From the Highlands to the islands, Papua New Guineans have rallied to recognize the powerful contributions of women leaders through the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards. After a five-year hiatus, the return of the WOW Awards has ignited a wave of national pride, with nominations flooding in from many centers — including rural and remote communities. In a sign of how far the movement has spread, 40% of nominations came from outside major towns and cities, proving that leadership, strength, and resilience are thriving in every corner of the country. For many, the WOW Awards represent more than recognition: they…
Author: Aseneth WAIDE
Air Niugini has proudly announced its support for Papua New Guinea Men’s National Football Team captain, Alwin Komolong, as he embarks on a significant global leadership program through the FIFA Player Executive Programme. Komolong has been selected, becoming the first Papua New Guinean and the only participant from Oceania and the Asia-Pacific region in the 2024/2025 cohort. This initiative aims to equip former and current footballers with the skills and experience to take on leadership roles within global football governance. The program includes modules in Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, and New York, where participants will interact directly with FIFA…
A new report by FTI Consulting shows that illegal alcohol now makes up 71% of all alcohol sold in PNG, doing serious damage to our health, our community, and even the country’s economy. K2.59 billion in Lost Revenue In 2024 alone, Papua New Guinea’s Government lost approximately K2.59 billion in revenue due to illegal alcohol trading – money that could have funded healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Spirits Are the Biggest Offender Illicit spirits caused the highest financial damage, contributing the largest share to the total lost government revenue (K1,476.97 million). National GDP Takes a Hit Illegal alcohol is not only…
An independent study launched by FTI revealed that illicit alcohol makes up 71% of the total alcohol market in Papua New Guinea, posing serious health, social, and economic threats across the country. Over 10.5 million liters of pure alcohol were consumed in PNG’s urban and peri-urban in 2024 – majority being unregulated, untaxed and often dangerous. Papua New Guinea has lost significant income due to illegal alcohol consumption. The report stated that the country lost up to K2.59 billion in government revenue last year alone. Key Findings: Illicit alcohol accounts for 71% of consumption. Cheap branded products are the largest category (37.9%),…
The La Salle Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby city on Wednesday 2nd July officially opened a new 8-in-1 classroom building to cater for its large number of students, reaffirming the school’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for the students. A generous funding of K600, 000 from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring greatly assisted in enabling the school to pursue this project. Principal of La Salle, Brother Antony Swamy, extended his heartfelt appreciation tọ Mr. Roger Kara, Deputy Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring for the financial contribution. “Your generous sponsorship gave us…
Minister for Rural and Economic Development and Member for Kandrian Gloucester, Joseph Lelang, has presented cheques totalling nearly K3 million for the construction of new classrooms across the district, in West New Britain. This marks another key milestone in his long-standing commitment to improving education in the electorate. Minister Lelang also highlighted the district’s student scholarship scheme, which has been in operation continuously since 2013. Over K26 million has been invested into the program over the past 13 years, benefitting more than 5,000 students. Many recipients now work in government and private sectors, supporting their families and communities. “This year…
The Hiri-Koiari Boxing Association, led by President Varuko Morea, has announced that they will hold one final trial this Saturday, July 5th in the Central province, to finalize selections for the upcoming 2025 National Boxing Championships in Lae city. This trial follows the earlier one held at Porebada junction, where officials deemed an additional event necessary to settle final selections. The upcoming trial will take place at Lealea village, which will also serve as a fundraising event for the team’s participation in the championships, scheduled for July 24 to 27 in Lae. The Hiri-Koiari Boxing Association, a relatively new affiliate…
Prime Minister James Marape has pledged the government’s strong commitment to addressing the growing problem of illicit alcohol in Papua New Guinea. During the official launch of the FTI Report on Illicit Alcohol in PNG this morning (01/07/2025) at Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby city, he called for a collaborative effort between government agencies, industry leaders, and the community to tackle illegal trades that are harming public safety and the nation’s economy. The Prime Minister began by highlighting the importance of proper regulation in alcohol production, warning of the public health and safety risks posed by unregulated and illegal products. “We…
Title: Frozen Hot Boys (2025) Director: Nareubadee Wetchakam & Tanakit Kittiapithan Rating: TV-14 Genre(s): Coming-of-Age Run Time: 1h 58m Star(s): Natapohn Tameeruks • Nuttawat Thanataviepraserth HEARTWARMING COMING-OF-AGE FILM WITH TACKY SPECIAL EFFECTS “Powerful encouragement for troubled teens, once you ignore the tacky special effects.” A teacher in a juvenile detention centre signs up a group of misfit boys in a snow sculpting contest in Japan. Meanwhile each member of the team struggles with personal conflicts during the journey. The film explores themes of redemption, and mentorship. As each boy carves ice, symbolically they carve a new path for themselves towards…
New Graduates and Teachers have been cautioned about scammers in Papua New Guinea (PNG), particularly those who have recently graduated. They are advised not to engage with fraudsters posing as employers from the Teaching Service Commission and demanding fees. Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Acting Chairman, Mr. Samson Wangihomie, gave this warning following a social media post that was shared. The post encouraged new graduates and teachers who are not yet receiving a salary to reach out to the poster via a provided phone number for assistance, which comes at a cost. He said the poster, “Anonymous Participant” used the TSC’s…