The Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loan Society (NCSL) Limited is committed to continuously enhancing the service experience of its members. NCSL stated that to further improve transparency and pricing, NCSL decided to remove the K1.00 monthly account service fee on all its savings products, with immediate effect. More positive changes in product pricing can be expected later this year. This is projected to save members over K2.5 million in fees per year. This change applies to the following accounts:  Christmas Savings: Accessible during November, December, and January.  Education Savings: For school-related expenses.  Kids Savings: Trust account for children under 18.  MMJV Housing Scheme Savings: Home savings for Morobe Mining Joint Venture employees.  Long Service Leave Savings: For employees' long service leave entitlements. "The monthly fees for the Poro Transaction Account will continue to apply,” the savings and loan society stated. NCSL added that the savings and loan serve over 150,000 members who save for their short to medium-term financial needs. “This initiative reflects NCSL's commitment to providing better value and making saving more accessible and rewarding for its members,” NCSL said.

ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) Limited has achieved 10 years of production, resulting in almost 86million tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and more than 1, 100 LNG cargoes shipped to customers in Asia. EMPNG stated that in 2024, PNG LNG commemorated its 10th Year of production, two major production milestone were achieved in 2024, with the start of drilling of the Hides F2 well in August and the start-up of the Angore Project in November. “The Angore Project is designed to deliver 350 million standard cubic feet per day of gas. It unlocks a significant natural gas resource, estimated at 1 trillion cubic feet to support stable, long-term LGN Production. A total of 8.1 million tonnes of LNG was produced, with 108 LNG cargoes and 12 naphtha cargoes loaded, in 2024. More than 85.9 million tonnes of LNG have been produced, as well as 1, 143 LNG cargoes and 111 naphtha cargoes loaded, since production began. EMPNG maintains a firm commitment to national content, with Papua New Guinean citizens representing the majority of PNG LNG’s workforce. By the end of 2024, 90 per cent or 3, 155 workers were from Papua New Guinea. Of these, Papua New Guinean women accounted for 19per cent and represented 96 per cent of all women working at PNG LNG Facilities. During the year, a national content milestone was achieved with the LNG Plant Central Control Room fully operated by skilled Papua New Guinean employees,” EMPNG said. EMPNG said that career development and training opportunities are delivered to workers through physical classes and online. “EMPNG and its contractors provided training opportunities to 10,500 participants during 2024 over the equivalent of 254, 600 hours through 2120 courses. Since the start of production, the equivalent of more than 1.3 million hours of training has been delivered to approximately 136,000 course participants,” the company stated. Performance Highlights: 85.9 million tonnes of LNG produced since production began 1143 cargoes of LNG loaded since the start of production 111 cargoes of naphtha loaded since the start of production

In a strategic move to address the Papua New Guinea’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) challenges, the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) through the WaSH Project Management Unit (PMU) launched two transformative initiatives. These two initiatives are the UMBEN Platform and the Joint WaSH Sector Program Implementation and Monitoring Committee (JWSPIMC). The dual launch brought together high-level government officials, development partners, and key sector stakeholders including WaterAid PNG and Australian High Commission, all united in their commitment to deliver better WaSH outcomes for every Papua New Guinean. Speaking at the event, Mr. Takale Tuna, National WaSH Programs Coordinator with the WaSH Project Management Unit, described the UMBEN Platform as a “game-changer” in WaSH data collection and service delivery. “Derived from the Tok Pisin word for “fishing net,” UMBEN symbolizes a system designed to “capture” vital data across all levels of government and sectors — from communities to health facilities and schools. UMBEN is not just a technical upgrade. It represents a new way of doing business in the WaSH sector. It equips districts and provinces with real-time data for evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and accountability. It strengthens transparency and supports the development of District 5-Year WaSH Plans aligned with national priorities,” Mr. Tuna said. Mr. Tuna said the platform was initially built on the WaSH Management Information System (MIS) introduced in 2019. “With more than PGK1.5 million in funding from the Australian Water Partnership through WaterAid PNG, the system has since undergone a major transformation, making it more dynamic, user-friendly, and accessible to stakeholders across the country. Complementing the platform, the JWSPIMC was launched as a formal coordination mechanism to align efforts across government departments and development partners. The Committee will report directly to the Departmental Heads & Agency Committee and be supported by the DNPM WaSH PMU as Secretariat,” he added. Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Mr. Koney Samuel, emphasized the urgency and importance of these reforms. Citing recent WHO/UNICEF data, he highlighted that only 42% of Papua New Guineans have access to basic drinking water, 19% have basic sanitation, and 28% still practice open defecation. “These aren’t just statistics — they reflect the daily struggles of families and communities across our country. The UMBEN Platform allows us to plan from the bottom-up and monitor progress with precision. It ensures that every Kina we invest in WaSH goes where it’s needed most.” The launch of the JWSPIMC aims to eliminate fragmentation and ensure that all stakeholders are “rowing in the same direction” toward common development goals,” Mr. Samuel said. He said these efforts directly support targets under PNG’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023–2027), which aims to increase rural water access from 48% to 70%, improve rural sanitation from 33% to 60%, and achieve 100% access to clean water in urban areas by 2027. “They also reaffirm PNG’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 — universal access to clean water and sanitation,” Mr. Samuel added.

It is frightening the road our country is taking in relation to the ruling cartels actions against journalists, says East Sepik Governor Allan Bird. In a public post on Facebook addressing the situation surrounding the suspension and termination of Kalang Advertising Limited’s (FM100) Talkback Host and Government Relations Manager Mr. Cullighan Tanda, Governor Bird said he understands that Culligan Tanda was suspected after he interviewed him. “The sad thing is that I have been a regular participant since 2003 when the late Roger Hau'ofa flew to Madang to interview me at the Madang Resort. I have been supporting FM100 for more than 20 years. When Roger passed away, Douglas Dimagi came on board, and I still supported the show. I made no exception when Culligan came on board. In fact, my second last interview with Culligan Tanda resulted in their highest rated show. The sad thing is that Culligan called me up at the last minute because he had no one to attend on that day. So, I was turning up to support his show,” Governor Bird said. He added that he is deeply disappointed in the way their management have responded, especially when they met his CEO before the show and he could have objected then. “I have spoken to Culligan and given him my views of what his options are. I await his decision. I also understand another reporter with EMTV was also terminated for doing a story on the Section 145 reference in court. I have never met that reporter,” he said. Governor Bird said he is now making a call on all Papua New Guineans to do a passive protest against these actions by government agents. "Enough is enough. Let's cease our support of these businesses that act as an extension of government cartels that are suppressing our rights as citizens,” he added.

The management team of a Sri Lankan large-scale coconut-based food and beverages manufacturer/exporter, met with the Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, to express their keen interest to set up a coconut processing plant in Madang Province under a Joint Venture arrangement with the local investors. Joindi Export Pvt Limited has two processing plants in Sri Lanka and, under the brand name econutrena'. They offer expanding and diversified product portfolio, ranging from coconut cream, coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut sugar, coconut butter, coconut whipping cream, coconut ice cream, coconut vinegar, coconut virgin oil, coconut water, coconut flour, coconut chips and coconut milk drinks (to name a few) to their worldwide clients including supermarket chains and high-end supermarkets, food companies, hotels, and the cosmetic industry in Europe, North America, Japan, Australian, Germany, Netherland and other developed countries. Minister Maru said that their products are 100 percent organic and are certified under different local and international certifications including USDA Organic, Fairtrade, ISO 22000, Control Union Certifications, Business Social Compliance Initiative, and others. "Our government together with the Madang Provincial Government are very keen to work in partnership with the Joindi Export and Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) to develop the proposed processing plant in Madang that would have the capacity to process up to 100,000 coconuts per day to produce high-end coconut products. This is a long-overdue initiative, and I am so delighted that they are keen to start this project. We have been waiting for partners to help us to go into downstream processing of our coconuts to produce high-end products for the global market." "Coconut industry is one of the industries in our country that has been around for a long time, but we have been semi-processing and that is one thing that our country and our government does not want anymore. We do not need to export coconut oil anymore. We want to process our coconuts into final products to maximize our value, create more jobs, and encourage the industry to grow if our people can see a better value," he said. Minister Maru said Joindi Export's already have big clients in Australia including Woolworths and it is cheaper to supply Australia from PNG rather than from Sri Lanka. "The biggest thing is, we must offer a good price to the farmers for the coconuts so they will be attracted to supply the nuts to the processing plant. This is critical. The products manufactured in the proposed plant must also carry the 'PNG Made' logo so the world will know that these coconut products are from PNG," he said. Minister Maru encouraged the investor to provide him with a full investment proposal outlining the capacity, production, equity, and the financial and operational viability of the project. "We look forward to receiving Joindi Export's full investment proposal next week," said Minister Maru. He confirmed that equity will not be an issue. "I will also work very closely with the Madang Provincial Government to secure 10 hectares of land in Madang for this very important investment that will transform the coconut industry in PNG. "I want to thank the Managing Director of KIK, Mr. Alan Aku for arranging this important investment mission for this company to meet with me and other key stakeholders," added Minister Maru.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is proud to announce that the preparation for the 15th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption (SASWAC) is in full swing. TIPNG said that the SASWAC is TIPNG’s major fundraising event and it is a powerful demonstration of unity against corruption. “The SASWAC is set to take place on Sunday, June 15th, 2025, at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. This year's SASWAC, theme is "Integrity & Action Now!". The theme is a call to all citizens, urging them to move beyond mere words and actively embody integrity through transparent and decisive actions at every level of society. As TIPNG's primary fundraising event, the SASWAC provides a vital platform for organizations, schools, and families to stand together peacefully in their commitment to a Papua New Guinea that values integrity. Teams are encouraged to showcase their commitment through creative banners bearing messages of integrity, with exciting prizes awaiting the best message and best-dressed team.  Leading the 2025 SASWAC is the esteemed Dame Meg Taylor, a founding director of TIPNG and a pivotal figure in the establishment of Transparency International's PNG chapter in 1997. “The overwhelming support from sponsors underscores the collective will to combat corruption. We gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions that have come in so far from BNG Trading, Pacific Adventist University, Cords Associates, Tent Manufacturers, Total Waste Management, Credit Bank, Kina Bank, Constantinou Group, Theodist, The Voice Inc, City Mission, Break a Sweat Women’s Fitness, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School and Dulux,” said TIPNG CEO Ms. Arianne Kassman. Ms. Kassman said that the 15th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption is not just a walk; it is a powerful stride towards a future where integrity is not just an ideal, but a lived reality. “We urge every citizen, every organization, and every family to join us by registering teams, to raise their voices, and to demonstrate through their actions that 'Integrity & Action Now!' is the unwavering commitment of our nation,” said Ms. Kassman. TIPNG aims to raise K200,000 through this crucial event. Teams can register under the following categories: Corporate (K2,000 for 12 participants), Civil Society Organizations (K500 for 12 participants), Schools (K200 for 12 participants), Families (K100 for 12 participants), and Small Medium Enterprises (K500 for 12 participants). To register a family, school or organization team, send contact TIPNG on 74377749 or info@transparencypng.org.pg for a registration form.

Matzuz Aid Post on Lihir Island in the New Ireland Province now has reliable lighting to the facility for the first time after BSP Lihir installed a solar power system just recently. The Community project initiative saw BSP Lihir staff volunteer their time outside of work to make significant improvements to the health facility, located 40km from the main Lihir Township for the local community. BSP stated that this improvement now means healthcare workers no longer have to rely on torchlights to treat patients during the night. “The solar system now powers the entire Aid Post, enabling a better environment for medical staff to administer patient care. BSP Lihir staff went beyond the installation itself, contributing their time and effort to paint the Aid Post and enhance the surroundings, creating a more welcoming healthcare facility for the community. The handover ceremony, held on May 3rd, 2025, was officiated by key community leaders, including Ward 9 Member Robert Huonanayal, Aid Post Chairman Tom Arau, church leader Peter Uspor, contractor representative Bobby Samuel, and other community members,” BSP stated. BSP Lihir Deputy Manageress Grace Ngatia said BSP is proud to partner in championing prosperity across the community through this Aid Post. "The successful completion of this solar-powered lighting project at Matzuz Aid Post reflects BSP’s ongoing commitment to developing sustainable solutions for our communities. Access to reliable lighting will enhance healthcare services, improve safety, and ensure that medical assistance is available at all hours,” Ngatia said. Ward Member Robert Huonanayal expressed his deep appreciation, commending BSP for the positive impact of the project. “Now, our Aid Post has proper lighting, ensuring our health workers can care for patients at night without difficulty. This is a huge step forward for our community,” he said. The Community Project initiative show’s BSP’s commitment to supporting rural communities and improving essential services.

The Government, through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), yesterday presented a cheque of K1 million to Port Moresby Technical College (POMTech) to support its ongoing infrastructure development. DNPM Secretary Koney Samuel officially handed over the cheque to the college’s Principal Henry Wamaingu and Governing Council Chairman Kaime Kipi in the presence of academic staff. In his remarks, Secretary Samuel underscored the importance of education in achieving Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050, which aspires to build a “smart, wise, fair, healthy, and happy society.” “We need a highly educated and skilled workforce. That’s why investing in education—particularly technical education—is critical. It addresses the shortage of skilled manpower needed for the country’s upcoming mining, oil, and gas projects. These projects are vital for our national development and provide an opportunity to correct past oversights,” he said. He added that POMTech is one of the country’s premier technical institutions, enrolls more than 3,000 students annually and continues to play a central role in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)—a key priority of the Government. Principal Wamaingu also highlighted the college’s reintroduction of its Business School, which now runs alongside its core trade programs. “Last year, select business students from the college undertook industrial training with the DNPM, marking a significant first for the institution. This funding will help us complete the construction of our Business School, which is currently 75 percent finished,” Mr. Wamaingu said.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has reiterated his call to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Public Service to make Domestic Violence a sackable offence for public servants when speaking to the staff of Prime Minister & National Executive Council (NEC). PM Marape stressed this as he reminded Papua New Guinean men to revisit the original structure of the family unit as designed by God, and their responsibility as the leader of their families in contributing to the wellbeing of the PNG society. Mr. Marape and his wife, Mrs. Rachael Marape addressed female employees of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (NEC) at Melanesia House to mark Mother’s Day, celebrated throughout the world on Sunday, 11th May 2025. PM Marape opened the small event with words on the importance of families in the proper make-up of societies, the order and structure of families with the father as the head and leader of the family, the mother as the bearer of children and nurturer, and children and their wellbeing as the ultimate objective of a family. He aligned these principles as set out in the Bible with Adam as one half the family and Eve, his wife and helper, the other half. “There is no better place for a point of reference than the Bible – the Word of God, the Creator of the world. The first government on Earth was the government by Adam, Eve and God at the centre. That is the fundamental base. When Eve disobeyed God, it was Adam God called first. The responsibility of the family, therefore, lies with the man first and foremost,” he said. “To the menfolk, you have the greater responsibility to take care of women and the children. In our 50th anniversary – in case you think there is a greater task ahead for you, so you are still searching and ignoring your tasks as fathers in our society – this is it. You cannot be a good leader in the community, at your workplace, or wherever you want to be, if you cannot lead your own families. To reset our country as we head into our 50th year, the greater responsibility must come from within our families. Men must rise and take the lead of each of their families. “The women of PNG have been faithfully toiling the last 49 years, singing ‘O arise all you sons, and doing their part in silence and in pain. The woman is the other half of the man, the helpmate for the husband. The men of our country must take greater responsibility,” said PM Marape. He called on the Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu to see to it that male public servants who abuse their wives at home are sacked for this, mentioning also that bride price and the “purchase” of women must be banned. Mrs. Marape complemented the Prime Minister’s speech by recounting her experiences as mother and ‘first lady’ of the country, while emphasizing the importance of wives submitting to their husbands. “As mothers, we have responsibility. I want to touch on a point that has been a challenge to me, but I tried as much as possible. As wives, we must submit to our husbands. Why I am saying that is because as mothers, we bear children and we are attached to the children, and the fathers don’t really feel this. When there are any issues, we keep looking after the children – keep them at home, keep them in school, keep them in church,” she said. Mrs. Marape also acknowledged the role her husband played in helping her to take care of their family at home while she pursued her accounting studies.

Four young Papua New Guineans, including one female cadet, have embarked on their journey as part of Air Niugini’s second batch of pilot cadets under the airline’s National Pilot Cadet Program. They departed Port Moresby on Saturday, 10th May, to commence their 18-month initial pilot training at Flight Training Adelaide in South Australia. Air Niugini stated that the cadets—Christopher Morea Saisagu, Salmon Ephraim Hans, Daera Konio Reid, and Eruel Toovey Verave—were selected after successfully passing a rigorous and thorough selection process of candidates with no former flight training or experience. The Airline said thousands of applications were received from young men and women across Papua New Guinea and shortlisted candidates underwent an intensive evaluation, including academic assessments, internal aptitude tests, and interviews conducted by both Flight Training Adelaide and Air Niugini to ensure only the top-performing individuals were chosen. During a meeting with the cadets and their parents on Friday, Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon emphasized the airline’s significant investment in their training. He stated that by the time the cadets are fully trained, Air Niugini will have invested one million kina in each of them. Mr. Seddon highlighted the expectations of the highly regulated airline industry, focusing on safety and security, and urged the cadets to remain focused and disciplined. He added that Air Niugini expects nothing less than excellence and professionalism from them. “It may be your lifelong dream to one day work for the national airline. While you have made it this far, it’s the envy of many to be in the seats you occupy today. Therefore, do not take this opportunity lightly. Air Niugini is making this substantial investment to ensure your dreams become a reality. We want you to succeed and return to work with us,” Mr. Seddon remarked. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Captain Samiu Taufa, and Manager of Pilot cadets and Dash 8 Captain Joachim Ortlauf, who were once cadets themselves 33 and 15 years ago, respectively, echoed the CEO’s sentiments. They encouraged the four young individuals to stay disciplined and focused throughout their training. Captain Taufa, also General Manager of Flight Operations and Check and Training Captain on the Boeing B767, emphasized that being a pilot is a highly rewarding career. He noted that the cadet program is a pathway to realizing that dream and strongly emphasized the importance of discipline and good habits. “Initially, it’s always exciting; however, there will be challenges and temptations along the way. There may be times when you feel alone but always remember to stay focused and disciplined. If you need support, there are always people here at Air Niugini who will help, guide, and mentor you throughout your training,” Captain Taufa advised. Captain Ortlauf acknowledged that the entire program is challenging but rewarding. He encouraged the cadets to always seek support from Air Niugini whenever they face challenges and require assistance. “We have gone through the same program; the training is hard but not impossible. It’s now up to you to ensure you work hard and stay focused so that you can succeed and return home to continue with Air Niugini. We will be here to support you all the way,” Captain Ortlauf said. The Airline said that upon successful completion of their 18-month training, the cadets will graduate with their Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) and multi-engine instrument rating, and they will then return to Air Niugini to continue their in-flight training as Cadets. Air Niugini’s cadet pilot program was reintroduced in 2023 by the current CEO after an eight-year hiatus. “There is a global shortage of experienced pilots. Air Niugini is innovating and developing the next generation, future-proofing our long-term requirements,” Mr. Seddon stated. Another group of pilot cadets with qualifications and some experiences are being assembled for the next Air Niugini cadet intake. These are pilot candidates who have previously received their private pilot license and commercial pilot license but have very limited flight experience. Since the inception of the cadet pilot training program, Air Niugini has graduated 84 national pilots who now serve in the flight crew of all Air Niugini’s aircraft—from Dash 8s to Q400, Fokker 70, F100, Boeing 737, and the B767—and with major airlines around the world.

Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) Competition Department will be conducting the Member Association (MA) Capacity Building Workshop from this Friday 16th of May to Saturday May 17th, 2025. PNGFA said that the workshop was originally planned for May 13-14 but now it has been deferred. The Member Association in the Southern Region includes Port Moresby Soccer Association, NCD Football Association, Koupa Soccer Association and Tabubil Soccer Association. The Competition Manager, Mr. Paul Isorua said all participants must bring a laptop and have in existence a reliable working email address. Each MA is encouraged to nominate two (2) participants; preferably, the General Secretary and Competition Coordinator to participate. Mr. Isorua said, "A similar workshop was held in three other regions such the New Guinea Islands (Kimbe), Highlands (Mt Hagen) and Northern (Lae)." The workshops were great eye-openers for member associations who spoke highly about and strongly recommended it to be an annual event session.

Hekari Women’s FC has ended local hopes at the OFC Women’s Champions League in Tahiti with a hard fought 2-0 win over AS Pirae in the final Group B match at State Pater in Papeete. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) said that Hekari FC needed just a draw to progress to the semi-finals as Group B runners up. The Papua New Guinea champions were made to work hard by a stoic Pirae side who defended resolutely throughout but failed to seriously trouble Gloria Laeli in the Hekari Women’s FC goal. “Hekari Women's FC will face Fiji’s BA Women FC in the first semi-final on Wednesday (Tahiti time), before defending champions Auckland United FC play Henderson Eels FC of the Solomon Islands in the second semi," said the OFC. Ericsson Komeng’s Papua New Guinea champions couldn’t quite replicate the intensity they played with against Auckland United in their second Group B match, and although they dominated possession against Pirae, lacked a clinical edge on attack and were poor in the final third. It took a stroke of luck and a goalkeeping error for Hekari to hit the front six minutes before the interval. After a run down the right, Michelyne Butubu crossed the ball into the box, but with Delphine Soret not covering her near post in the Pirae goal, the ball sliced off Butubu’s boot and into the back of the net. Two minutes later, striker Marie Kaipu who had been off her game for much of the half, came to light with a thunderous shot against the crossbar and three minutes into added time, Ramona Padio delivered a curling corner across the goal which Shalom Waida prodded into the back of the net. Pirae coach Raimana Li Fung Kuee pushed players forward after the break and made a number of changes, knowing his side needed to score three times to make the semis. But the Hekari Women’s FC defense stood firm and Pirae was unable to create any clear-cut chances to get back into the match.