For the first time ever, Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) has proudly come on board as the main Platinum Sponsor for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards for 2023, which is set to take place on Saturday June 1^st at the Lamana Gold Club Arena, Port Moresby city. KCH, formerly known as the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC), was initially established under the Kumul Consolidated Holdings Act of 2002 and acts as a trustee and holds assets vested in it for the benefit of the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the people of Papua New Guinea. Managing Director of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Professor David Kavanamur stated that music is a powerful tool that has positive impact on society that brings together people from all walks of life, creating a sense of belongingness and social cohesion. “It serves as a powerful force that breaks down social barriers, helps shape culture, physical and mental health, and most importantly, keeps our youths away from mischief.” Professor Kavanamur stated that KCH came onboard to sponsor this significant event in the country’s music industry for three main reasons. The first was that KCH recognizes the efforts of local artists and how their music has direct impact on people’s lives in a positive way. “As I previously mentioned, music is an art that can be utilized to bring about positive behavior change into our communities both at the individual and collective level.” He said PNG is a land of a thousand tribes with over 800 languages, but through the rhythm, melody, and harmony of local music, it brings everyone together as one family. “Music keeps us intact as a family unit. Through such music festivals, music brings us all together as one people, no matter what region, clan, and tribe you come from, it is music that breaks down all social boundaries and brings us all together.” The KCH Managing Director also wants the people to recall the song titled “Together as One” by Lucky Dube and reflect on how this song speaks volumes and brings meaning to the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards 2023. “As humans we are faced with so many challenges in our daily lives, but coming together as one and addressing our challenges together, we can find solutions. Solving problems together can only bring positive impact in our society.” Mr. Kavanamur also went on to explain that this KCH sponsorship is to promote positive stories to the youths and create awareness about the mandate of KCH and the important role it plays through the services and products offered by its MSOEs. “These services offered by MSOEs provides the basic daily needs for many Papua New Guineans such as water, power, air travel, ports, telecommunications, and others.” “These services go a long way to improve the quality of life of our citizens and contribute to our national GDP. Hence, it is important that our citizens, particularly our youths, understand the important role MSOEs play in providing essential services for our people.” There are 9 MSOEs that come under KCH that have operations across the country. These entities are Air Niugini, Water PNG, PNG Power, PNG Ports Corporation, Telikom, PNG DataCo, Post PNG, Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) and the National Development Bank (NDB). Kavanamur stated that its MSOEs hold the backbone infrastructure of the nation in water and sewerage, power, telecommunications, aviation, insurance, ports, postal services, and banking. These services contribute significantly to other sectors of the economy including health, education, agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, retail and wholesale, and transportation and trade. All these sectors contribute to the socioeconomic growth of PNG. “KCH and its nine State Owned Enterprises would like to celebrate and recognize our hard-working local talents that through their music, we are all one family unit on the awards night.” Meanwhile, Professor Kavanamur expressed his gratitude and appreciation to PNG FM Limited for ensuring a transparent process in the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS, which recognizes the efforts of local artists on the popular YUMI FM TOP 20 countdown. “I would also like to thank PNG FM for this partnership which enables us to improve the public image of KCH and its SOEs.” “Em tasol (That’s it) and let’s celebrate! Thank you!”