With urban migration putting increased pressure on housing in centres such as Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen and Kokopo, Nasfund has reintroduced its virtual member education sessions this August.
The move underscores the Fund’s commitment to digital innovation while responding proactively to members’ concerns.
Running throughout the month, the free online sessions focus specifically on the Housing Advance product. The initiative has already generated strong engagement, with recent campaign data showing that 63% of participants are requesting longer discussions and additional resources.
Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma, who also serves as president of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG), said the Fund’s digital innovation must be supported by practical and modernised legislation.
“The feedback we are getting from these virtual sessions directly mirrors the concerns raised by members right across the industry,” Sharma said.
“We strongly support ASFPNG’s call for the Government to prioritise these long-standing reforms. The industry stands ready to work collaboratively with the Government to implement meaningful changes that improve member outcomes.”
While the digital platform helps members understand eligibility requirements and documentation, the sessions have also highlighted widespread frustration with the current laws governing superannuation in PNG.
Members frequently question why they are limited to two advances and why a second advance is strictly capped at the amount of the first.
“That is why we conduct these sessions, not only online but also as part of our awareness efforts for members. Nasfund is an authorised superannuation fund governed by the Superannuation Act 2002,” Sharma said.
Nasfund Head of Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement Melanie Lavaki said leveraging technology was broadening the Fund’s reach and strengthening its efforts to improve superannuation literacy.
“Reintroducing these virtual sessions has noticeably increased awareness across all our communication channels,” Lavaki said.
“Our branches remain crucial to how we operate, but these online sessions complement our physical engagements perfectly.”
Members interested in learning more about the Housing Advance product are encouraged to participate in the virtual sessions and engage with the member service team for ongoing guidance.
