What looked like a day of games and friendly competition at IBS University was, in reality, a practical lesson in business, giving secondary school students a chance to experience the skills needed beyond the classroom.
Ten (10) secondary schools from the NCD and Central Province gathered for the 3rd IBS University Management Fest, an initiative designed to build leadership, confidence, critical thinking and entrepreneurship through interactive business challenges.
Held on Friday, July 17, students stepped away from their classroom learning and into real world business scenarios through activities including Business Pitch, Business and Math Quiz, Map Wizard, As Manager, Recycle Mania, Selfie Reel, Minute to Win It and Ramp Walk.
The event was organised by students from the School of Business Management (SOBM) and members of the IBSU Business Entrepreneurs School Association (BESA) under the leadership of SOBM Student President and BESA CEO Daniella Katu.
Months of preparation went into organising the festival, beginning with invitations sent to around 20 schools across NCD and Central Province.
Eleven schools accepted the invitation, bringing together hundreds of students eager to test their abilities outside the classroom.
"We started by inviting around 20 schools and received responses from 11," Daniella said.
"Our team handled everything, from sending invitations and organising decorations to assigning facilitators for every activity."
Daniella said every challenge was carefully designed to help students develop practical skills required in business and everyday life.
"Anything you think a businessperson should have, we're trying to develop through these activities."
Rather than focusing solely on competition, the organisers wanted students to discover their strengths while encouraging teamwork, communication and problem solving.
Daniella said the greatest success of the festival would not be measured by trophies, but by the confidence students take back to their schools and communities.
"We want our students to become more confident so they can return to their schools, lead their communities and create positive change," she said.
She added that he hopes many participants will one day continue their education at IBS University and pursue careers in business and entrepreneurship.
For many students, the event provided their first opportunity to experience business beyond textbooks.
And speaking with PNG Haus Bung is a group of students from Koiari Park Adventist Secondary School, that participated in the Selfie Reel challenge, they said the activities were both enjoyable and educational.
"The experience was really good. At least now we have a better idea of how to promote our products in the future."
While the Management Fest concluded with prizes and celebrations, its greatest achievement may have been inspiring students to think differently about leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
