatives. He noted that these sales help the company give back to local communities and create opportunities to bring elite athletes like Johnston, Keppie, and Mamouzelos to meet the public. The crowd was kept entertained throughout the day with performances by well-known local dancers and personalities, including Pia from YumiFM, Nelson Kokoa from the Resistance Crew, and Lexxy from NauFM. 

Papua New Guinea’s maritime sector marked International Day for Women in Maritime this week by honoring the female professionals transforming the nation’s ports.Globally, women represent less than 20 per cent of the seafaring workforce despite shipping accounting for over 80 per cent of world trade. For PNG, a nation boasting one of the Pacific's longest coastlines, bridging this divide is vital for economic and community resilience, as empowering women inherently fortifies the entire industry. This year’s International Maritime Organization theme, “From Policy to Practice: advancing gender equality for maritime excellence,” underscores a real-time shift across PNG, where women are increasingly commanding leadership and technical roles in engineering, business development, safety, and project management. The celebrations spotlighted these achievements while reinforcing the need for an inclusive workplace culture that champions career advancement and skill development. Embodying this momentum, Lae Industrial Park Manager for Projects for PNG Ports Corporation Limited Ms. Eunice Dalton, said that leading project works at Lae Industrial Park, is not where many people would have pictured a woman from PNG a generation ago. “Today, it is part of the job. My focus is delivering the work safely and on time, and every project I lead also tells the next generation of women that this sector is theirs too.” This progress is actively supported by a Joint Implementation Unit between the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and PNG Ports Corporation Limited, which provides targeted training and career opportunities, including key roles within the Kimbe Port Rehabilitation Project in West New Britain Province. Moving forward, the PNG-Australia Partnership remains dedicated to investing in the professional development and institutional framework necessary to sustain a diverse, highly skilled port workforce.

The shores of Port Moresby have welcomed back a visitor as the MV Doulos Hope makes its second appearance this year.The crew decided to return after seeing how eager Port Moresby residents were to learn and purchase books during their first trip earlier this year. Currently docked at the Main T Wharf Berth Downtown, the ship opened its doors to local residents on May 9 and will remain in Port Moresby until May 27. Speaking with PNG Haus Bung, Doulos Hope Communications Department Head, Vale Rios Galindo, said the crew is made up of 100 volunteers from 35 nationalities from all walks of life. She introduced Doulos Hope as belonging to a family of fleets that have bookfairs. These floating libraries are operated by the German company, GBA (Gute Bücher für Alle). “We have operated for over 50 years and we just so excited to see people coming on board and visiting our ships.” She explained that there are two vessels operating at the moment, with their sister ship, MV Logos Hope, currently en route to the Netherlands. She further added, “we have three goals: to share knowledge, help and hope.” Galindo noted that local enthusiasm for their 2,000-title collection was so strong during the first visit that the crew felt compelled to return. Before arriving in Port Moresby, the vessel toured Southeast Asia. MV Duolos Hope will next set sail for other ports in the country, including Rabaul, Madang, Kavieng, and Lae. The ship is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 7pm until May 27.

Residents in Port Moresby should be glad to know that the city’s food scene has just got an upgrade.Yesterday evening, May 17, 2026, Crust by 77 officially opened its doors, inviting a small, lively crowd of guests including Port Moresby’s content creators for an exclusive first taste. The menu splits into crowd-pleasing Classics like Pepperoni, Triple Cheese, and Meat Lover, alongside bolder Creative options like Gamberetti and White Chicago. For sides, you can grab honey garlic chicken wings, kaukau chips, and fresh salad options. Rubbing shoulders at the launch were local social media favorites Ugliest_Angraa (Xavier Ableson), WildchildJae (Jennifer Tan), PNG4Realz’s Klenneth Pombo, and Matt Hatter, who all gave a quick nod to the surprisingly affordable prices. While the Sweet Soy Chicken was an instant hit, the real talk of the night was the dough. Pizza in Port Moresby often leans toward the heavy, dense side, but Crust by 77 is changing the game with a sourdough base. It’s light, airy, and doesn't leave you feeling bloated. Guests also loved the open-kitchen setup, which lets you watch the chefs work their magic in real time. The feedback from the creators wrapped up the night perfectly. “The service is really good...I was surprised by the pizza. I love that it’s an open kitchen, and you could just really see what’s going on in the background. I’m so excited that we have something like this in Port Moresby. Something different,” WildChildJae commented. The appreciation for the authentic setup didn't stop there. “One thing I really like about the place is the way they make the food,” PNG4Realz noted. You don’t taste it and feel like it came out of a box. You taste it and you know that someone’s hands made it.” Ugliest Angraa was just as impressed, adding, “The overall experience of this place; the food, the staff, the interior of it, a solid 10 out of 10. Come see it for yourselves. The food is actually quite affordable as well…I would recommend Crust by 77.” For Matt Hatter, the spicier side of the menu stole the show. “The food was on point, especially the chicken; the chili mayo chicken, is to die for. You could come here just to get that.” Bringing it all together was the manager, Jeff, who already runs Kofi by 77. He was stoked to share the experience with PNG's TikTokers and guests, making it clear that everyone is welcome, and his team is ready to bring a fresh taste and a brand-new culinary atmosphere to the city.

Out of the ruins of a family home, East New Britain native Clyde Dickson has forged a path toward economic independence with the launch of Dust Mangi Welding Works. A 2022 graduate of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Dickson’s journey to entrepreneurship was paved with setbacks, including over 100 failed job applications. His resolve was further tested earlier this year when village fighting resulted in the total loss of his family property to fire. Rather than succumbing to the devastation, Dickson leveraged his background in Maintenance Fitting and Machining to transform his backyard into a hub of industry. Operating with limited tools and the mentorship of his father (a veteran mining welder), Dickson now produces custom ovens, baking trays, brick moulds, and cooking stands. The business name, "Dust Mangi," serves as a tribute to the "ordinary person" who persists despite having little, building something from nothing. The venture has quickly evolved into a community lifeline. Dickson currently mentors six unemployed youths from the Kokopo and the Gazelle Districts, providing hands-on training in metal fabrication and workplace safety. He noted that the young men include vocational graduates and students currently upgrading their secondary education. Since taking his products to social media, Dickson has attracted interest from customers across Papua New Guinea. While the business still lacks a formal workspace following the devastating fire, Dickson remains focused on expanding his equipment and creating more openings for young tradespeople. “Take the first step,” Dickson encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs. “Small steps taken consistently can lead you to places your dreams have quietly been waiting for.” Interested customers can find the business on Facebook under Dust Mangi Welding Works.

Round 2 of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination campaign is currently underway in Port Moresby for women of childbearing age.While the initiative began last year, the second round was delayed as health authorities responded to the Type 2 Polio emergency. The current rollout marks the return of Round 2 of the tetanus vaccination program. Yesterday, a team from the St. Therese Urban Clinic in Hohola, visited PNGFM Limited to provide tetanus vaccinations to eligible staff of childbearing age. Led by Clinic Manager Sr. Dorina, the team also administered polio vaccines as part of Polio Round 3 Supplementary Immunization Activities, following the campaign’s launch at Metoreia Urban Health Centre in Port Moresby last month. “We have targeted women of childbearing age because tetanus is often linked to unclean conditions and dirty instruments.” “If a young woman becomes pregnant and is not protected, she can be exposed to tetanus during childbirth.” Although there has been a strong turnout at mobile vaccination sites set up across the city, greater awareness is needed to encourage more women to get the tetanus shot. Furthermore, Sr. Dorina noted that women appear to respond more positively to mobile vaccination sites set up within their own communities.

Today, Butuka Academy in Port Moresby city hosted a special ceremony to distribute free prescription glasses to students, marking a step forward for local youth health.‎Organized by the Laila Foundation, the event was made possible through a collaboration with Eye Care (a subsidiary of Pacific International Hospital), Charity Vision International, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Essilor Luxottica Foundation.‎This initiative is a major milestone for a vision care program launched on World Eyesight Day, October 9th, 2025.‎The project was designed to tackle preventable vision impairment among school-aged children throughout Port Moresby city.‎Director of Laila Foundation, Dr. Amyna Sultan, noted that so far, the program has conducted comprehensive eye screenings for a total of 4,172 students across 8 schools.‎Students diagnosed with refractive errors are now receiving custom-made prescription glasses at no cost, an intervention intended to boost their education and overall well-being.‎Following a screening session conducted by the Laila Foundation at Butuka Academy last week, the first group of students received their glasses today.‎In total, 19 students now have the gift of clearer vision thanks to the foundation and its partners.‎Florendo Tuguinay, Director of Butuka Academy, highlighted the long-term impact of the program, stating, "This means a lot to them. Most of them will be able to read. If they're able to understand lessons, then they will perform better in their classrooms. At the same time, this kind of program opportunity will encourage them to do more in their studies; and who knows, some of them will be encouraged to be an eye specialist in the future." 

Over the weekend, Caroline Suckling, affectionately known as Mama Carol, urged Papua New Guinean families to break the silence surrounding health issues like cervical cancer. While co-hosting the Mother’s Day Charity Music Festival with Izabell Druma, Mama Carol explained that vaccines for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are readily available at both private and public hospitals across PNG. HPV is a common infection spread through sexual contact which can lead to cervical cancer. She encouraged women to prioritize early screenings and check-ups, noting that these life-saving services are also offered free of charge at hospitals across the country. The event featured a powerful video testimony from Melissa Kivung, who describes herself as a cancer thriver (not simply a survivor), and stressed the importance of proactive health checks. “Screening isn’t just a test; it’s a lifeline. Screening is cheaper than treatment costs. Your health is your wealth. Early detection screening saves lives; I’m a living proof,” Kivung shared. Every year, an average of 1,060 women in PNG are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and between 600 and 650 lose their lives to the disease. Mama Carol described these figures as unacceptably high, especially since HPV vaccines are free. She argued that there is no room for shame when it comes to survival. Speaking in Tok Pisin, she stated, “Noken hait na noken sem lo wokim disla toktok ples klia insait lo haus blo yupla; bikos sapos yumi no toktok, hau bai yumi save lo stretim yumi yet na behainim wokabaut lo sidaun stret bihain?” She further challenged families to engage with the younger generation. “Yumi mas actively participate in conversations with our children (whether they are male or female),” she noted. By fostering open dialogue, families can equip themselves with the knowledge needed for early detection and prevention. As Mama Carol concluded, “It’s not a time to be ashamed of tumbuna pasin or tumbuna toktok anymore. Yumi abrusim disla mak pinis. There is no shame in doing this. Life is too important.”

GFAM, the powerhouse dance crew from Gordon International School in Port Moresby city, set the stage on fire today at the Mother’s Day Charity Music Festival. ‎Performing at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, GFAM took the chance to show the local crowd exactly how they made history last year as they took home first place in the Junior Division at the 2025 House of Champions in Brisbane. ‎Theodore Towalila, the school’s dance coach, explained that the event was a perfect platform for the emerging dance crew. ‎"We took part to give exposure to our students, having the opportunity showcase their talent. Not only that, it's for a good cause; to support all the women out there, behind awe Are One Foundation." ‎The festival combined high-energy entertainment with a heartfelt tribute to mothers, proving that GFAM has as much heart as they do rhythm.

The We Are One Foundation officially hosted its Mother’s Day Charity Music Festival today, a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the matriarchs of Papua New Guinea (PNG) while championing a vital cause.‎All funds raised from the event will go directly toward patient care at the Cervical Cancer Screening Center at the Port Moresby General Hospital.‎The line-up featured a powerful mix of local and international talent.‎Making a special trip for the event, is Australia-based PNG artist Chris Cobb who flew in alongside his protégé, Henry Catania.‎For Cobb, the journey was deeply personal.‎He noted that traveling from Australia was a small gesture compared to the importance of giving back to the women of PNG in their fight against cervical cancer.‎Cobb shared a moving tribute, saying in tok pisin, "Ol mama, ol susa, na ol meri blo yumi ba karim future generation blo yumi."‎The gates opened at 2:00 pm, welcoming a sea of families from across the city.‎As the sun begins to set over the stadium, the celebration continues, with the final notes scheduled to ring out at 8:00 pm.‎Between the soaring vocals and the community spirit, today wasn't just a concert; it was a powerful stand for the health and future of PNG’s mothers and women.