Fifteen contestants will compete in the inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) Talent and Fashion Show at APEC Haus in Port Moresby this Saturday, August 9th, as organizers launch a new platform to promote Papua New Guinea's creative industry ahead of the 2026 Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant.
The event comes ahead of the fourth Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant, which will be held in Western Highlands Province from November 22nd to December 6th.
Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Chairlady Anna Bias said the Talent and Fashion Show was created to provide opportunities for Papua New Guinea's creatives, including fashion designers, sarong designers, dancers, choreographers, models, photographers, artists and musicians.
"There is a lot of creativity in this country. The problem is opportunity. What we are here to do is provide a pathway for them and bring in those talents," Ms. Bias said.
Held under the theme "Where Creativity Creates Opportunity," the event forms part of the organization's long-term vision to strengthen Papua New Guinea's creative industry by turning talent into employment and business opportunities.
Ms. Bias said Papua New Guinea should embrace its own cultural identity rather than imitate overseas trends.
"We have so much to offer. When we try to be like other countries, we can't compete with them. But when we use our culture and stories in garments, plays and all these creative expressions, it sets us apart and lifts us up. That's what we want to do with the creative industry in PNG," she said.
She said many Papua New Guineans involved in traditional creative arts possess exceptional talent despite having little or no formal education.
"Most of the talents doing traditional creative work may have little or no formal education, but it's their talent and skill that they have to offer and contribute to the development of this country."
Ms. Bias said the creative industry should be recognised as an economic driver, noting it generates billions of dollars globally and employs millions of people.
"Our challenge has never been talent. Our challenge has been opportunity.
"The MBoP Talent and Fashion Show seeks to bridge that gap by providing a national platform where creativity meets opportunity, where talent becomes enterprise, where ideas become businesses, where culture becomes tourism, and where passion becomes purpose."
The inaugural competition will feature three categories: Talent, Sarong Design and Traditionally Inspired Dress.
The Talent and Sarong Design categories will each award K7,000 for first place, K5,000 for second and K3,000 for third, with K1,000 consolation prizes for the remaining finalists. The Traditionally Inspired Dress winner will receive K10,000.
Ms. Bias acknowledged Platinum Sponsor LJ Hooker Papua New Guinea, the National Youth Development Authority and other corporate partners for supporting the event. She also invited Papua New Guineans, including those living overseas, to watch the competition live on the official Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Facebook page.
"Together, let us focus on building our people because our people will build Papua New Guinea," she said.
