The Yumi FM and sister stations Nau FM and Legend FM breakfast crew went on a roadshow today to promote the Yumi FM PNG MUSIK Awards 2023 with the support of Platinum Sponsor Kumul Consolidated Holdings. The roadshow route started at the PNGFM office at Ahuia street, Gordons to Waigani Central-4mile-5mile-6mile-7mile-Erima-Kumul Flyover-Parliament drive-Telikom Rumana-Vision City-Waigani-Tokarara-Koura Way down to Hanuabada-Konedobu-Town-Koki-2mile back to 4mile and ended at the PNGFM Office. Additionally, they announced that the Yumi FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS 2023 will take place on Saturday June 1st at the Lamana Gold Club Arena as well as ticket prices which are K200 Balcony and K180 Arena. Tickets are on sale at the PNGFM main office at Gordons and at the Lamana Hotel reception. Furthermore, local artists who are perform live on the night are Saii Kay, 4Blordz & Dan Blantz, Mikes Toto, Sprigga Mek and Daniel Bilip who will be belting out their hit songs.

Along with enjoying the performance at the Keynote Mini Concert with Saii Kay yesterday in Port Moresby, three people in the audience were lucky enough to score themselves a free ticket to attend the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards night on Saturday, June 1st at the Lamana Gold Club. Yumi FM and sister stations Nau FM and Legend FM hosts Barabara, Karl and Augie hosted mini games and asked questions that related to the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards, giving the audience a chance to score themselves a ticket to the Awards ceremony. Out on her lunch break, Ripple Brew employee, Tere Aihi, was one of the lucky winners and stated that she was excited when she won the ticket to attend the music awards as she was a big fan of Saii Kay’s music. “I was excited to see him perform and take a picture with him.” “I’m so happy. I can’t wait for the awards night.” Tere and two other people, Vincent and Lincoln were three of the lucky winners who won tickets to attend and witness the 19th Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2023. Meanwhile, tickets for the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards are currently on sale at the PNGFM main office and the Lamana Hotel reception. Tickets are selling at K200 for Balcony and K180 for Arena.

With Saii Kay belting out his hit songs, customers and workers in the Brian Bell Gordons Plaza in Port Moresby couldn’t help but stop to check out the ‘Mini Concert Wantaim Keynote’ in their showroom yesterday. With fans singing along to the songs and just casually enjoying the music, it was a great atmosphere to be in at the Keynote showroom. Keynote’s Sales Manager for External Sales, Mr. Emmanuel Korai stated that the organization was happy with the success of this mini concert and thanked the performing artist for coming through. “We’re very happy here at Keynote. We rarely have top artists coming around to perform so it’s a good thing for us at the shop and also our customers.” “As sponsors, we’re proud to sponsor the award and support the Yumi FM team with activities like the Mini Concert here at the shop.” “Thank you to the artist- Saii Kay, Yumi FM and the teams at PNGFM Limited.” After a great performance, Saii Kay was grateful for the opportunity to perform to the public. “Thank you to the PNGFM team and Keynote PNG for this opportunity to come and perform here.” Furthermore, Keynote Sales Manager stated that they at Keynote were open to the idea of more mini concerts in the future. “We’re open to the concept of having more mini concerts here at Keynote especially for those who don’t have the opportunity to go and witness the artists sing in clubs.” Meanwhile, Keynote PNG is the proud sponsor of the Justin Kili Award of the Yumi FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS 2023, which is the award that recognizes an individual in the music industry who has worked effortlessly to grow the music industry.  

Keynote PNG will be hosting local music sensation, Saii Kay in a Mini Concert on Wednesday, 23rd May at their Brian Bell, Gordons showroom in Port Moresby city. This initiative is a teaser which is a lead up to the Yumi FM PNG MUSIK Awards on Saturday June 1st at the Lamana Gold Club Arena. Senior Yumi FM personality Kasty, who will be hosting the event, stated that it will be a fun event and the public is welcome to come and watch. Artist to perform, Saii Kay stated that he was excited for the concert as he will be singing his hit song 'Unlove' as well as other songs from his recent album. Additionally, fans will also have a chance to win a free ticket to the Yumi FM PNG MUSIK Awards night. Meanwhile, this event aims to showcase the Keynote PNG showroom as well as the instruments and musical equipment that will be on display.

In a ground-breaking initiative aimed at combating the rising tide of cancer cases, the Department of Oncology at Pacific International Hospital (PIH) has launched a comprehensive cancer awareness, advocacy, and training program for the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and the Office of the Chief Migration Officer. According to a statement, under the visionary leadership of the Acting Chief Migration Officer, in collaboration with the GESI advisor, the Department of Oncology, and the PIH Management, this systematic program was rolled out to all eligible employees of the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority at the Oncology Wing of Pacific International Hospital. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by a recent surge in cancer cases in the National Capital District and within these government departments. The timing of this program coincides with a sobering alert from the World Health Organization, which identified cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide in 2020, claiming nearly one in six lives. Among the most prevalent forms of cancer are breast, lung, colon and rectum, and prostate cancers. Shockingly, approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to preventable factors such as tobacco use, high BMI, alcohol consumption, and poor diet and exercise habits. Additionally, cancer-causing infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis are responsible for around 30% of cases in low and lower-middle-income countries. However, the silver lining lies in the fact that many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. Programs like the one initiated by PIH play a crucial role in advocating the public on early detection and prevention strategies, facilitated by well-trained super-specialists. Through interactive sessions, participants were confronted with practical realities and societal taboos surrounding cancer in PNG, debunking myths, and shedding light on medical advancements that mitigate risk and improve treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the program extends its reach beyond the workplace and the program, offering support and guidance to participants whose families have been affected by this deadly disease. By fostering awareness and promoting preventive measures, Pacific International Hospital aims to empower individuals and communities in their fight against cancer. Meanwhile, this pioneering effort serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between healthcare institutions and government agencies in addressing pressing public health challenges. As the battle against cancer rages on, initiatives like these offer hope and inspiration for a healthier, cancer-free future in PNG.

“You may have sponsor changes, but we’ll always be a sponsor.” These were the reassuring words of the General Manager of Lamana Hotel, Ms Jaquie Simons reaffirming Lamana Hotel’s support in sponsoring the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2023. The Lamana Gold Club Arena has been the place where nominated artists from the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS have received recognition for their efforts in growing the music industry with its continued support to only music awards event in the country. In an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, General Manager of Lamana Hotel, Jaquie Simons stated that Lamana has been part of the music awards since its conception and have been with the event for over ten years. “Music awards used to be like a concert but it is now more refined. I feel like it’s’ changed over time so now it’s like a proper awards ceremony and how we establish our artists that are performing.” She expressed that Lamana has come on board as a sponsor to back the YFMPNGMA and PNGFM team due to the family bond that both companies have established over the years of working closely together. “We just want to back the team up because we feel like we’re part of the family and we know that if Lamana ever needs support, PNGFM will back us up. Supporting each other is something we’ve always done.” “This event is the culmination of everything together. The Gold Club is the Party Capital of the South Pacific and PNGFM plays the best of PNG Music as well as songs from the Pacific islands so when its awards night, they all come back here, and it all gets done at the Party Capital of the South Pacific.” Furthermore, she mentioned that the night was going to be fun although it’ll be busy. “It’ll definitely be busy because this is the only time when you’ll have all the favorites in one night, receiving awards and performing as well.” Ms. Simons praised the General Manager of PNGFM, Rosemarie ‘Shaz’ Botong for the great work she and her team have done with changing things up with the awards ceremony. Meanwhile, the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2023 is set for Saturday, June 1st, 2024, at the Lamana Gold Club Arena. Tickets are selling at K200 for Balcony and K180 for Arena at the PNGFM Office where ticket payment can be made via eftpos and the Lamana Hotel Reception via either cash or card payment.

The Minister for Education and Member for Gumine, Lucas Dekena has called on the Governors and their Provincial Administrators to discipline Provincial Education Advisors who have not done their job properly by ensuring that their teachers’ Resumption of Duty Summary Sheets (RoDSS) were entered into the Alesco Pay System in the province. In a statement, the Minister made this call after 8,518 teachers were put off the payroll as a result of the auto-suspension exercise this fortnight which represents 13% of the total number of teachers who were on payroll as of Pay# 26/2023. “The initial date for auto suspension was on Pay 5 however, given more than 50 percent of teachers were to be affected, the Secretary for Education extended the exercise to come on Pay 10.” “All provinces were advised to ensure that their teachers submitted their RoDSS to be entered at the provincial level and for those who did not have access to Alesco to send them to Port Moresby as soon as they could." “Almost all provinces’ salary functions have been decentralized and have access to the Alesco Pay System except for Southern Highlands and Gulf Provinces.” The Minister said that teachers have been put off pay due to the lack of attention by provincial Divisions of Education. He added that the PEAs report directly to the Governors and the Provincial Administrators under the Organic Law 1995 and are not answerable and cannot be disciplined by the Secretary for Education. “The Secretary for Education only works in collaboration with the provinces to ensure that the administration of such exercises function smoothly.” “Almost all the PEAs have not done their job diligently considering the huge number of teachers that have been put off the pay.” Meanwhile the Payroll of the Department of Education has been directed to defer the auto suspension till Pay 12. The contributing factors to teachers being put off pay is due to late appointments done by provinces and the lack of proper documentations upon appointment. The practice of schools borrowing positions from another school also results in teachers missing out on being paid. “I now direct all the PEAs to assist their teachers to ensure that they have all the proper documentations and their RoDSS submitted to be restored on payroll or they will be referred to the Provincial Administrators for disciplinary actions.”

After seven years on board as support sponsors of the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS, Trophy Haus Limited have again decided to come on board for this year’s YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS, making this their eighth year in partnership with the event. Being the plaque suppliers of the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS, Trophy Haus have and continue to make it possible for winners to be reminded of the achievements when they look at their award plaques. Trophy Haus Limited General Manager, Mr. Paul Pasuve stated that Trophy Haus first became a sponsor in 2015 during the 11th Yumi FM Musik Awards. “It has been an easy decision for us to continue this partnership as Trophy Haus began life as an awards and memorabilia retailer before we expanded into sports and fashion.” Hence our tagline “celebrating with you for more than 30 years!” Mr Pasuve said that it was a privilege to be a part of an event that celebrates PNG culture through music. “We are privileged to be a part of an event that celebrates one of the best aspects of PNG culture – its vibrant and unique music.” “Music is more than just poetry set to tune – it is a cultural heritage and a way for society to pass down stories, beliefs, traditions, and experiences from one generation to the next.” He further added that Trophy Haus is looking forward to celebrating with PNGFM Limited in the coming years. “We are excited to hear what the next generation of artists and musicians will bring in future.” Meanwhile, Trophy Haus started operations in 1985 as a retailer of trophies, medals, and headstones and has since grown to be the largest retailer of branded sports and fashion brands in Papua New Guinea. “We now have 12 stores across Papua New Guinea bringing world-class brands into PNG.”

In a landmark move, Moni Plus have come onboard as the naming rights sponsor for Capital Rugby Union Junior (CRUJ) as part of its Get into Rugby (GIR) flagship program, aimed at nurturing talented and enthusiastic young players within its local competitions. This initiative, according to a statement, marks a pivotal step in CRU's commitment to cultivating the next generation of rugby stars, with the aim of shaping the future of the sport in PNG. Aligned with its vision to become the premier community rugby association in Papua New Guinea, providing a pathway for rugby players of all ages and levels, Moni Plus CRU's Junior Rugby program under the Get into Rugby initiative will cater to ages ranging from U12s to U18s. It aims to bolster participation among boys and girls in junior rugby by expanding club competitions at the junior level. Kori Chan, President of CRU, emphasized that the Moni Plus CRUJ program is not only about teaching rugby skills but also about instilling positive values and life lessons. “The program seeks to foster personal growth, promote camaraderie, and nurture a healthy outlook among participants.” "We believe rugby is a sport for all, and our junior program will serve as a platform for young individuals to flourish both on and off the field.” Moni Plus, through its partnership initiatives, proudly supports the Junior Rugby program as its official naming rights sponsor. Atish Das, Head of Marketing and Branding for Moni Plus expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its significance in directly empowering youth and promoting junior sports in local communities. In tandem with local CRU clubs certified under the Get into Rugby program, the Junior Rugby events will be hosted monthly from April to October 2024 in identified schools or villages associated with the clubs. Furthermore, CRU unveiled its collaboration with Brisbane Grammar School, a prestigious private boys' school in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. “This partnership aims to develop junior rugby pathways combining both academic and sports, re-emphasizing the unique opportunities that rugby union provides for Papua New Guineans to travel and explore the world.” Meanwhile Moni Plus and CRU are excited about the prospects that the Junior Rugby program and the partnership with Brisbane Grammar School offer in fostering rugby talent and contributing to the development of sports in Papua New Guinea.

Steamships was pleased to share its sustainability initiative of the installation of solar panels on top of Downtown Plaza, located in the capital’s Central Business District. Leading the solar panel project, Pacific Palms Property (PPP) is working in collaboration with PNG Power Limited (PPL) on the pioneering PPL Solar Pilot Programme. Other key stakeholders include Astra Solar Limited and YZ Consulting. The project, according to a statement, marks a significant step towards the company’s dedication to utilising renewable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint. Installing solar panels highlight the company’s broader efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of Downtown Plaza but also represent a vital step towards a more environmentally conscious future. Upon completion, the energy produced by the panels will supplement the existing power supply. While the panels harness electricity from sunlight, the traditional power grid will remain accessible to provide a reliable energy source for Downtown Plaza. Steamships Managing Director, Rupert Bray stated that Steamships and its businesses commend PNG Power’s pilot initiative to implement renewable energy solutions. “Steamships have made a long-term commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, adopting best practices with an aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.” “With mutual dedication to explore renewable energy, we hope to continue working with PPL, and as leading business houses, embrace sustainable power solutions within PNG”. Furthermore, Downtown Plaza serves as the model project for an initiative that ensures our buildings are more resilient during adverse conditions. This endeavor not only prioritizes resilience but also extends a helping hand to tenants striving to meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. This public and private sector collaboration shows a shared commitment to deploy technologies that not only advance infrastructure but also foster the development of Papua New Guinea as a whole. Additionally, as this initiative gains traction, its impact is poised to expand far beyond Downtown Plaza, offering a blueprint for progress and sustainability. Meanwhile the project highlights the businesses strong commitment to environmental stewardship and paves the way for additional initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability of PPP assets. Recent sustainability efforts include the Steamships Corporate Office, which obtained the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, establishing it as the first “green” commercial building in PNG and the Pacific. The solar project is due for completion in the fourth quarter, 2024.

Students from Port Moresby Technical College (POMTECH) had the opportunity to visit the No. 35 Squadron detachment and tour a RAAF C-27J Spartan deployed to PNG under the Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP). PNG Defence Force Air Transport Wing (ATW) personnel also provided tours of their new PAC P-750 aircraft. According to a statement, the students had the unique opportunity to observe the inner workings of the C-27J while Royal Australian Air Force technicians explained the electrical and mechanical operation of the C-27J. Detachment Commander, flight Lieutenant, Ben Howlett said that the intent of the visit was to give the POMTECH students an experience of what the end of their training could look like, if they chose to continue in the aviation world, or work with engines. “We’re hoping at the end of today, they’ll have a greater appreciation of our aircraft and they’ll be motivated to finish their education.” The engagement was a fantastic opportunity for students to talk to pilots, loadmasters, and aircraft technicians from both Defence Forces. Head of POMTECH Mechanical Department, Mr Aquila Kasu explained that it was good exposure for the students, looking at avionics, aircraft engineering, and airframes. “This is a good introduction for courses we are running in the future.” Both mechanical and electrical students participated, such as Miss Shantelle Treloggen who is currently studying Maintenance, Fitting and Machining (MFM). “It’s a great opportunity for us to come out here and to have this practical experience; as MFM students, by looking at aircraft engineering we can be confident in the parts of the plane,” Treloggen said. “It has always been my dream to work in aviation, after MFM I can become an aircraft engineer later on so I’m very excited to be here.” The PNG Defence Force ATW and 35th Squadron have a special partnership as sister squadrons, working side by side under the Flights for Excellence Program and Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program in PNG. Furthermore, Commanding Officer of ATW, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar said it’s important to conduct this visit as those students interested in avionics and aviation trade will potentially find themselves working at ATW alongside 35 Squadron. “It’s a different dimension when they come here and talk to the military personnel, they get to see two militaries together, the PNGDF and RAAF.” “We have a long history with POMTECH, we had a previous Commanding Officer who was a former student of the college, so it’s good information for the students to have something to work towards.” Meanwhile DPAP is part of an Australian Whole-of-Government effort to increase presence and capacity in the South West Pacific and will initially focus on airlift operations in Papua New Guinea.

On the back of Nathan Cleary’s latest hamstring injury, the battered Blues will be forced to call on their fourth different halves combination in as many matches when they open the Origin series at home on June 5. With Cleary sidelined for the entire series, Parramatta halfback Mitch Moses is firming to wear the No.7 jersey, as he did in Game 3 last year when the Blues saved face with a 24-10 victory in Sydney. Moses hasn’t played since fracturing his foot in Round 3 but is in contention for the Eels’ clash with the Storm this weekend before a Round 12 showdown with Cody Walker, the man he partnered in the halves in Origin 3 last year. After starting last year’s series with Penrith’s premiership-winning duo of Cleary and Jarome Luai, the Blues turned to Moses for Game Two with Cleary sidelined by a hamstring injury. With Walker battling for form in a struggling Rabbitohs outfit, the Blues No.6 jersey could come down to a race between Luai, Nicho Hynes and Luke Keary, who has been in great touch for the rampaging Roosters. Keary and Blues coach Michael Maguire shared premiership glory with the Rabbitohs in 2014, and with eight try assists in nine games this season the 32-year-old is one of the NRL’s form playmakers. Hynes produced nine try assists and 13 tackle breaks to steer the Sharks to five wins on the trot before calf tightness forced him out of the Round 10 win over Melbourne, hardly the ideal scenario with Origin One looming large. A horror weekend for Blues Origin aspirants started on Thursday night with Tom Trbojevic suffering a hamstring injury against the Dolphins. Since dominating the 2019 series playing at centre, ‘Turbo’ has played just five of a possible 12 Origins, leaving a gaping hole in the Blues backline. He missed the 2022 series with a shoulder injury before returning for Game One in 2023 and running for 137 metres in a narrow loss in Adelaide. His wretched run continued in Game Two when he lasted just three minutes before suffering a torn pectoral muscle and his latest hamstring injury has ruled him out for at least seven weeks. Also among the Blues’ walking wounded are Cameron Murray (hip), Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle), Clint Gutherson (knee), Campbell Graham (sternum) and Adam Reynolds (biceps), while first-choice hooker Api Koroisau is battling a back injury, although he did return to action for Wests Tigers in Tamworth after missing Round 9. As Maguire weighs his options with two rounds to go before he names his side, it may well be the table topping Sharks who loom as the saviours, with a number of their stars making undeniable cases for a Blues jersey. Apart from Hynes, who seems certain to figure in the squad provided his calf comes good, workhorse lock Cameron McInnes and centre Jesse Ramien are also in the frame, while Siosifa Talakai looks to be back to the form that won him two Blues caps off the bench in 2022. Shifted to hooker as part of the reshuffle after Hynes’ late withdrawal from the Storm game, McInnes came up with 50 tackles and nine runs in a stirring 80-minute performance that earned rave reviews from coach Craig Fitzgibbon. “As far as Origin qualities go, what more do you want in a player there? Cam can actually play a number of different roles there at that level too,” said Fitzgibbon, a veteran of 11 Origins for NSW. “I think he’s displayed Origin-like qualities for a long time now, so I’d love to see him get a crack, but ultimately the selection process – you’ve got to respect the fact there’s a number of candidates there. “The way some of them are going they wouldn’t let anyone down, put it that way. “The experience they gain, obviously playing at the elite level, I think it’s beneficial for your team by the time they come back. “Yeah, there’s a bit of work to do in and around the period when you lose players but it’s worth it because they get better from the experience. "Who doesn’t want to have the privilege of coaching someone who ends up playing Origin? I think it would be awesome for them.” With the Sharks sitting pretty at 8-1 heading into Magic Round there's little doubt Fitzgibbon will be packing some of his stars off to Origin camp in a fortnight - just how many will depend on Hynes coming through two tough games against the Roosters and Panthers unscathed and the Blues casualty ward not filling up any further. Source: NRL.Com