Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA) Limited has come onboard to support the hosting of the inaugural World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) as platinum sponsor with a sponsorship support of K300, 000 presented to the Minister for Internal Trade and Investment, Richard Maru on Friday in Port Moresby. TISA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Koisen said that TISA from its humble origins in 1972 as a business focused on indigenous Papua New Guineans, is more than happy to provide this support as the WIBF is a significant event for Papua New Guinean businesses. “We are deeply committed to fostering meaningful relationship and partnership with our indigenous businesses, it’s very important to us because it’s our DNA and our culture,” said the CEO. “This sponsorship demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the economic empowerment of indigenous people and businesses.” He said the reason for the sponsorship was because TISA’s values also align closely with the principles that underpin the WIBF; that is, Sustainability, Diversity, Inclusivity and Responsible Business Practices. Mr. Koisen went on to say that as a result of this strong support for indigenous businesses, TISA became the first pacific financial institution to join the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, as associate member. “We are committed to support economic resilience, social empowerment and environmental relations by financing individuals and enterprises that are involved in proactive and sustainable economic activities,” said Mr. Koisen. “The World Indigenous Business Forum will provide a dynamic environment to allow for networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership opportunities to support businesses for economic growth.” CEO Koisen later thanked Minister Maru and the government for the opportunity for TISA to become a platinum sponsor for this important event for indigenous Papua New Guineans. Minister Maru said the sponsorship has allowed TISA to participate in the Forum, where CEO Koisen is expected to present on the journey and future of TISA, to the local and overseas delegates who will be there at the Forum. Meanwhile, Minister Maru said the WIBF is a big opportunity for the country and he has appealed to other local indigenous businesses in Papua New Guinea to get behind it and become sponsors.