For six decades, the PNG Institute of Banking & Business Management (IBBM) has stood at the forefront of professional development and business education in Papua New Guinea.
From the institution’s humble beginnings to becoming the nation’s premiere leadership and training institution, IBBM has continuously evolved to meet the needs of PNG’s people, industries, and the economy.
IBBM celebrated this milestone alongside their 71st graduation ceremony on 30th May 2025. CEO Ms Susil Nelson Kongoi said during her speech: “This Diamond Jubilee is more than a celebration of longevity – it is reaffirmation of our commitment to shaping future-ready leaders and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”
With Papua New Guinea celebrating its 50 years of independence, institutions like IBBM have been producing leaders that have shaped PNG’s last 50 years and are now ready for the next 50 years.
The keynote address by Ms. Winnie Kiap CBE highlighted the need for quality education in shaping Papua New Guinea’s future.
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth -- so as an aspect of statecraft, education is an old craft. It is for us to acknowledge its relevance to life and progress and that is what IBBM is doing - empowering agents of good governance, justice and progress,” Ms Kiap said.
She reminded the audience that the root of PNG’s strength “lies in knowledge, unity and the unshakable belief that education is a nation-building force.”
The inspirational address by IBBM’s MBA Alumni, Mr Amos Tepi, the CEO of Telikom PNG, also echoed the nation building sentiments with embracing the institution’s legacy.
“A nation disconnected from its roots becomes a stranger to itself. But people who embrace their legacy stand tall, not just at a global stage but in their own souls,” he said.
This challenged the graduands that to become future leaders every young person should learn their history, speak their languages, and know the names of those who made it possible for them to sit here today.
His call to action was that “the future does not belong to those who complain but to those who build,” encouraging the next generation of nation builders for PNG’s next 50 years.
IBBM celebrated the graduation of 40 students in the Class of 2024, marking achievements across a range of business and leadership programs.
Graduands earned qualifications in the Master of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Business Information Systems, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Project Management, Certificate IV in Leadership & Management, and the Certificate in Professional Banking Fundamentals.
These programs are delivered in collaboration with Torrens University Australia, Lyons College, and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, reflecting IBBM’s commitment to providing internationally benchmarked education that empowers Papua New Guineans to lead, innovate, and drive national progress.
Mrs. Davara Roga, from the Bank of South Pacific Financial Group, was named the 2024 Chairperson’s Medal recipient in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement in the MBA program.
In her acceptance speech, she credited the program’s flexibility for her success, stating: “The program’s structure—eight core subjects like Strategic Management, Dynamic Leadership, and Financial Management, paired with relevant electives—was both comprehensive and future-focused.”
“Its flexible delivery made it possible for working professionals like myself to stay committed, despite life’s many demands,” she said, as her story exemplified the power of accessible, professionally aligned education.
Ms. Deborah Puka, recipient of the Dux Award for the Bachelor of Business program, reflected on the transformational impact of her studies, stating that the course significantly enhanced her skills in job readiness, report writing, time management, adaptability, and flexibility.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I am truly grateful,” she shared, as her journey was a powerful testament to how quality education not only builds individual capacity but also equips future leaders to actively contribute to nation-building.
As PNG continues to grow, so does IBBM. The institution is committed to nation-building by providing quality higher education, corporate training, and supporting local content through our Enterprise Centre’s supplier management portal.
As it celebrates 60 years of service aloongside PNG’s golden jubilee of independence, IBBM embraces its legacy and look forward to shaping the next 50 years.
