Hastings Deering PNG showcased its long-standing commitment to Papua New Guinea's resources sector at this year's event, while highlighting the important role skills development and local capability continue to play in supporting the nation's growth.

A key highlight for Hastings Deering PNG was an exclusive visit from Prime Minister James Marape ahead of the official opening of the exhibition.

During his tour, Prime Minister Marape visited the Hastings Deering PNG stand. Accompanied by government ministers, industry representatives and members of the media, the Prime Minister spent time engaging with the Hastings Deering PNG team, experiencing the Learning Simulator and learning more about the company's investment in training, capability development and workforce readiness.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged Hastings Deering PNG's significant contribution to developing Papua New Guinean talent and supporting the nation's workforce through technical training, apprenticeships and long-term career opportunities. He also recognised the company's proud history of more than 75 years of operations in PNG and its ongoing contribution to the country's economic growth and development.

Through ongoing investment in training and professional development, Hastings Deering PNG continues to help build the skilled workforce needed to support PNG's growing resources and infrastructure sectors.

Hastings Deering PNG Sales and Marketing Manager Anthony Rosson said the company's success is built on the strength, capability and commitment of its workforce.

"At Hastings Deering PNG, we help customers maximise productivity through industry-leading Caterpillar equipment and the expertise of our local team. Every machine purchased through Hastings Deering PNG represents a dual investment: in proven Caterpillar performance and in the Papua New Guineans who provide the technical support, service and expertise that keep customer operations running.

"PNG Resource Week provided an excellent platform to demonstrate the value Hastings Deering PNG delivers beyond the equipment. Our customers gain access to world-class equipment while directly supporting the development of local skills, jobs and capabilities, creating benefits that extend well beyond the worksite and assist in the long-term development of PNG communities."

Across the four-day exhibition, the team connected with customers, business partners, government representatives and industry stakeholders, demonstrating Hastings Deering PNG's expertise across equipment sales, product support, service solutions, and learning and development. The event provided valuable opportunities to strengthen existing relationships, explore future business opportunities and share insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

PNG Resource Week 2026 provided a valuable platform to showcase the expertise of the Hastings Deering PNG team, strengthen industry partnerships and reaffirm the company's role in supporting the industries and communities contributing to PNG's future growth and prosperity.

Papua New Guinea has launched a revised manual for the seismic design of bridges, updating earthquake risk information and engineering requirements for the planning, design and construction of bridges across the country.

The Seismic Design Manual for Bridges in Papua New Guinea 2025 Revision was launched Aug. 13 in Port Moresby by Department of Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Ali Holemba, who formally launched the manual on behalf of the government.

The revision replaces seismic bridge design guidance that has been used by engineers in PNG for about 40 years.

PNG is exposed to significant earthquake risks because of its location at the convergence of major tectonic plates and microplates. Major earthquakes, including the 1971 Madang earthquake, the 1985 Bialla earthquake and the 2017-18 Southern Highlands earthquake, have damaged roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure.

The revised manual incorporates advances in engineering, materials, analytical methods and scientific understanding of seismic hazards.

It also incorporates updated information from a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment supported by the Australian government through Geoscience Australia. The assessment provides more detailed seismic risk information at provincial and district levels, giving engineers a stronger basis for determining bridge design requirements at specific locations.

Holemba said the revised manual should be treated as a national requirement rather than simply a technical reference.

“Sound engineering and standards are not optional guidance. They are not optional. They are fundamental requirements and mandatory for protecting lives,” he said.

The Department of Works and Highways will incorporate the revised requirements into project planning, design briefs, terms of reference, tender documents, technical specifications, design reviews, construction and asset acceptance procedures.

All new bridge projects must demonstrate compliance with the revised requirements from the launch date, regardless of whether they are funded by the national government, loans, development partners, tax credit arrangements, provinces or districts.

Bridge acceptance will also require technical evidence including site investigations, geotechnical assessments, seismic calculations, approved drawings, independent technical reviews, material test results, construction records and certification by qualified registered engineers.

The revised approach is intended to ensure bridge designs reflect the specific conditions at each project location.

Previous design parameters did not always account for site-specific seismic conditions. The updated assessment provides engineers with more detailed location-specific information, helping reduce the risk of under-design while avoiding unnecessary design requirements and costs.

The manual also addresses structural ductility, lateral strength, soil instability, slope failures, flooding, debris impact and interactions between seismic and climate-related risks.

For PNG, bridge resilience has implications beyond the structural integrity of individual bridges. Bridge failures can cut communities off from hospitals, schools, markets, ports and airports, making resilient bridge infrastructure important to national connectivity and public safety.

Holemba also warned against allowing construction costs to drive engineering decisions.

“Engineering must dictate the price, not cost dictating the engineering designs,” he said.

He said the lowest initial construction price did not necessarily represent the best value if engineering requirements were compromised and infrastructure could not remain safe and serviceable throughout its intended life.

The department will establish professional training, compliance checklists, independent review procedures and periodic technical audits to support implementation of the revised manual.

Existing bridges on strategic national highway corridors in high-risk areas will also be progressively assessed and prioritized for strengthening, retrofitting, rehabilitation or replacement.

More than 1,000 bridges have been inspected and assessed with support from the Asian Development Bank and World Bank, including load-rating assessments to identify vulnerable structures requiring further work.

The revision was supported by the Australian government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Geoscience Australia. Scientific work also involved seismic information from the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory and Rabaul Observatory, as well as contributions from bridge engineering, geotechnical and technical specialists.

The launch begins the implementation phase of the revised manual. The department is expected to review it as new scientific information, engineering lessons and technologies become available.

Holemba said the effectiveness of the manual would ultimately be measured by the performance of bridges built under its requirements.

“The true value of this manual will not be measured by the number of copies printed,” he said. “It will be measured by the bridges that remain standing.”

The revised manual provides engineers and other professionals involved in bridge development with an updated, locally relevant basis for designing infrastructure capable of withstanding PNG’s seismic risks.

Gold sponsor highlights on-premises AI, resilient power and emerging technologies as Papua New Guinea advances its digital economy

THEODIST Limited has reinforced its growing role in Papua New Guinea’s information and communications technology sector after showcasing enterprise ICT, artificial intelligence, mobility, digital media and power continuity solutions at the Digital Transformation Summit 2026 (DTS26) in Port Moresby.

Organised by the PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology, DTS26 brought together government leaders, Pacific representatives, private-sector organisations, development partners, technology specialists, educators and emerging innovators. The summit focused on building Papua New Guinea’s digital public ecosystem through trust, infrastructure, innovation and inclusion, with discussions covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity, connectivity, digital skills and digital government.

As a Gold Sponsor of DTS26 and Major Sponsor of the eGames, THEODIST used the national platform to demonstrate how international technology can be applied to practical operating challenges in Papua New Guinea when supported by local advice, implementation and after-sales capability.

The company said its exhibition booth attracted strong interest from government agencies, business leaders, ICT professionals and technology enthusiasts seeking solutions that could improve productivity, strengthen resilience and support secure digital adoption.

A major feature of the display was the MSI EdgeXpert MS-C931, a compact AI supercomputer based on the NVIDIA DGX Spark platform and powered by the NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip. The system provides up to 1 petaFLOP of FP4 AI performance and 128 GB of unified memory, allowing suitable AI models and workloads to be developed and run locally.

For organisations handling sensitive information or requiring fast response times, local AI computing can provide greater control over selected data and workloads, reduce latency and maintain capability where reliance on external connectivity may be a concern. THEODIST positioned the technology as a practical complement to cloud computing, allowing organisations to choose where each workload should operate according to its security, scale and performance requirements.

THEODIST Chief Executive Officer Kumar Baliah said the level of engagement at the summit showed that Papua New Guinean organisations were increasingly looking beyond individual products and seeking technology partners capable of advising, implementing and supporting complete solutions.

“Digital transformation is not about introducing technology for its own sake. It is about applying the right technology to improve productivity, protect information, strengthen service delivery and create new opportunities,” Mr Baliah said.

“PNG organisations need access to world-class solutions, but they also need local expertise, dependable support and an understanding of the operating conditions in which those solutions will be used. THEODIST’s role is to connect global technology with local capability and help customers adopt it with confidence.”

THEODIST Limited | Media Article for Publication

The DTS26 display also featured the Hypershell X Ultra wearable exoskeleton, demonstrating the potential of assisted mobility technology for demanding field environments. Digital content creation and field operations were represented through DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4 Creator Combo and portable power solutions, including the DJI Power 1000.

THEODIST also showcased the BLUETTI AC300 modular power system, which provides 3,000W AC output and can be paired with compatible expansion batteries to create scalable backup and off-grid power capacity for businesses, institutions and remote operations.

These technologies were presented within the context of Papua New Guinea’s practical needs, including operations in remote locations, continuity during power interruptions, mobile fieldwork and the growing requirement for organisations to produce and communicate digital content.

Beyond the exhibition, THEODIST supported the development of emerging digital talent through its sponsorship of the DTS26 eGames. Around 20 teams participated in the national competition, which formed part of the summit’s broader programme to encourage young people to engage positively with technology, teamwork, problem-solving and digital careers.

At the DTS26 Gala Dinner, THEODIST presented prizes to the leading eGames teams: Shadow Dwellers, Checkmate and Rising Suns. The company said the competition demonstrated the discipline, collaboration and technical confidence developing within Papua New Guinea’s young digital community.

Mr Baliah said supporting digital talent was an important part of building the country’s long-term capability.

“The future of digital transformation will ultimately depend on people. Infrastructure and equipment are essential, but sustainable progress requires skilled, curious and adaptable Papua New Guineans who can use technology to solve real problems,” he said.

“By supporting the summit and the eGames, THEODIST is investing not only in technology, but also in the partnerships, skills and confidence needed to build a stronger digital economy.”

Established in 1968, THEODIST has expanded from its traditional office products base into a broader business solutions company serving corporate, government, education and retail customers. Its growing ICT portfolio includes enterprise technology, AI-enabled computing, business continuity, managed solutions and products from international technology brands, supported by local service teams.

THEODIST thanked the PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology, ICT Minister Hon. Robert Naguri, Secretary Steven Matainaho, the DTS26 organising committee, technology partners and delegates who engaged with the company during the summit.

With DTS26 now concluded, the company said its focus would turn to converting the discussions and new relationships created at the summit into practical projects that help organisations across Papua New Guinea innovate, transform and grow.

The PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) President Anthony Smaré has formally acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape's acceptance of the invitation to officially open PNG Resources Week 2026 on 13 July at APEC Haus.

PNG Resources Week 2026 will be held from 13 to 16 July at APEC Haus in Port Moresby.

Hosted by PNG CORE, the premier annual event brings together government officials, industry leaders, and host communities to discuss national content, project pipelines, and sustainable development. The accompanying PNG Resources Golden Exhibition will continue until Saturday, 18 July.

Themed "PNG Resources Beyond 50," the event reflects the partnership between the Government and the nation's energy, mining, and resource sectors as Papua New Guinea looks towards the next 50 years of development.

"I sincerely commend PNG CORE for its strong leadership in fostering strategic dialogue within our resources and energy sectors, which continue to serve as critical pillars of our national economic development," Prime Minister James Marape said.

"I look forward to delivering the opening address to mark the commencement of this important event."

Smaré said Marape's participation in key platforms such as the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Exhibition (CANCONEX) and the PNG Resources Summit demonstrates the Government's commitment to inclusive development, landowner empowerment, and sustainable industry growth.

PNG Resources Week will begin with CANCONEX, which runs from 13 to 15 July. The conference will feature discussions on national content and success stories, community investment projects, and renewable energy, climate, and the energy transition.

The PNG Resources Summit, to be held on 16 July, will focus on Papua New Guinea's economic outlook and updates on new resource projects. It will be followed by the PNG Resources Summit Gala Dinner, which will feature the Legacy and Industry Recognition Awards.

The PNG Resources Golden Exhibition will run from 16 to 18 July at APEC Haus and will showcase career opportunities for the next generation. The exhibition will be open to the public from 17 July.

PNG Resources Week serves as a strategic domestic platform for stakeholders from across the country to discuss developments in the resources sector, its economic contribution, and community development initiatives.

An aspiring educator from Southern Highlands Province is planning to use digital learning tools and e-library facilities to improve education outcomes in remote communities after completing his university studies.

Nicholas Yawi, from Yanguri Village in the Kagua-Erave District within the Petroleum Development Licence (PDL) 3 and 4 project area, recently graduated from the University of Goroka with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and is now pursuing a postgraduate diploma in teaching.

Yawi has been supported over the past five years through Petroleum Resources Gobe's Education Subsidy Program, which is administered by the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC).

The graduate said he intends to return to his home province and help address educational challenges in rural communities by combining traditional teaching methods with digital learning technologies.

He said the introduction of computer laboratories and e-library facilities funded through initiatives supported by MRDC and Petroleum Resources Gobe had demonstrated the potential of technology to transform learning opportunities for students in remote areas.

According to Yawi, access to digital resources has become increasingly important as education systems continue to evolve and students require greater exposure to technology and online learning tools.

"There are projects like e-learning facilities funded by MRDC and PRG back at home," he said. "We are now living in a digital world, and students need guidance from teachers on how to use tools like the internet and other technologies, as teaching methods continue to evolve."

Yawi was among more than 1,000 students who graduated from the University of Goroka in April and views his postgraduate teaching qualification as the final step towards becoming a fully qualified teacher.

He said he hopes to use his skills and education to help improve teaching standards and expand educational opportunities in underserved communities across Southern Highlands Province.

"Coming from a rural area, access to education is a major challenge. There are not enough teachers, and the quality of teaching services is low," Yawi said.

He added that improving education could help create better opportunities for future generations and contribute to broader community development.

The Education Subsidy Program has played an important role in supporting students from project areas who face financial barriers to tertiary education, Yawi said.

"The support has not only helped us but also our families back home. It motivates us to continue our education," he said.

Yawi said graduates have a responsibility to return to their communities and contribute to local development through the knowledge and skills they acquire during their studies.

"We are going back to develop our communities and give back by improving education for our people," he said.

Petroleum Resources Gobe's Education Subsidy Program forms part of broader efforts to support human capital development in communities within the PDL 3 and 4 project areas, helping students access higher education and build skills that can contribute to social and economic development in Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape has thanked the Government and people of France for their warm hospitality and enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea during a luncheon hosted in Paris on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with members of the French National Assembly and senior French officials.

Ahead of the luncheon, Marape and the Papua New Guinea delegation were given a tour of the French National Assembly and later observed proceedings in session, where the Prime Minister received a standing ovation from French Members of Parliament.

Marape said Papua New Guinea deeply valued France’s support and partnership over the past five decades, particularly as PNG marks its 50th anniversary of Independence in 2026.

“Since the day we arrived, we have felt very much at home and very welcome,” he said. “I want to sincerely thank the Government of France, the National Assembly, and all our French friends for the wonderful hospitality extended to my delegation and my family.”

Marape said Papua New Guinea and France shared common values and responsibilities, particularly in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

“We cannot change history, but we must live in the present and construct the future,” he said. “As leaders of today, we have a responsibility to ensure we leave behind a livable planet for our children and grandchildren.

“Papua New Guinea and France share common interests in preserving our oceans, forests, biodiversity, and our collective planet," he added.

Marape said Papua New Guinea was proud to contribute to the global environmental agenda through the protection of its vast rainforests and oceans.

“Six percent of the world’s biodiversity is found in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “Our forests and oceans are among the world’s vital carbon sinks that help clean the atmosphere for all humanity. These are not just Papua New Guinea’s resources — they are global assets that benefit the entire world.”

He also thanked France for supporting ocean and forest preservation initiatives in Papua New Guinea and encouraged greater French investment in environmentally responsible projects across the country.

“Your investors coming into Papua New Guinea can help us grow our economy while also helping us preserve our forests and oceans,” he said.

Reflecting personally on his own journey from rural Papua New Guinea to addressing leaders in one of the world’s leading democracies, Marape spoke of the opportunities created through education, leadership and international partnership.

“My father once told me stories as I was growing up in the remote parts of my country,” he said.

“Fifty years ago, I spoke no English. Fifty years ago, I did not know France existed.

“But within one lifetime, I have come from absolute obscurity into a position where I can stand here today and share our nation’s story with you.”

Marape also stressed the need for nations to work together beyond political divisions and geopolitical rivalries in order to protect global peace and human dignity.

“COVID-19 reminded us that we all live on one shared planet,” he said. “What happens in one part of the world can affect the entire planet. We are all part of one human family. If you cut my vein and cut another person’s vein, the blood is the same human blood."

Marape urged France to continue using its voice and influence in global affairs to advocate for democracy, human rights, environmental protection, and fairness for smaller nations and the Global South.

“France is not just a middle power — France is a great power,” he said. “The weight of your history, your democracy, your science, your education, and your commitment to human rights gives France an important place in shaping the future of humanity.”

Marape said that while political leaders may come and go, the shared values underpinning the relationship between Papua New Guinea and France must endure.

“President Macron may come and go. Prime Minister Marape may come and go. But the common values of humanity must remain strong,” he said. "We thank France for standing beside Papua New Guinea over the last 50 years, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership into the future.”

As Papua New Guinea continues to strengthen its economic ties with Australia, Westpac PNG is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the region as a sponsor of the 41st Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum & Trade Expo, to be held in Brisbane from 13–15 May 2026.

For more than four decades, the Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum has been a cornerstone of bilateral engagement, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, investors and development partners to foster dialogue, collaboration and investment between the two countries.

As part of Westpac’s sponsorship, the bank will once again host the Forum’s official opening dinner, setting the tone for the days ahead and providing an opportunity for meaningful connections between Australian and Papua New Guinean stakeholders.

This year’s opening dinner will feature a keynote address by Ben Ikin, a former State of Origin star, premiership-winning NRL player and respected business executive. Drawing on his experience across elite sport and leadership, he will share insights on leadership under pressure, building high-performing teams, resilience, and the importance of trust.

“The Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum continues to play a critical role in strengthening commercial ties between our two countries,” said Patrick Wright, head of corporate and commercial banking at Westpac PNG. “As a long-standing partner to businesses operating across Papua New Guinea, we see firsthand the importance of trust, leadership and collaboration in driving sustainable growth. Ben Ikin’s keynote will resonate strongly with the Forum audience, bringing practical lessons from high-performance environments that translate directly into business leadership.”

The 2026 Forum coincides with NRL Magic Round in Brisbane, creating a unique and high-energy backdrop that reflects Papua New Guinea’s deep cultural connection to rugby league and the enduring links between sport, community and leadership.

Westpac remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable economic development across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and to partnering with clients, stakeholders and communities today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Westpac Papua New Guinea has been supporting individuals, businesses and communities for more than a century, having established the country’s first commercial bank in 1910. As one of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions, Westpac PNG provides a broad range of retail, business and institutional banking services, with a strong focus on supporting economic growth, trade and financial inclusion.

Westpac PNG is committed to being a trusted and responsible banking partner, delivering sustainable outcomes for its customers while investing in community development, financial literacy and capability-building across the country. As part of the Westpac Group, the bank brings global expertise and regional experience to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term prosperity.

Remington Hi-Tek, a key business unit of the Remington Group, has announced its support for the 2nd PNG Media Summit 2026, reinforcing its commitment to technological advancement and local industry growth.

Remington has pledged K3,000 in Hi-Tek vouchers to be used throughout the event.

This sponsorship marks the second consecutive year of Remington’s involvement, highlighting a deepening partnership with the summit’s organizers. By returning as a corporate sponsor, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting emerging organizations and fostering professional development across the Pacific.

The 2026 summit will focus on the theme “Elevating Pacific Media: AI in Media and Regional Cooperation,” which aligns with the Remington Group’s strategic expansion and its mission to integrate cutting-edge solutions across the Pacific region.

Through this sponsorship, Remington Hi-Tek is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation, helping ensure that the PNG media industry is equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Papua New Guinea’s public and private sectors paused on March 24 to mark National Women’s Day, with workplaces, institutions and communities across the country embracing the symbolic colour purple and reaffirming their commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women.

From corporate offices to government agencies, the day was observed through awareness programmes, advocacy events and public gatherings, reflecting a growing national movement to prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment as a central pillar of development.

In Port Moresby, the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), through its Family, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Branch, hosted a major celebration at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium under the theme “Strongim Meri, Protectim Rights, Buildim PNG.” The event drew participation from women leaders, government representatives, civil society organisations and the private sector.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop used the occasion to outline an ambitious long-term vision for women’s empowerment under the national government’s “Reset 50” agenda, which sets the direction for the country’s next 50 years of nationhood.

Governor Parkop, who also chairs the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, stressed that gender equity must be treated as a non-negotiable national priority.

“We must empower and recognise the National Council of Women as vital stakeholders in lifting the status of women over the next five decades,” he said.

He highlighted several key policy and funding commitments already underway, including the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (2025–2036), a government allocation of K108 million annually over the next decade to combat GBV, and the adoption of the National Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy (2025–2036). He also confirmed the formal decision to revive and reinstate the National Council of Women.

Despite these milestones, Governor Parkop cautioned against complacency, urging women leaders and stakeholders to ensure that policies translate into tangible outcomes.

“Policy adoption is only the first step. We must ensure sustained attention, adequate resources and consistent effort in implementation,” he said.

Deputy City Manager for Community and Social Services Ms Edith Laufa echoed these sentiments, thanking Governor Parkop for his leadership and advocacy at the national level. Drawing from her own experience in a male-dominated work environment, Ms Laufa encouraged young women to pursue their ambitions with resilience and confidence.

“Approach your work with dedication and determination. Your leadership can inspire others and help break barriers,” she said.

Beyond government-led initiatives, the private sector also played a significant role in marking the day. Financial services company MoniPlus hosted a cancer awareness session in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation, aligning its internal observance with International Women’s Day themes of health and wellbeing.

The session focused on breast cancer awareness, highlighting the importance of early detection, screening and prevention. Medical Health Educator Dr Beena Dagam of Port Moresby General Hospital volunteered her expertise to deliver the session, reinforcing the critical role of education in reducing cancer risks.

“Conversations like this are important. They inform us about the factors that put us at risk and empower us to take early action,” organisers said.

The programme also emphasised that cancer risks are not only linked to lifestyle factors but may also stem from inherited genetic mutations, underscoring the importance of vigilance and regular health checks.

In Tok Pisin, the message of prevention was clearly communicated: “Save gut pas long as blo sik kensa long abrusim bipo yu kisim,” highlighting the need for prevention, early detection and screening.

As Papua New Guinea continues to navigate its development pathway, this year’s National Women’s Day served as both a celebration and a call to action, reinforcing that empowering women is not only a social imperative but also a critical driver of economic growth, community wellbeing and national progress.

Across the country, the message was clear: building a stronger PNG requires sustained investment in women—protecting their rights, amplifying their voices, and ensuring equal opportunities for generations to come.

Papua New Guinea’s business community is being called on to play a more active role in tackling tuberculosis (TB), as Businesses for Health (B4H) staged a high-impact public awareness installation in the capital, Port Moresby, to mark World TB Day on 24 March.

At the busy Konedobu roundabout, thousands of commuters were met with a striking visual message: “TB is airborne.” The installation, led by B4H’s TB & HIV Project and supported by major corporate partners, featured 2,100 helium-filled balloons symbolising both the scale of the country’s TB crisis and the airborne nature of the disease.

Papua New Guinea continues to face one of the highest TB burdens globally, with an estimated 70,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths recorded last year. The National Capital District accounts for the highest number of cases nationwide, underscoring the urgency for coordinated action, including stronger private sector involvement.

Project Director Dr Ann Clarke said the installation was designed to make an invisible threat visible to both the public and the business community.

“If what you cough up is not clear, it may be a sign of disease. Get tested early,” Dr Clarke said.

“We want the balloons to make an invisible risk visible to every commuter and passerby.”

The balloons, lifted by helium supplied by BOC Papua New Guinea, were coloured to reflect sputum diagnostic indicators—turning a typically celebratory symbol into a stark public health warning.

Businesses at the frontline of the response

The World TB Day activation also highlighted the critical role workplaces can play in early detection, awareness and stigma reduction.

B4H Workplace TB Coordinator Teresa Koratsi said businesses are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and support national health goals.

“B4H supports workplaces in training staff to recognise TB symptoms, encourage early testing and treatment, and reduce stigma and fear associated with the disease,” she said.

“TB is not spread by dirty hands or cups—that is dysentery or typhoid. TB is airborne, which means anyone can breathe it in if someone with TB is coughing.”

Through workplace programmes, companies can directly contribute to reducing transmission by encouraging early testing and supporting affected employees throughout treatment.

Public engagement in the city’s economic hub

In addition to the balloon installation, B4H, with support from SP Brewery and Bank South Pacific (BSP), set up two information stations in high-traffic areas: beneath SP Brewery’s digital “END TB” signage and at the busy BSP market and taxi rank precinct.

These stations provided access to clinical experts from the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCD PHA), alongside educational materials and interactive learning activities aimed at improving public understanding of TB.

The initiative demonstrated how strategic partnerships between businesses and public health agencies can amplify outreach across key economic zones of the city.

The campaign drew support from a wide cross-section of Papua New Guinea’s corporate sector, including BOC PNG, BSP, SP Brewery, BizPrint, G4S, Paradise Foods and others—highlighting a growing recognition that TB is not just a health issue, but also an economic one.

Workplace disruptions, productivity losses and healthcare costs linked to TB continue to affect businesses, making prevention and early intervention a shared responsibility.

Dr Clarke acknowledged the leadership shown by participating companies, noting that private sector involvement is essential to ending TB in Papua New Guinea.

With TB fully curable if detected early, B4H is urging more businesses to join its workplace programmes and support ongoing awareness and testing initiatives.

“All businesses in NCD are encouraged to support the ongoing work of B4H by sponsoring and participating in workplace training programmes,” Dr Clarke said.

The message to the business community is clear: investing in employee health is not only a social responsibility, but also a strategic imperative.

As the country continues to battle one of its deadliest infectious diseases, initiatives such as the World TB Day installation demonstrate how business leadership, collaboration and visibility can drive meaningful improvements in public health outcomes.

BSP Financial Group (BSP) joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, championing prosperity and gender equality across the South Pacific.

Marking the occasion, BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson highlighted the bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing equality throughout the region.

“Our workforce reflects the progress we are making in inclusion and equality, with women making up 51% of our 4,800 employees. Forty per cent of leadership roles in the bank are held by women, with women also accounting for 66% of Branch Managers,” Mr Robinson said.

Central to this year’s #GiveToGain theme is the development of young talent through the BSP Graduate Trainee Programme, which provides a launchpad for female professionals entering the financial sector.

Tate Simeona-Gairo, Assistant Company Secretary, described her career journey as transformative, having begun her career as a graduate trainee.

“My experience and growth are a testament to how BSP nurtures a workplace culture that gives to gain,” said Ms Simeona-Gairo. “BSP invests the time, resources and expertise required to mentor and develop young talent.”

The bank’s commitment to career development is further reflected in the increasing number of women progressing into senior roles. Ruby Arabella-Patu is one such example. She began her career in a branch and now serves as Senior Manager, Customer Value Management in BSP’s Retail Bank.

“Progressing from an entry-level role to senior management has been a journey shaped by learning, opportunity and support,” said Ms Arabella-Patu. “BSP provided an environment where I could grow through leadership development and trust in my capabilities. As a woman in leadership, I am proud to help build a more inclusive and resilient future for the organisation.”

Ms Arabella-Patu also acknowledged the support of her male colleagues, family and community, noting that genuine empowerment is built on mutual trust and respect as organisations work together to advance gender equality across the region.

BSP said it remains proud to lead for prosperity by investing in its people and fostering a workplace culture that champions respect, care and growth for all.

BSP is the South Pacific’s international bank, with roots in Papua New Guinea dating back to 1916. Today, it is the leading bank in the region, serving three million retail, business, corporate and institutional customers across Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The bank’s purpose is to Champion Prosperity in the South Pacific, serving customers through the region’s largest banking network, which includes 124 branches and 596 ATMs, many located in remote areas where BSP is the only banking provider, alongside a wide range of digital banking services.

Remington Technology has confirmed its Platinum Sponsorship of the 2026 AI Summit, hosted by International Training Institute (ITI), Papua New Guinea’s largest private training institution. The Summit will take place on 6 March 2026 at the Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby, and is expected to attract more than 300 participants from across government, education, business and the technology sector.

Returning for its second year following a successful inaugural event in 2025, the AI Summit is hosted by ITI, an institution recognised by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) and now in its 27th year of operation. The Summit aims to strengthen understanding of artificial intelligence and highlight its practical value within the Papua New Guinean context.

ITI Chairman and Co-Founder Senthil Kumaran said the Summit was created to respond to growing interest in AI while addressing widespread misunderstanding around the topic.

“AI is widely talked about, both positively and negatively, but many people don’t really understand what it is or how it can be useful,” Mr Kumaran said.
“This event brings together experts, industry leaders and learners to openly discuss AI, share experiences, and help PNG adapt in a positive and practical way.”

The 2026 program will focus on four key areas: AI in healthcare, ethics and governance, generative AI, and AI in higher education. The Summit will also feature practical demonstrations and an expo, where organisations will showcase AI-related products, services and real-world applications relevant to Papua New Guinea.

Remington Group CEO Justin Kieseker said Remington Technology’s continued support of the Summit reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence across the technology sector.

“We were involved in the Summit last year and saw the strong interest around this topic,” Mr Kieseker said.
“AI is becoming increasingly important in the systems and technologies we work with, and over the next five years its impact will be even more significant.”

Remington Technology has partnered with ITI for more than 12 years, supporting its production printing operations in Port Moresby and Lae. According to Mr Kieseker, backing the AI Summit aligns naturally with Remington Technology’s role as a technology leader in Papua New Guinea.

“We want to support initiatives that build capability, encourage learning, and prepare the next generation of graduates,” he said.
“The workforce of the future will look very different, and we want to play our part in supporting PNG’s people and positive national development through technology.”

Remington Technology looks forward to contributing once again to the national conversation around how artificial intelligence is understood, applied and adopted in Papua New Guinea.