Trukai Industries Limited (TIL) is continuing its mission to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through its flagship initiative program the SMART FARMER Program, a hands-on training program preparing hundreds of local farmers in irrigated rice farming. Now in its fourth intake at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) outside Port Moresby city and fifth batch overall since the program’s launch in 2022, the SMART FARMER Program combines classroom theory and community-based fieldwork aimed at increasing national rice production and reducing reliance on imported rice. The 2025 January intake (Batch 3) saw 51 participants, while the current Batch 4 at PAU includes 93 participants, among them 20 final-year science students from PAU completing their practicum. Participants come from across the country including, 23 from Milne Bay 18 from Western Province 12 from Gulf 2 from West New Britain The remaining participants from NCD, Central Province, and Popondetta “The training equips our farmers with the technical skills and knowledge to grow rice under irrigation,” said Thomas Tetu, Site Manager for Trukai Industries at PAU. “It’s about empowering people with the tools to feed their families, earn income, and become self-reliant.” The 20-week program is structured in two phases: Two weeks of intensive classroom-based theory, followed by 18 weeks of practical training conducted in the participants’ home communities. The curriculum includes four modules, Fundamentals of rice cultivation, Irrigation systems, the Rice growth cycle, and Farm business management. Upon successful completion, farmers are awarded a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming. The current batch will graduate this November. Since its inception, the SMART FARMER Program has trained more than 1,000 farmers, with sessions held in both Lae (through UNITECH) and Port Moresby (through PAU). “Farmers come from diverse backgrounds and bring various traditional farming methods,” Mr. Tetu said. “We focus on building a shared understanding, day by day, to achieve better outcomes together.” The program’s impact is already being felt in rural communities, with many graduates returning home to apply their knowledge and mentor others. However, Mr. Tetu acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in harmonizing farming practices and ensuring infrastructure such as water access is in place. To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, have access to land near a reliable water source and be able to read and write. The SMART FARMER Program is fully supported by Trukai Industries under its Rice Development Division, aligning with the company’s long-term goal of promoting locally grown, sustainable food systems and reducing the country’s dependence on imported rice.

Police have arrested the owner of a company allegedly posing as a legitimate medical research firm, following an investigation into the misappropriation of K5 million allocated for COVID-19 research and testing. Detective Superintendent Robert Volo, Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD), confirmed the arrest, stating the company was not registered as a certified medical or pharmaceutical research institution. According to police, the company received K5 million in 2022 through the National AIDS Council Secretariat (NACS), intended for scientific research into COVID-19 treatments. Investigators claim the funds were misused, with no evidence of research or testing being conducted. Police allege the suspect registered the company in August 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and submitted a funding proposal to the National Executive Council. The NEC reportedly approved a total of K10.2 million for the project. Superintendent Volo said that K5 million was later transferred into NACS’s trust account for disbursement to the company. However, the investigation revealed that payments were redirected to individuals and service providers unrelated to medical research, including legal fees, hire car services, and private creditors. “The funds were clearly misapplied and did not go towards the intended scientific research. This was a deliberate act of fraud,” Mr. Volo said. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not released the individual’s name, pending further legal proceedings.

More than 12,000 people filled Sir Hubert Murray Stadium last night for the inaugural Meganesia concert, a dynamic musical celebration ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The event showcased a blend of traditional and contemporary performances from artists across Papua New Guinea and Australia, reflecting a shared spirit of cultural pride and regional unity. Young PNG talents Desiz and Jarahn thrilled the crowd with energetic sets, representing the rising generation of homegrown music stars. Their performances were met with loud cheers and solidified their growing reputation in the local music scene. Famous names such as Sai Kay and Justin Wellington brought star power to the evening, delivering crowd-favorite hits and engaging thousands in a stadium-wide singalong. Australian indie artist Yirrmal was among the featured international performers, bringing a unique sound to the Meganesia stage and highlighting the cross-cultural collaboration at the heart of the event. In his official address, NCD Governor Powes Parkop praised Meganesia as a milestone moment for national unity. “Meganesia is a celebration of shared heritage, identity, and aspirations,” said Governor Parkop. He thanked the Australian High Commission, NCDC, Amazing Port Moresby, and Gaba Musik for their support, and acknowledged the presence of iconic Australian band Yothu Yindi, which now includes four PNG members. He reflected on PNG’s journey since independence and emphasized the need to honor the past while inspiring future generations through culture and music. Prime Minister James Marape, also present, announced that a similar celebration will take place in September as part of the official PNG50 events. “A similar concert will be held on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of September to honor our artists, culture, and traditional dancers as part of our PNG50 celebrations,” he said. With overwhelming public turnout, cross-border artistic collaboration, and heartfelt leadership support, Meganesia has been hailed as a powerful cultural event setting the tone for the nation’s milestone Independence celebration later this year.

Papua New Guinea’s Under-23 Men’s and Women’s 3x3 Basketball Teams have left our shores for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau along with Team PNG. The national squads will represent PNG in both the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2025 and the Pacific Mini Games, scheduled to run from 29th June to 9th July. The games will bring together more than 1,500 athletes from 24 Pacific nations, competing across 12 sports. Team PNG is placed in Conference 1, alongside Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Vanuatu, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The 3x3 competition will be held across two courts with a structured format that includes multiple match “stops,” rest days, and finals scheduled for the last day of play. The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) confirmed that a Technical Committee Meeting will be held before the tournament to finalize logistics and ensure adherence to FIBA 3x3 international regulations. In a statement, BFPNG extended its gratitude to athletes, their families, and supporters, including sponsors like Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd, for their ongoing backing. “We are confident our teams will compete with pride, passion, and sportsmanship,” BFPNG said. The federation encouraged fans to rally behind the young athletes as they took the national flag onto the international court.

The Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant Papua New Guinea (MBOP PNG) has officially expanded to Morobe Province, marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote provincial representation as the nation prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence. In a signing ceremony held on Wednesday, 25th June, the MBOP PNG committee formalized a Memorandum of Agreement to launch the Miss Bird of Paradise Morobe Provincial Pageant – the second provincial pageant established under MBOP PNG in 2025. Western Province was the first, launching its pageant earlier in May. The Morobe committee will be led by Chairperson Jennifer Baing and Treasurer Carolyn Suckling, who will oversee preparations for Morobe’s inaugural provincial pageant. Speaking at the ceremony, MBOP PNG Chairperson Anna Bais commended the leadership in Morobe for joining the national platform. “As PNG prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence, this is a significant time to ensure that all Papua New Guinean women are represented on this prestigious platform,” said Bais. “We are a platform with a purpose—one that empowers women and acts as a voice for the most vulnerable in our communities.” She added that MBOP PNG's national growth strategy prioritizes increased provincial participation in the lead-up to the national pageant this December. The first-ever Miss Bird of Paradise Morobe Queen will take the stage later this year, as part of a larger effort to showcase diversity, culture, and empowerment from across the provinces. MBOP PNG extended its best wishes to the Morobe committee and welcomed their commitment to elevating women’s voices at both the provincial and national levels.

In yet another successful year, Jacks of PNG today announced six of its 2025 Design PNG Competition Winners as well as the launching of the 50th Independence Collection at Jacks through a fashion show in collaboration with PNG Fashion Week. The winners for this year’s Design PNG Competition are Igo Marcs Willie, Hayavi Ikati, Analis Wokam, Shila Mulina, Sebastine Luka and Melky Watubang. This year, the competition carried an extra layer of significance, celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence. In addition, Jacks of PNG made this year’s design competition different whereas it introduced two separate tiers to make the Design PNG competition even more special and inclusive including, tier one, which featured established male and female designers with four winners each receiving a participation prize of K2, 500 each. The second tier was dedicated to rising stars; students from primary, secondary or tertiary institutions, with two winner receiving K2, 000 each. This new structure gives an opportunity to celebrate both seasoned talent and nurture the next generation of designers in PNG. Product Designer of Jacks of PNG and a winner of the 2022 Design PNG Competition, Mr. Louis Sivina, said that the aim of this competition, is to give artists a platform to showcase their talents and abilities. This he said serves as a potential source of income as well for the participants and promotes a wider participation from artists across the different provinces. Jacks of PNG are committed in inspiring and supporting the creative and design journeys of the participants in which their unique talents strengthen the community. “In the past, we had three winners, however, this year we now have six winners who have won in this year’s competition so that we can get to see other designs from around the country.” “To all participants, we thank you for your boldness, your creativity, and thank you for sharing your design journey with us.”

Basketball Papua New Guinea (BPNG), in collaboration with FIBA Oceania, has successfully concluded a dynamic three-day strategy session focused on reviewing and strengthening its operational and program delivery frameworks. Led by BPNG President David Peter, the federation continues to gain traction with its commitment to holistic basketball development. The organization's approach balances the physical and mental aspects of the sport, empowering athletes with strong fundamentals while paving the way toward elite performance through close coordination with FIBA Oceania. At the heart of BPNG’s long-term vision is its flagship community platform, Basketball for Good—a movement that harnesses the power of basketball to drive outcomes in education, health and wellbeing, gender equality, and community unity. Key initiatives under Basketball for Good include: Hoops for Health .Pikinini Hoops Mum’s a Hero Twilight Basketball Each program fosters inclusive, high-quality basketball experiences while encouraging healthier lifestyles and stronger community engagement across Papua New Guinea. During the strategy session, FIBA Oceania representatives Mr. Siale Bina Vete and Mr. Lai Pamaua engaged with BPNG executives to share insights on leadership, governance, and the evolving responsibilities of a national federation. Their input reinforced the commitment to improving internal structures and creating sustainable pathways for the sport’s continued growth. This collaboration is supported by Team Up, an Australian Government initiative that empowers regional sports organizations through targeted development and strategic partnerships.

Papua New Guinea Lewas captain Brenda Tau has described the PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational as a celebration of unity, culture, and the empowerment of women through sport across the Pacific. Tau extended heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government, Cricket Australia, the Australian High Commission, PacificAus Sports, Cricket PNG, and all tournament organisers for their tireless efforts in making the week-long event a resounding success. “On behalf of the PNG Lewas, I want to sincerely thank the Australian Government, Cricket Australia, Australian High Commission, PacificAus Sports, Cricket PNG, and all the wonderful organizer's for making this tournament a special event,” said Tau. She also acknowledged His Excellency Mr. Ewen McDonald, Australia’s High Commissioner and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, for hosting the closing reception and for his ongoing commitment to supporting women’s sport in the region. Tau praised the Invitational as “more than just cricket,” emphasizing its deeper impact on building bridges across cultures and communities.  “We are proud to stand alongside our sisters from Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Australian Aptos (Body) Indigenous team but not just as athletes, but as ambassadors for women’s sport. This Invitational is about connection, culture, and creating lasting bonds.” The tournament featured national teams from Australia (Indigenous XI), Samoa, Vanuatu, and PNG, showcasing both rising talent and experienced cricketers. The initiative was widely commended for promoting gender equality and creating more inclusive sporting pathways in the Pacific. Reflecting on the tournament, Tau highlighted her most cherished moment: “My best memory was the second-round game against the Australian Indigenous team, which we won. After losing to them in the first match, we came back stronger, learning from that defeat with the support of our coaches. It was all about teamwork, belief, and unity. That victory is one I will always cherish in my cricketing career — we beat one of the strongest sides in the tournament, and I’m incredibly proud of our performance.” Tau added that the experience gained throughout the Invitational was a valuable steppingstone for the Lewas as they prepare for upcoming international competitions. “This gives us a great opportunity to put our skills into action. Our next challenge is the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, which will be held in Fiji this September. It’s been inspiring to see our younger players step up and learn from the senior players. Tournaments like this really give us that much-needed boost.” Then she concluded her remarks with a message of gratitude to her fellow players: “To the other participating teams, it’s been a joy to compete and share this journey with you. May the friendships we’ve made go beyond the scorecard. Taniku Badaherea “and thank you.” The PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational continues to be recognized as a groundbreaking initiative in the development of women’s cricket and inclusive sports across the Pacific region.

With Papua New Guinea just months away from marking its 50th Independence Anniversary, leaders and artists came together today to officially launch Meganesia, a unique cross-cultural concert set to unite Indigenous Australian and Papua New Guinean voices on one stage. Held at the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) building, the press conference featured key dignitaries including NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Australian High Commission Counsellor Mr. Nicholas Kittel, and Artistic Director Airileke alongside a panel of international and local performers. "Meganesia is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural handshake. It closes the Asia-Pacific story we started and opens the next chapter: our PNG Story," said Governor Parkop. "Events like this deepen our people-to-people ties and highlight the richness of our shared heritage," added Counsellor Kittel, reaffirming Australia’s support for cultural diplomacy through the “Australia Now” initiative. Artistic Director Airileke expressed that the vision behind Meganesia is to spark unity, pride, and recognition. "This show brings together artists from Arnhem Land to the Highlands—connected by rhythm, storytelling, and culture," he said. The panel included artists such as Yirrmal, Kaiit, Mereani, and Albert (Abang) David, with others like Sam and Yosua Roem, Deline Briscoe, and Richard Mogu also present. PNG talents including Anslom, Sprigga Mek, Saii Kay, and Ton Ton were acknowledged as key acts for Saturday’s show. The Meganesia performance will take place on Saturday 28 June, from 3PM to 9:30PM at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium with free entry for the public. The event marks the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Story and the beginning of the PNG Story, which will continue through July in the lead-up to the Golden Jubilee on 16 September 2025.

This weekend’s Meganesia concert is set to light up Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby city with a world-class lineup of more than 150 performers from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Indigenous Australia. Here's your official list of artists confirmed to perform on Saturday, June 28, from 3PM to 9:30PM. ON THE MAIN PANEL Airileke (Artistic Director) Yirrmal – Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter Kaiit – Neo-soul artist from Australia Mereani – Powerful Pacific vocalis INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS Sam Roem Yosua Roem Bula David Albert (Abang) David Michael Chan Troy Schrieber Phil Bywater Richard Mogu Deline Briscoe Mea Ingram PNG ARTISTS TO WATCH Anslom – Roots reggae legend Ton Ton – Fusion artist and vocalist Saii Kay – Pop and Afrobeat performer Mal – Contemporary local voice Sprigga Mek – Conscious hip-hop artist Tarvin Touné – Rising RnB and soul talent With an electric fusion of contemporary beats, traditional dance, and ancestral storytelling, Meganesia is more than just a concert; it’s a moment of cultural pride and unity. Catch these artists live on Saturday and be part of history in the making. Entry is free, and the dress code is smart casual.

With music, movement and messages of unity, the India Day 2025 celebration in Port Moresby became more than just a cultural festival, it signaled a growing role for diplomacy driven by people, not just politics. Held in tandem with International Yoga Day, the gathering served as a soft-power showcase of India-PNG relations, while also wrapping up the “Asia and Pacific Story” series of a months-long prelude to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary in September. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, who has long championed regional integration, used the occasion to highlight the importance of strengthening ties not only between India and PNG, but also across the broader Indo-Pacific. “Indian culture is rooted in peace. Let us come together to build a just, fair and peaceful world,” he said, adding that “culture and partnership must go hand in hand” in this time of global crises. While public attention was drawn to the Indian dance troupes, yoga demonstrations and food stalls, a deeper message underpinned the day’s events: development through cooperation. Parkop acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s contribution to PNG’s growth particularly in health, education and business while citing leaders such as Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma and Omprakash Seshadri as examples of “shared progress.” “We cannot look at culture in isolation from development,” he told the crowd. “This is a time to invest in people-to-people links that can drive both peace and prosperity.” The celebration drew attendance from across the region, including West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel and Indian High Commission Charge Affairs Mukesh Kumar. Both reaffirmed the values of democracy, mutual respect, and service that underpin the bilateral relationship. Sharma, speaking from the stage, called PNG his “second motherland” a sentiment met with applause from both Indian nationals and locals. Parkop’s remarks also extended to the wider region, as he acknowledged the presence and partnership of Pacific neighbors, Australia and New Zealand, and the work of the Amazing Port Moresby team in hosting the event. Looking ahead, the city prepares for the next major cultural milestone event the Meganesia Concert on June 28 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, featuring local legends like Anslom and Airileke Ingram of Yothu Yindi, with support from the Australian High Commission and the NCDC. As PNG counts down to its golden jubilee, events like India Day are not just markers of heritage they’re catalysts for diplomacy.

At a recent press briefing in Port Moresby, Dr Harsha Baranage, Secretary of the Sri Lanka PNG Friendship Foundation, offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to restore eyesight to a blind patient—and why this type of surgery is one of the most complex in modern medicine. Corneas, the transparent outer layer of the eye, must be harvested from donors in Sri Lanka within four hours of death, then preserved using special storage fluids and chemicals, and kept at low temperatures—ideally −80°C—before being flown into Papua New Guinea. “The eye must arrive viable, intact, and matched to a recipient already screened,” Dr Baranage explained. “That requires military-level timing and trust across every checkpoint.” Once the eye reaches PNG, surgical teams at the Centre for Eye Health step in. The transplant, done under general anesthesia, requires both precision and post-operative monitoring. The outcome? A patient who may have lived in darkness for years walks away with vision—and dignity. “Our greatest reward is seeing that first moment a patient realizes they can see again,” said Dr Baranage. “It is an emotional, life-affirming experience.” In addition to transplants, the Foundation has supported cataract surgeries and rural outreach clinics, making medical care accessible in hard-to-reach areas.