Several women were celebrated in the inaugural Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea at a reception in Port Moresby recently. They were: · Valentina Kaman, MRDC, named the inaugural Ambassador · Dr. Jane Mogina, TotalEnergies, named the inaugural Pioneer · Jasmine Harrison, Placements (PNG), named the inaugural Rising Star · Best of the Best progress to international judging The awards reception was attended by guest of Honor, Minister for Petroleum and Energy Kerenga Kua, government, business leaders and industry players. The awards were presented by ExxonMobil, the Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea is an external initiative that acknowledges women across all levels of government, local business, and the diverse landowner communities for their contributions to PNG’s LNG industry. Minister Kua sang all praise for the program, as it highlighted Papua New Guineans for recognition and to encourage them to keep PNG moving forward. “Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea will play a key role in inspiring women professionals to stay motivated and be the best in everything they do.” “They are pioneering something new in this country and this award demonstrates that they have everyone’s support. Through them Papua New Guinea can achieve its aspirations.” Following the program’s launch in PNG on International Women’s Day on 8 March, an esteemed and independent panel of judges, including Governor of Central Province Rufina Peter, Chairman of Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of NCD Dadi Toka and Chairman CPL Foundation Sir Mahesh Patel were assembled to review nominations across the three categories of The Rising Star, The Pioneer, and The Ambassador. Valentina Kaman, MRDC, was named Ambassador for her deep-seated conviction that nation-building is a shared responsibility that underscores her dedication to knowledge and education as mighty tools for unlocking Papua New Guinea’s full potential. Dr. Janie Mogina, TotalEnergies, was named The Pioneer for her leadership in developing Papua New Guinea first LNG biodiversity offset program, establishing the PNG LNG Project’s environmental program credibility and her work to shape the biodiversity efforts for the country’s second LNG development, the Papua LNG Project. Jasmine Harrison, Senior Manager, at Placements (PNG), was named the Rising Star for her commitment to contractor workforces across the LNG industry and her passion for removing potential barriers for young Papua New Guineans entering the workforce. Chairperson and Managing Director at ExxonMobil PNG Tera Shandro in congratulating inaugural recipients of the Best of the Best, stated that through Power Play all of Papua New Guinea can recognise the contributions these women and men make to the LNG industry and the country. “When the world looks to PNG it sees Papua New Guinean trailblazers who are setting the highest of standards.” “The diversity of our Best of the Best and their fellow nominees Stephanie Alopea, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited; Sharron Tobby, Hides Energy Services Limited; Jeklin Talonu, National Energy Authority; Kenny Peter, Black Swan International; Jerry Albaniel, JA Video Production; and Jorrindah Ravu, Training Coordinator at Kumul Petroleum Academy, is a testament to the opportunities that the LNG industry offers. “At the heart of the Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea is a desire for storytelling and in the coming months we’ll be sharing their stories with the hope they will go on to inspire future generations of young girls and boys.” The Best of the Best from the Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea will go on to represent PNG on the international stage in the global Power Play Awards. If their award entry is successfully shortlisted by judges in the competition’s next round, ExxonMobil PNG will sponsor their attendance to join an exclusive community of Power Players from across the LNG industry at the awards ceremony held during Gastech in Singapore from 5 to 8 September.