PNG can expect Vodafone to be a true partner and a catalyst for change with the aim at empowering people, improving and enriching PNG lives, with this, they have committed a total of K5million into education alone. Vodafone PNG Chairperson Ms. Kalpana Lal said, they are indeed excited to be here and are thrilled to announce a K5million education fund to lend a helping hand to students who aspire to study technology and contribute to nation building. “We will work with relevant authorities to announce further details in the coming weeks and we will continue to support local communities, as we strongly believe in growing together and leaving no one behind”. [caption id="attachment_20965" align="alignnone" width="707"] Deputy PM Sam Basil flanked by Vodafone PNG's chairperson Ms Kalpana Lal (left) and Regional CEO Pradeep Lal (right).[/caption] Mr. Pradeep Lal, Regional Chief Executive Officer Vodafone said, they are finalizing strategic partnerships with local universities to recruit more than 200 graduate engineers within the next few months. “We pledge a solid commitment to continue with the graduate trainee program thereafter, to continuously provide opportunities to young graduates.” Apart from that, Vodafone PNG have currently employed just over 300 local fulltime and 500 local casual staff. [caption id="attachment_20966" align="alignnone" width="812"] Regional Chief Executive Officer Vodafone, Mr. Pradeep Lal[/caption] “As we expand the network, we will progressively increase fulltime head count to 1000, out of which 95% will be locals. We also indirectly support 3,000 employees through our dealer, partner, and recharge distributor networks”. He further stated that, as an inclusive Corporate, we are creating opportunities for our staff to upskill, further their education, build on their experience, especially with opportunities available across our Pacific wide operations and build exciting careers. Meanwhile, Deputy PM Sam Basil welcomed PNG Vodafone as this is in-line with the PNG government’s vision in making sure we have many players in the telecommunication industry in PNG. [caption id="attachment_20967" align="alignnone" width="787"] Vodafone PNG's Chairperson Ms. Kalpana Lal[/caption] Mr Basil said, PNG ICT’s Policy is focused on digital transformation to improve governance and sustainable competition. Market penetration in PNG is low and therefore there is room for a third player. “Access to connectivity especially affordable connectivity can transform lives just like the economies. So, Vodafone’s entry in PNG is expected to stimulate competition and increase market penetration, said Mr Basil.” With Vodafone on board now, Mr Basil said, they will generate a lot of opportunities for PNG, especially in infrastructure. And through the communication ministry and NICTA, they will now talk about number plotting, tower sharing and all those opportunities they never thought about just because of the third player “Vodafone”. “We will open up through our agencies, such as, NICTA and others to make it possible, said Mr Basil.”