Tisa Community Finance Limited (TCFL) is now officially TISA Bank. The TCF, a key subsidiary of our group, has been granted a banking license by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). The TFCL has now become a fully-fledged commercial bank, TISA Bank Limited, thanks to this achievement. The Chairman of TISA Group George Tai expressed his delighted to announcing this major milestone in their journey. TISA Bank is dedicated to cutting-edge financial solution services that are customized to meet the various demands of Papua New Guinean people, companies and communities. Rooted in the values of the parent organization, Teachers Savings and Loan Society Ltd, its approach is guided by the principles of People, Prosperity, and the Planet. The strategic objective is to offer all-inclusive banking services via digital channels, mobile banking apps, and agency banking models. TISA remains steadfast in its dedication to moral banking practices as a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. “Remaining unwavering in its commitment to ethical banking practices as a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.” “We strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment, aligning with our core values and the needs of our stakeholders,” “With over fifty years of history, we are building on our legacy to reach remote and underserved regions and support the Bank of Papua New Guinea's financial inclusion and green finance goals.” Mr. Tai emphasized that TISA Bank represents a commitment to enhancing banking services for the people of Papua New Guinea and serving as a pillar of support for our customers and their communities. “We are excited about this new chapter in our journey.” “We eagerly invite everyone to join us in creating a brighter future for Papua New Guinea as we continue to grow and serve our customers and communities.”

The East New Britain (ENB) Agmark Gurias defeated the Kroton Hela (KH) Wigmen 22-16 in a match with some drama at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Rabaul in the round 16 of the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Season. The ENB Agmark Gurias took the victory over the Wigmen with 6 points thanks to Guria’s winger Chris Benjamin scoring his second try in the final 79th minute into fulltime. The Wigmen and Gurias saw a heated first half, where a penalty was forced out of the Gurias within 10 minutes of the game where Wigmen’s Solomon Pokare successfully executed the goal. Both teams exhausting the full set of 6 into the first 10 minutes when Wigmen five-eight, Tony Wemin opened the score board with a try in the 12th minute followed by a failed conversion by Benton Leme. The leading Wigmen motivated the Gurias respond and score but were held up or too exhausted by the Wigmen Defence. A penalty was than awarded to the Gurias, where the fullback Liprin Sakias successfully converted into points in the 25th minute, this followed a try by Gurias Center Emil Benjamin in 33minute into half time. Gurias Lead first half 8-6. Meantime, Guiras’ Mark Alunga and Wigmen’s Jacob Lot were both sent to the sinbin in the 39th minute. The second half saw more tension resulting with two additional players sent off to the sinbin in the 43rd minute, joining the first two already in the sinbin from the first half. The second half saw the Gurias came up with another try in 5 minutes by second rower Johnson Simon along with two tries by winger Chris Benjamin in the 53rd and 79th minute. With 2 out of three conversions each successful by interchange Ase Boas and Liprin Sakias. The Wigmen followed with two tries by center Junior Igila and hooker Woodie Kawage, with only one successful conversion, trailing the Gurias 16-22. The Rabaul Gurias now proudly take their 9th win following 5 losses and 2 draws in the entire 16 rounds and look to face the NCD Moni Plus Vipers in round 17 on the 10th of August at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Rabaul.

The Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) has sent a detachment to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in a first from 43 years. Pacific friends have come together over the shared values of sustaining peace and stability across the Indo- Pacific region, from the rugged and jungle-covered mountains of Papua New Guinea to the flat and arid terrain of northern Australia. The PNGDF brings with it two PAC-750 aircraft, typically used for training and other utility tasks, a small but significant footprint. Pitch Black PNG pilot Lieutenant Cameron Hosea highlighted the importance of interoperability with other participating nations. “We are really excited to be here as a part of the military aviators of the world." “We love being able to build capacity to enable us to have future working relationships." "We’re after the exposure and experience from operating in Australia.” The PNGDF has also brought a highly skilled maintenance crew to sustain its efforts throughout the exercise. PNGDF Aircraft Engineer Joshua Magum said the team has seized this opportunity to gain exposure to maintaining their aircraft in a different environment. “I’m looking forward to learning and being part of the exercise as an individual and part of the team." "I hope to learn as much as I can to take back home with me,” Aircraft Engineer Magum said. Pitch Black offers the PNGDF and nineteen other countries a comprehensive, practical collective training program that supports their respective sovereign security goals. PNGDF Detachment Commander for Exercise Pitch Black 2024 Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, said the exercise gave his force the opportunity to look at how it operates against the world's best. “The PNGDF element is growing and eventually will become an Air Force." "An Air Force is built on capability and the people." "Exercise Pitch Black 2024 gives us the opportunity to grow our people,” said Lieutenant Colonel Vavar.

The Papua New Guinea owned Paradise Foods on Wednesday proudly launched their new biscuit product the “Teisti Biscuit” at the Paradise Food Head Office Kawai Site in Port Moresby. The official opening was attended and presented by the Paradise Foods Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Michael Penrose, Chairman of the Board Mr. Anthony Smare, official guest Prime Minister James Marape and Key Stakeholders. Chairman Mr. Smare acknowledged the presence of PM Marape and expressed gratitude to accept the official cutting of the ribbon. He further emphasized the challenges taken up by the management and staff of Paradise Foods, to tirelessly produce a product designed to meet the essential filling option at an accessible price, ideal for consumers seeking both convenience and value. Furthermore, stressing the product offers a budget friendly option that doesn’t compromise quality or taste, financially adequate to fulfil consumer budget at this time of inflation in the country. The Teisti Biscuit is produced at the Paradise Foods Hunta Biscuit Factory in Lae and already been acknowledged by local loyal distributors in the country, it will soon be available at the nearest commercial outlets for K1.00. The Teisti Biscuit maintains high standards of quality, carefully crafted to ensure it meets consumer expectations. Meanwhile, PM James Marape acknowledged efforts of the paradise food’s management and staff to produce an affordable commodity during this time of inflation in the country, to market an affordable, quality and relevant product to the nation. Marape further highlighted the slow process to overcome inflation during this time and congratulated Mr. Smare for successfully fulfilling their endeavours to produce a promising game changer to the competitive biscuit sector. Designed to deliver maximum value at an unbeatable price point of K1.00. Paradise foods price decision is strategic, aiming to capture table market sales and impulsive spenders who prioritise convenience and value money. The Teisti Biscuit perfectly balances affordability and satisfaction while maintaining high-quality.

Australia has partnered with Women’s Micro Bank Limited (WMBL) to support PNG’s agriculture SMEs, by providing loans through the Revolving Fund Facility funded by the Australian Government. Attendees at the recent Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) Agri Trade Expo in Port Moresby heard that these loans were providing opportunities for business expansion and stronger supply chains. The Revolving Fund is an K8 million investment by the Australian government and managed by WMBL creating an affordable credit facility designed to provide short-term loans to exporters, SMEs and women-owned and women-led SMEs. Coffee exporter, Kosem Ltd in Jiwaka, shared their experience as recipients, having taken out two Revolving Fund business loans through WMBL. Kosem CEO Mark Munnul Jr explained what this meant for the business and the coffee farmers they source from. "It's hard for businesses in the agriculture space to grow.” “We survive, but to grow, we need money.” “Fortunately, Australia, through Mama Bank, was able to assist us and give us the Revolving Fund loan and we were able to expand into Wau, and we were able to get coffee from the farmers in Wau." Kosem Ltd sourced coffee from more than 8,500 farmers in Wau in the most recent coffee season with its second Revolving Fund loan. This shows that when access to finance is provided to one business, economic opportunities and market connections can be created for many. The loan was made possible by Australian Government’s investment of AUSD3.3 million to establish the Revolving Fund Facility, which provides affordable credit to PNG agribusinesses More information about the Revolving Fund can be retrieved by contacting Women’s Micro Bank: +675 7091 0900 or info@womenmicrobank.com.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru urged local investors to invest in the Sea Park Development Project (SPDP) opposite APEC Haus in Port Moresby during the groundbreaking ceremony of the phase one of the project- the Azure Residences. The K2.2 billion investment of the SPDP includes the development of the Azure Residences, Era Kone Hotel and Walk (Phase 1.5), Era Kone Residences (Phase 2), and the Fountain (Phase 3). “We need Papua New Guinea (PNG) investors to partner the investors at SPDP in this exciting journey.” “I am calling on our super funds- Nasfund and Nambawan Super, our landowner companies, and other PNG investors to partner our investors here as this project still has phases two and three.” Minister Maru also called on the investors of SPDP to submit a formal submission for the Cabinet to consider and endorse this investment as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) so it can benefit from the SEZ incentive package offered by the Government. “APEC Haus is a premier location for major international events and used out weekly so I am insisting on the SPDP investors to complement the National Government’s investment in APEC Haus with a hotel development in their master plan for phase two.” “This will aid me to secure Government approval for this project to be an SEZ.” “In principle on behalf of the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape and the Cabinet, I will assure as soon as submissions are received the SPDP investors that we will give it a priority and make sure they also enjoy the benefits that we are offering to the Paga Hill SEZ.” “With the K2.2 billion investment they are certainly going to enjoy a 10-year tax holiday and duty-free importation of construction materials- the same incentives offered to Paga Hill SEZ.” Minister Maru expressed gratitude and acknowledged investors for choosing to invest in PNG when the country needed investments to create jobs and income generating opportunities. “Our greatest need as a country today is to secure investments because investments will create jobs and opportunities” “Assuming we lock in a couple of mining projects and other projects, I can see the economy growing at 6 per cent rate per annum for 10 to 15 years running despite our challenges.” “For the first time we are offering incentives in SEZs- that is something we have never done before.” “We are going all in to compete with the rest of the world to attract investment dollars.” “I congratulate the investors of SPDP for this very important investment.” “The returns for real estate in this country is far higher than most countries and I have no doubt that all the apartments in Azure Residences will be sold prior to the completion of the construction.” Minister Maru also thanked NCD Governor Powes Parkop and his team for collaborating with the investors to make the project happen, starting with the launching of phase one today. “I am a full believer and supporter of the concept promoted by Governor Parkop the ‘Amazing Port Moresby.’” “If the skyline can change in Singapore, why can’t it change in Port Moresby?” “The Paga Hill and Ela Beach are the only places that have the opportunity to change the skyline of our beautiful Port Moresby, the starting of a very exciting development.” “I cannot wait to see phase one, two, and three of this project started and completed because it will change our city.”

Twenty seven-year-old rugby league forward, Muka Peter has signed a one-year contract with the Rugby Club Salon XIII- the Jaguars in the French Rugby League Elite 2 competition all thanks to the Wantok Sports Agency. Maku, who hails from the Simbu province and residing at the Tokarara suburb in Port Moresby city, will soon be making his debut with the Jaguars in the 2024 French Rugby League Semi-Professional Elite 2 Season from September to April 2025. Forward, who plays with the West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Government Kimbe Cutter’s, told PNG HAUSBUNG that the opportunity would not have been possible without the Rugby recruitment services from the Wantok Sports Agency to help publicize his skills and experience to the Rugby Club Salon XIII. Upon receiving the contract from the Salon XIII, he was relieved as it was his intention to start a new journey overseas playing professional rugby league, a much sought after change after nine years in Papua New Guinea's domestic tournaments. He is now focused on completing the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Season with the Kimbe Cutters before his departure to France, including settling personal and family affairs despite his initial travel dates is yet to be confirmed. In his younger days while living at Tokarara suburb’s Rakatani Road, Muka played in the local leagues with clubs like the Tokarara Mix Dogs and Nest United then moved onto the Magani Rugby League Club in the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) National Capital District (NCD) Town Competition. In his days in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, he played three years with the Rabaul Gurias in 2018-2019 and one year each with the Central Dabaris and Sepik Pride, and then with his current Kimbe Cutters. The young lad expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to SP Hunters Captain and former ENB Rabaul Gurias Skipper Illa Alu, Hela Wigmen Head Trainor Nelson Stone and Late PNG Orchids Head Trainer Andrew Stone for the support, wisdom and time given while growing into the community leagues and local professional tournaments. The three figures including Muka share one community in Tokarara, and they played a significant role in preparing and guiding him on and off the field, especially Mr. Alu as a big brother, coach, teammate and skipper during both Community Leagues and three years with the Rabaul Gurias. He further stressed that he would like to maintain the idea and spirit of brotherhood when living in France as it’s always been an uplifting group motion. Muka is confident he will fully embrace and utilize the opportunity to make his stand in the French Rugby League and will take one step at a time and trust the process, whilst given an opportunity to excel into other rugby league clubs and Elite 1 Division during the season.

Round 15 of the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup saw the too strong PRK Mendi Muruks defeat the home team Moni Plus NCD Vipers at the National Football Stadium, 20-12. The PRK Mendi Muruks take win with a final try by Ismael Balkaua solidifying their lead and final score 20-12, this after trailing in the first half with 10-12. After a weekend rest from rugby after 14 consistent weekend games, the round 15 game between the Mendi Muruks and NCD Vipers had an intense first and second half with both teams heavy on adrenaline but were impatient in playing ball. Eager to take score the first to lead the game in the first half, the NCD Vipers were first on the score board scoring a try in the 11th and 20th minute by Lameki Poi and Ludwig Pal followed by 1 out of 2 successful conversions from Joel Gena, additional with a successful penalty goal by Patrick Morea. Mendi Muruk’s were able to respond directly after Vipers two tries with Douglas Tandaku 3 minutes after Vipers first try and Myles Posu after 14 minutes of the Viper’s second try, with 1 out of 2 successful conversions by Mark Tony trailing the NCD Vipers 10-12 completing the first half 40 minutes. The Mendi Muruks came out strong into the second half with two final tries of the second half. Winger Gabriel Taune in the 52nd minute and Ishmael Balkawa in the 58th minute followed by 1 out of 2 successful conversions by Mark Tony. Although the game had its heated moments between players and officials, players were disciplined too. However, Vipers Sylvestor Bulu was sinbinned for dangerous contact in the 52nd minute of the second half. The Mendi Muruks kept their cool from first and second 40 minutes, keeping their eye on the game and not distractions, Muruks won 20-12. Mendi Muruks claimed their second win after a draw in round 13 against the Goroka Lahanis in Goroka NSI, 20-20. DABARIS DUST EAGLES IN DIGICEL EXXONMOBIL R15 By: E’lle-Gore Yasi The Gas Resource Central Dabaris thrashed the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles 38-14 at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. The Central Dabaris were too strong for the Mt Hagen Eagles taking control of the game in the first half, scoring seven tries while the Eagles with three only in the second half, Dabaris won 38-14. After resting for a weekend the Central Dabaris dominated the first half, scoring five tries in the first half while the Hagen Eagles defended for full 40 minutes of the first half trailing 0-26. Central Dabaris Lega Batia Scored the first try in the 17th minute, Rex Kaupa in the 27th, Bartholomew Evi in the 28th minute, Lote Kuman in the 34th and finally Mathew Wauwe in the 37th minute. 3 out of 5 conversions were successful, 2 first tries were unsuccessful conversions. The margin score drove the Hagen eagles to run and tackle harder in the second half, intimidating their opponents but were unsuccessful, whilst the Central Dabaris focused more on ball possession. Central Dabaris Lega Batia once again scored the first in 46th minute of the second half, followed by Douglas Pirika in the 46th minute. Hagen Eagles finally broke a pathway for their fullback Dickson Pipi to score their first try 49th minute after Dabaris first try in the second half, this followed by Komati Adam and Adam Korowa in the 72nd and 74th minute. 1 out of the 3 conversions were claimed by Jero Kunda TRAILING THE Central Dabaris 38-14. The frustration and impatient behavior had emerged into dangerous contact resulting in the sin bin of Mt Hagen Eagles, Junior Bala and Dickson Pipi. The Gas Resource Central Dabaris take their second win after loss in round 13 against the ENB Rabaul Gurias 22-6.

Relentless goal-line defence in the first half has seen the Newcastle Knights hold out the Sydney Roosters 12-10 in a classic match to launch the 2024 NRLW season. The Roosters fought back gallantly in the second half after trailing 0-10 at the half-time break to score the only two tries of the half, but were not able to convert their second try to force the match into golden point. Highlighted as stars to watch before the game, Tamika Upton's creativity in attack and Jesse Southwell's commitment in defence were key cogs in the win, with the duo supported by an imposing effort from Caitlan Johnston-Green who provided plenty of big hits. The Roosters put in an admirable display all match despite their pre-season injury setbacks and looked the good early, attacking the Knights line to dominate the start of the game. However they could not force their way over the line and were made to pay, with the home side making the most of their chances with two quick-fire tries to Olivia Higgins and Abigail Roach giving them their lead at half-time. New Knights coach Ben Jeffries had put a strong focus on improving fitness in the squad during the pre-season and it showed with the effort his side were able to put into their early defence which set the side up to strike later in the game. The Roosters never went away however, with crafty playmaker Tarryn Aiken playing as halfback after spending the season at five-eighth last year, setting up her side's two second-half tries to nearly steal the game. The first came via Jocelyn Kelleher for their first try of the game with 12 minutes in the game to keep things interesting. Her kicking game was on display again in the final minute of the match, putting through a kick for Jess Sergis to score in the final minute of the game. However, Kelleher was unable to convert, with the Knights just holding on for the win. Next week, the Knights head to GIO Stadium in Canberra to take on the Raiders on Saturday, while the Roosters will play host to the Broncos at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. NRL.com

Fiji’s Iowane Teba breaks through the Uruguay defense for a try on day one of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on 24 July, 2024 in Paris. Photo: World Rugby / Mike Lee - KLC Olympics rugby sevens men's defending champions, Fiji, have won both their pool games on day one of the competition. The Fijians defeated Uruguay 40-12 in their opening game, before winning over the USA 38-12 on Thursday morning. Samoa lost their first game 21-14 to Australia, before going down to Argentina 28-12, reducing their hopes of making the next round. Fiji, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia and Argentina have all won two games each on day one and have secured quarterfinal spots. "The first game is always hard, our bodies were not that fired up yet. But we improved on that and we also improved the technical stuff, like how to handle the kick-off," Fiji captain and double Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai said. The men's sevens continue with the final round of pool matches starting midnight (Friday NZ time) before the quarterfinals begin at 7am. Teams then take a rest on Saturday as the Games Opening Ceremony takes place before finals day on Sunday. In a statement, World Rugby said sevens kicked off at Paris 2024 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 69,000 fans at Stade de France. World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "We wanted to get the Games off to a spectacular start, but, wow, today was special. "A single-day record crowd for rugby sevens, an incredible atmosphere, and of course, scintillating rugby. Sevens brought its A game, and the world was watching." The women's competition runs from Monday. rnz.co.nz

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) confirms the final 2024 Team PNG 27-year-old Olympian athlete Mr. John Ume, from Kairuku, Central Province, solidifies his invite to compete in the 63.5kg division for boxing in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The invitation and chance came about as a result of an athlete withdrew from another nation, leaving PNG to fill in the vacant spot. His appointment alongside Coach Peter Morrison to the Paris 2024 Olympic Game is a welcomed addition to the current crop of athletes on route to Paris. Mr. Ume holds experience under his belt, represented PNG previously at the 2020 Summer Olympics and achieved a gold medal at the 2019 Pacific Games, and also showcasing his skills at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The total number of athletes representing Team PNG at the Paris 2024 Olympics rises to 7 including Mr. Ume. They will compete across 5 sports: Athletics, Taekwondo, Swimming, Weightlifting, and now Boxing. The PNGOC expresses its gratitude for the opportunity granted, allowing the inclusion of one more of our athletes into the boxing category, Mr. Ume. The PNGOC also extends its best wishes to the athlete and coach on their journey and success in representing Papua New Guinea at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The non-government organization PNGOC once again embrace and supports its athletes for their achievement, inspiring and uniting Papua New Guineans through sporting excellence and success.

The Governor General of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in his speech marking the 43rd Remembrance Day Ceremony in Port Moresby city yesterday, paid respected and honoured the sacrifices of the fallen and heroes still alive when speaking at the Remembrance Day Memorial Park at Ela Beach. Governor General H.E Sir Bob Dadae expressed his gratitude for being part of the 43rd Remembrance Day commemoration to honour the ones who gave their lives for the greater good of the country during their time before, during and after the Great War. “They were a people in their own time. Many of them died without telling us their names, or where they came from or, who their families were and what their dreams were. Their world was nothing more than the orders they received from their superiors. Their comrades were all they had, and they were determined to serve to the fullest of their abilities. These war men were surrounded by orders and a duty to care. They understood their duty to serve, and they served with pride and distinction.” “They demonstrated obedience and selflessness at the highest level. But little did they know that their actions would, in fact, be the reason why we all stand here today as a country and a people. “Today, it is hard to imagine how such values that are so inherent in our people, during the time of war and even peace time, could crumble in the face of modernity and development.” “The foundations and building blocks of villages and communities have broken down. Ill-discipline and disorder have become serious problems facing us today. This is not the kind of society and community our heroes fought for.” Furthermore, he urged the people not to forget the legacy the forefathers of Papua New Guinea, whom through their service, helped brought lasting peace and harmony. These men served as carriers, coast watches, guides and as soldiers in the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and the Niugini Infantry Battalion (NIB) in the Second World War. “Who better knew of the terrain and the best routes than our people? Who was physically able to traverse the mountains, rivers and jungles of this land while carrying a heavy load? We pay our respects to those ordinary people from our villages who took part in battle, who carried the wounded, who carried supplies, and those who acted as lookouts or guides. The contributions made by our people was valuable in supporting those on the front lines.” “They fought for a society that is disciplined and well ordered; where families are protected, leaders are respected, women and girls are cared for, youths are well behaved, and children are groomed to become better citizens. Nations are built on hardships, struggles and endurance. It is a long road with endless challenges, but with courage, bravery, obedience and selflessness, no barrier is an obstacle. “ “That is the spirit of our war heroes we must never forget!” “Let it not be in vain. Let it be the foundation for us to put aside our differences as leaders and citizens and work together in peace.” Grand Chief Dadae concluded by extending his gratitude to the attendees and public for their presence on the historic occasion, wishing all to continue to celebrate in remembrance of the men who gave their lives for us to see another day.