Dr. Philemon Yalamu, Lecturer for Arts and Design at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), believes obtaining a PhD is a rewarding journey requiring perseverance and commitment. He published four journals while studying and established a virtual creative space for Papua New Guineans, after receiving a PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering through Australia Awards PNG. He further created a website and blog, to share tutorials and articles on various Communications Technology fields. Upon returning to PNG, Philemon and his peer network organised a group of artists from Australia and the UK to collaborate with the UPNG staff and students in a mini arts festival. He also established connections with organisers of TOM Melbourne, a tec-innovative organisation specialising in developing assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Philemon asked to replicate this technology in PNG and the organisation has offered to provide mentoring sessions to make this happen. Source: Australia High Commissioner Papua New Guinea

The Māori All Stars will head into the 2023 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars without an established NRL half in their squad and with seven players set to play in the showpiece event for the first time. Halfback and 2022 co-captain Kodi Nikorima is among the big names missing from the squad named today, with his omission, alongside that of Chanel Harris-Tavita who stepped away from the game at the end of last year, leaving new coach Ben Gardiner light on options in the No.6 and No.7 jerseys. It means Roosters superstar Joey Manu will likely shoulder much of the responsibility when it comes to organising the side and coming up with plays on attack, with new Eels signing Daejarn Asi his likely starting halves partner. The pair are dwarfed in experienced by an Indigenous side who boast reigning Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes, veterans Cody Walker and Jack Wighton, plus Broncos youngster Ezra Mam as their playmaking options. Along with his star halves, new Indigenous coach Ronald Griffiths has named big-name representative players Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Selwyn Cobbo, in what looks set to be a lethal backline. After missing out on last year's match, Latrell Mitchell will have the chance to take the field with his brother and Rabbitohs teammate Shaquai for the first time as an Indigenous All Star. Addo-Carr, who captained the side last year, is joined by vastly experienced NRL players Ryan James and Tyrone Peachey. Up front for the Māori the addition of Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargeaves, who has been named alongside fellow representative forwards Joseph Tapine and James Fisher-Harris, who both played last year, goes some way to offsetting the loss of Dolphins forward Kenny Bromwich and Warriors utility Jazz Tevaga. Source: NRL.Com  

Digicel is pleased to announce the opening a new, state of the art, corporate gymnasium at the Digicel Head Office in Port Moresby. The delivery of this new fitness center furthers the company’s commitment to create and sustain a healthy work-life balance for its employees. Digicel Senior Vice President, Lorna McPherson said, “At Digicel, maintaining a good work-life balance for our employees is important, and over the years, we have provided health and fitness programs for our staff so they can lead a healthy lifestyle.  However, achieving a work-life balance can be challenging, as often seen, individuals put more of their time and focus, into work and very little priority is given to their physical well beings”. “Thus, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Colin Stone had a vision to improve and sustain a healthy workforce and one of the initiatives includes, providing a fully equipped gym to our doorstep. I am therefore pleased to represent Mr. Stone and the management of Digicel today, to officially open this new corporate gymnasium. I encourage all our employees to take advantage of the fitness classes and utilize the gym facilities which are free for use daily,” Ms McPherson said. Digicel employees now have the opportunity to either start or continue their fitness journey which is significant in reducing health risks and illnesses, in turn boosting a healthy and positive workplace environment. Increased productivity, performance and morale is also an expected outcome that is beneficial to both the staff and the business holistically. The gymnasium is available to all Digicel employees for use from 8am to 7pm daily. A variety of gym equipment, training and fitness sessions are also available to all Digicel staff.

The PNG NRLC announced that the appointment of Mr. Leith Isaac as General Manager and Mr. Paul Joseph as Competitions Manager. The term of the appointment is for a period of two years. The nation’s premier rugby league competition in 2023, is seeing the adoption of a new structure with the aim to create and improve the standard of the competition and its delivery. PNG NRLC Director, Lorna McPherson said in announcing the two new appointments, “We are fortunate to have such experienced and qualified personnel leading the competition as we go into the 2023 Season. As the team continues to be assembled and with a new strategic approach, we are optimistic about the impact of having the right human resource to drive the vision.” Mr. Isaac has over 10 year’s work experience both in the public and private sector, including the international development space. He joins us with experience in the sporting space as well, having worked with Team PNG in the 2015 Pacific Games. Joseph who joins as the newly appointed Competitions Manager, brings experience from an extensive background as a well-respected figure in the sport of rugby union, from being a player to coaching and being an administrator of the sport. Former Competitions Manager and CEO of the PNGRFL, Stanley Hondina spoke on the alignment of the PNG NRLC to the greater plans and vision for rugby league going forward, “We here at the PNGRFL always want to be the best in the sporting space and for us to realize that we only need good people around the organization. I congratulate these two gentlemen and welcome them to the PNG NRLC which is an important tier in the whole of the games PNGRFL six (6) tier structure. It will be new and exciting as well as challenging for him but PNGRFL is committed to assisting wherever needed and possible. They bring in a new set of experience and dynamics to the organization and we look forward to working with them going forward.” PNG NRLC will be launching its first ever five (5) year strategic plan 2023- 2027 in March and the General Manager will be expected to lead his team to implement this strategic plan. The announcement comes as the first of several strategic changes for the competition this year, prior to kick off in April.

Prime Minister James Marape announced yesterday(Wednesday, January 25, 2023) that Papua New Guinea will host the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) in October this year, 2023. The WIBF is a forum where indigenous people from all over the world like the New Zealand Maoris, American Indians and Australian Aborigines converge for face-to-face conversations, envisioning, shared learning, mutual opportunity, investment possibilities and a social and economic purpose. I t is a forum that specifically promotes indigenous businesses from all around the world. WIBF provides a platform for exchange of ideas, creation of partnerships and bringing investment to communities, entrepreneurs, and organisations. “I am happy to announce that the National Executive Council has approved for Papua New Guinea to host and co-fund WIBF this year. This will be the biggest event that we will host as a country after APEC 2018,” PM Marape said, “We have been supporting our local SMEs as a core policy of this Government and hosting of this event will not only highlight our support for the world indigenous business, but it will also provide an opportunity for our local business to build international networks, create partnerships and also look for markets among all the countries that will attend the forum. Our local entrepreneurs and SMEs will have the opportunity to showcase their products, share experiences, best practices and inspiration from successful businesses across the globe. “We want to use the opportunity to promote Papua New Guinea as an investment destination, a tourist destination, as a safe place to do business, open up opportunities for us to build networks to find export markets for our products to the world, and also help us to encourage indigenous businesses from all around the world to come and invest in PNG.” Over 600 indigenous businesses from all over the world and at least 400 indigenous Papua New Guinean businesses are expected to be part of WIBF 2023. “My Government plans to have a big indigenous business expo to run concurrently with the WIBF so that our indigenous businesses in Papua New Guinea can use the opportunity to promote their indigenous goods and services to the world. Our delegates to this forum will only be indigenous Papua New Guineans as that is the nature of WIBF. We expect this forum to also bring in up to K10 million into the country,” PM Marape said. The Ministry for International Trade & Investment will be the lead partner and a National Steering Committee that will be chaired by Vice-Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Kessy Sawang, will be set up. The committee will comprise of relevant Government agencies and private sector including Tourism Promotion Authority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Foreign Affairs, Cocoa Board, Coffee Industry Corporation, SME Corporation and MSME Council. “I call on all our indigenous SMEs and large companies to prepare well and take full advantage of this one-off opportunity to market your products and services and our country to the delegations from around the world who will be coming to attend this forum. You must also canvas new business opportunities and forge partnerships to grow your businesses with new indigenous partners from around the world,” PM Marape said.

Nine members of the PNG Athletics distance squad have been on the Gold Coast since mid December preparing for the World Cross Country Championships which will be held in Bathurst NSW on February 18. Finding affordable accommodation during the Christmas holiday period was a challenge and Athletics PNG is grateful for the support of Oceania Athletic Association and the City of Gold Coast through its Gold Coast Attract Programme, without which this extended period of final preparations would not have been possible. The six male athletes (Siune Kagl , Israel Takap , Aquila Turalom , Abel Siune , Dilu Goiye and James Kuadua) are based at Varsity Lakes and the three females (Scholastica Herman , Ongan Awa and Mary Tenge) are at the Gold Coast Performance Centre at Runaway Bay. APNG has yet to finalise its line up for the three events which are 10km Open races for Men Women10km races and an 8Km mixed relay where two male and two female athletes will each run 2km. Athletics PNG President Tony Green said that Aina Goir and Mary Kua will fly in from the USA to join the team,but it seems unlikely that any other athletes will be able to join them. He said that there were one or two athletes identified at the PNG Air National Championships early in December who could have added value to the team,however the process of getting a Birth Certificate through the NID office was a major challenge. The participation of the PNG Team at the World Cross Country Championships will be the culmination of a World Athletics Funded 27 month project that started in Kerowagi in December 2020 with the aim of developing distance running in PNG and fielding both men's and women's teams at this event. APNG also acknowledged the support of the PNG Olympic Committee through its Team PNG preparation budget, and its own sponsors PNG Air and Prima Smallgoods for the part they have played in the programme. President Green said that APNG saw the staging of the WXC Championships in NSW as a unique opportunity for its athletes to attend a world championships. These events are normally held in Europe and this is the first time Australia has ever hosted the World XC. “We know that we are not going to be competitive with the world best, but sometimes these things are not just about performance. Its about the athletes putting in their best effort and enjoying the experience of being part of a wonderful event” The improvement in the performance of the athletes over the past two years will be evident at other events later this year such as the PNG Air National Championships and of course the Pacific Games in Honiara.” Green accompanied PNG mens teams to the World XC in 1996 in Stellenbosch, South Africa where the athletes had the privilege of meeting the late Nelson Mandela at the Opening Ceremony, and again to Marrakesh , Morocco in 1998.

At least 124 people died in freezing temperatures in Afghanistan in the past fortnight, Taliban officials say. About 70,000 livestock had also perished in what is the coldest winter in a decade, a State Ministry for Disaster Management spokesman said. Many aid agencies suspended operations in recent weeks after the Taliban banned Afghan women from working for non-governmental organizations. A Taliban minister said despite the deaths, the edict would not be changed. Acting Minister of Disaster Management Mullah Mohammad Abbas Akhund told the BBC that many areas of Afghanistan were now completely cut off by snow; military helicopters had been sent to the rescue, but they couldn't land in the most mountainous regions. The acting minister said the forecast for the next 10 days indicated temperatures would warm. But he was still worried about a rising death toll - of Afghans, and their livestock. "Most of the people who lost their lives to the cold were shepherds or people living in rural areas. They didn't have access to healthcare," Mullah Akhund said. "We're concerned about those who are still living in the mountain regions. Most of the roads which pass through the mountains have been closed due to snow. Cars have got stuck there and passengers have died in the freezing temperatures." Winters are always harsh here in Afghanistan but this is the worst weather in a decade. And this year's relief operations are hampered by last month's Taliban government edict barring Afghan women from working in aid agencies. But Mullah Akhund was categorical. This edict could not be lifted - the international community, he insisted, had to accept Afghanistan's Islamic culture. "Men are already working with us in the rescue effort and there is no need for women to work with us. The men from every family are already participating in relief efforts, so there's no need for women," he told the BBC. Aid officials, including the United Nations, are urgently trying to find ways to work around this ban.   Source: BBC

An outback Australian town has re-imposed a controversial policy directed at Aboriginal communities that restricts the sale of alcohol. Under the new restrictions, no takeaway alcohol will be sold in Alice Springs - about 450km northeast of Uluru - on Mondays or Tuesdays. Alcohol can also only be sold between 15:00 and 19:00 on all days except Saturdays. A previous ban ended in mid-2022 after it was deemed as racial discrimination. The leader of the Northern Territory, Natasha Fyles, said the measures were imposed to protect families and children across the town as the town experiences a significant increase in violence. Ms Fyles said data showed alcohol-related harms had risen since the last alcohol ban ended in July 2022. In the 12 months to November 2022, there were 2,653 assaults in a town of roughly 25,000 people, the Northern Territory government's crime statistics found. Alongside the restrictions on alcohol, more than 25m Australian dollars (£14.2m) for community services - including women's services, police funding and CCTV safety lighting - was announced. Located in central Australia, a fifth of the citizens of Alice Springs are indigenous Australians. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the town on Tuesday alongside senior Aboriginal politicians, including MP Linda Burney and Senator Pat Dodson. He said the measures were implemented to try to address broader social inequalities affecting First Nations people. "Today's decisions are in the context of the gap that exists in health outcomes, housing outcomes, life expectancy, incarceration rates between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians," Mr Albanese said. After meeting police, politicians and community leaders in the town, he said the government would consider a series of legal changes in early February, including a system where communities would need to opt out of alcohol bans. Mr Albanese's visit comes as his government launches a referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament would recognise Aboriginal people in the constitution and create a permanent voice in parliament that would be consulted on issues affecting the Aboriginal communities. Source: BBC

On 26 January 2023, two Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets will take part in a flyover of Murray Barracks, Port Moresby, to mark 50 years since the establishment of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Headquarters. In the months following the establishment of the Headquarters, PNG defence powers were passed from Canberra to Port Moresby. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the evolution of the PNGDF into the independent defence force it is today. Members of the Australian Defence Organisation posted to PNG will join the PNGDF for the 50th Anniversary parade. The Australian Defence Force’s deep and enduring links with the PNGDF are founded on a history of shared sacrifice and partnership. From fighting shoulder to shoulder in World War Two, to facing our shared regional challenges today, the PNGDF and the ADF are strong, equal partners. Based at Number 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, Australia’s 24 F/A18F Super Hornets are some of the most advanced and formidable multirole fighters in the world today and are critical to the defence of Australia and its allies. The two F/A-18F Super Hornets will flyover Port Moresby between 1015 and 1030 on 26 January 2023 before returning to Australia.

An exciting era is dawning on the Gold Coast and coach Justin Holbrook has revealed he's ready to put the next generation of Titans stars to the test. However, with depth comes decisions, and Holbrook said the upcoming NRL Pre-Season Challenge matches against their Queensland rivals in the Broncos and Dolphins could ignite several positional shootouts, including the coveted No. 7 jersey. With AJ Brimson likely to start at fullback in Round 1, Holbrook must decide who will play alongside star recruit Kieran Foran, with emerging playmakers Tanah Boyd and Toby Sexton set to be tested. “We haven’t decided on it yet (halfback),” Holbrook told the media during pre-season training. “Obviously, we finished the season really well with Tanah (Boyd) there and Toby’s (Sexton) having a terrific pre-season so that’s what we’ve got the trial games for, and we’ll see what happens from there. “We haven’t got anything completely locked in yet, but we’re going to have options and we’re going to need them.” Meanwhile, competition between the outside backs has heated up in recent weeks with newly signed 23-year-old Treymain Spry expecting to have Bulldogs recruit Aaron Schoupp, Jojo Fifita and Phil Sami looking over their shoulders ahead of the NRL season. Also with Greg Marzhew’s departure to the Knights and Brian Kelly still serving a suspension, Holbrook said we are likely to see Burleigh Bears product Alofiana Khan-Pereira handed an opportunity on the wing during the pre-season challenge. “Trey (Spry) will get some good opportunities in the trial games and if he’s up to speed, he may do (get a start)," he said. “We all know that when he’s at his best, he’s a strike player, so we’ll see where he gets to in the trials. “We need it (depth), so it is terrific to get Trey back fully fit and competing for a spot because he’s a very valuable player to our squad and we’ve got Schouppy there as well, so there’s some good competition for the outside backs. “Lofi (Khan-Pereira) has really knuckled down as all the boys have, but Lofi in particular has really got his professionalism up to speed now and he’ll get a great opportunity in the trials. “With Brian Kelly missing the first couple of games with suspension, there’s going to be an opportunity there for someone that may not have been.” Foran’s experience will be a crucial addition to the Titan's spine this season and could allow some of Holbrook's strongest attackers to shift to more ball-running positions, including the prodigious Brimson. But Holbrook said we could expect to see 22-year-old Jayden Campbell featuring at both fullback and centre during February's trials. “He’s got such a high level of skill and understanding of the game, defensively, he’s very good at reading a play well,” he said. “He’ll get an opportunity in the outside backs as well, so we’ll sort of move him around a little bit and in particular over the next three weeks while we’ve got everyone back at training.” Source: NRL.Com

Increasing unemployed youth population in Papua New Guinea sparks social disorders of unaccepted behaviors and cannot be remedy overnight. The New Ireland Rugby Union (NIRU) strongly condemns the self-perceived acts of a minority group unlawfully violating an Australian female tourist in the province last week. President of NIRU Charlie Melachon says the challenges faced by youths in New Ireland is growing and the sports government alone cannot solve these problems. Melachon said sports and in his case under the NIRU, he continuously emphasizes the importance of participation and holding together this volatile group of young man through sports. Reiterating the words of Minister of Higher Education and Sport that sports is a tool for social cohesion and adherence amplifying development in Papua New Guinea, Melachon said there is greater need for a collaborative approach to keep youths at bay becoming responsible citizens. Melachon said social disorders brought about by youths anywhere in PNG has become legacy and more than just the responsibility of upbringing from parents to schools and government. He said sports and rugby union in the New Ireland province is observant of the youth trend and comes in to play its part by expanding the code in the province to be inclusive. “By now we cannot go on playing sports to win alone but to win mindsets bringing positive behavioral change in communities. Doing so we contribute to bringing up a safe and secure society for all, “Melachon said. Supporting the call by Sports Minister Don Polye and NIP Governor Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan to effect the Vagrancy Act in the province, Melachon said putting in place ongoing sports development programs that gives youths a second chance of opportunities is a must. He said not everyone has the luxury to make it through in formal employment but everyone can become positive influencers as sports ambassadors. He said rugby union in New Ireland is expanding to the ten (10) local level councils of the province having set up working groups from Kavieng Urban, Kara, Nalik, Sentral, Namatanai to Matalai and Lihir Island. “Progress is shifting to the Konoagil,Anir, Mussau and New Hanover Islands in 2023 to grow the sport” Melachon said. Melachon said the NIRU is implementing expansions plans through the NIRU 2023-2025 strategic plan aback the AGM of the association earlier this month. He said it is a subsequent lead up started three years ago and will only progress if taken with both hands by concerned parties including the District to Provincial and National Governments and corporate bodies in the province. Melachon acknowledging the Lihir Mine developer Newcrest, Lihir Mine Landowner Group, the Simberi Mine and logging Companies in the province continuity to fulfill its community obligations in the province, urged the bigger support to carry the code of rugby union utilizing its established set ups throughout the province. “Unemployment, low literacy and unhealthy lifestyle is plaguing the nation. School drop outs is overwhelming, even spaces in the tertiary institutions can no longer cater for the increasing school leavers. And sports has the potential to give a sense of belonging to our youths who feel left out because of a system we have grown accustomed to. We need the government, businesses, churches and NGOs to ride on such platforms set by New Ireland Rugby Union that encompasses inclusivity,” the NIRU President stated.

Papua New Guinea is set to open four new foreign missions over the next three years. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the four new missions to be set up are in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Switzerland. "The new embassies will be set up to enhance economic trade and agriculture, health and education, starting this year," he said. "We want to work with Israel closely, through the word of God and also through the aspects of economic empowerment, agriculture, industry, commerce and so on." Tkatchenko referred to UAE as the new frontier, a centre point for connecting the world, after attending the world expo that exposed PNG, providing an opportunity to sell products and projects. And he said Thailand can offer to connect PNG to the rest of South-east Asia, and cooperate on areas such as agriculture, commerce and trade, mining and tourism. Tkatchenko said there would be extra funding in the 2024 and 2025 budgets to ensure the establishment of the four missions. With the additional four foreign missions and the closure of the Taiwan trade office, there will be 24 in total. Source:rnz.com