In a dazzling display of culture, intelligence, and grace, Miss Samoa, Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan, was crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2025 Last night, at Friendship Hall in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The event marked the 36th edition of the prestigious pageant, bringing together eight contestants from across the Pacific region. Miss Ieremia-Allan, 24, captivated the judges and audience with her eloquence and deep commitment to ocean conservation and indigenous rights. Litara Loma Leilani holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary School Teaching, reflecting her dedication to education and cultural preservation. Her advocacy work includes representing Samoa at international forums, such as COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she participated in discussions on environmental issues. Throughout the competition, Miss Ieremia-Allan's talents shone brightly and was awarded Best Interview and Miss Photogenic, underscoring her exceptional communication skills and captivating presence. Her performance resonated with the pageant's theme, "Leadership in Diversity and Adversity," embodying the resilience and unity of Pacific cultures. The first runner-up title was awarded to Miss Tonga, Racheal Guttenbeil, a 27-year-old lawyer and climate advocate. Miss Guttenbeil impressed the judges with her legal acumen and passion for environmental issues, earning her the Best Traditional Wear award. Second runner-up honors went to Miss American Samoa, Pauliana Felise-Vitale, 25, who showcased her dedication to mental health and youth advocacy. Her outstanding performances earned her the Best Talent and Miss Personality awards. The pageant also recognized Miss Papua New Guinea, May Torowi Hasola, with the Best Sarong award, highlighting her elegance and cultural expression. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, established in 1987, continues to celebrate the beauty, intelligence, and cultural heritage of Pacific women and this year's event in Honiara not only showcased the diverse talents of its contestants but also emphasized the shared values and unity among Pacific nations. As the newly crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2025, Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan is set to embark on a journey to promote cultural awareness, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of women across the Pacific region and the world.

In a bid to provide a second chance for secondary education, the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) is currently conducting pre-enrolment testing across its Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centres. With students coming from some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities, the initiative reflects a growing demand for accessible and flexible education pathways. KTF operates 13 FODE centres across four provinces in the country and these provinces are Oro, National Capital District (NCD), New Ireland, and Western. Each offering students an opportunity to complete their high school education. Many prospective students, some of whom have been out of school for years, are now stepping forward to take on the challenge of pre-enrolment testing, hoping to secure their place in the program. The journey of KTF’s FODE program began in 2017 with the establishment of Kokoda College, and it was supported by the Australian Government and the public. Since then, KTF has strategically expanded its reach, ensuring that each new centre is equipped to deliver high-quality education sustainably. In 2024, KTF launched five new FODE centres thanks to generous support from donors: Mining giant NEWMONT facilitated the opening of the Silom, Lamasong, and Warangansau FODE centres in New Ireland, While the SIR THEO FOUNDATION and the CANADIAN GOVERNMENT partnered with DAME CAROL KIDU addressing the educational gap in Pari and Taurama. This initiative was particularly crucial as only 2% of Grade 8 students from Pari Village in 2022 progressed to Grade 9, underscoring the critical need for alternative education pathways. As the 2025 registration period nears completion, KTF has recorded over 2,330 prospective students undertaking the pre-enrolment test and while these applicants have yet to be formally accepted, the sheer number highlights the strong desire for education within local communities. For students facing barriers to traditional schooling, KTF’s FODE centres provide a lifeline with the flexible model allows learners to balance education with personal responsibilities while working towards recognized qualifications. Returning students have also seized the opportunity to continue their studies, reaffirming the impact of KTF’s commitment to education. KTF’s FODE initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. By offering second chances, the program empowers individuals to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. With ongoing support from donors and stakeholders, including SDP, KTF continues to bridge educational gaps, ensuring that no aspiring student is left behind. For those still seeking an opportunity to re-enter the academic path, the KTF FODE centres remain a beacon of hope, proving that it’s never too late to learn and grow.

The Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion to win a share of K500,000 has found its first winner in Gerehu, Port Moresby city. The lucky winner is a woman who discovered a K20,000 Golden Ticket inside her Maggi 2 Minute Noodles packet. For safety reasons, she has chosen to keep her identity private, but she was thrilled to share her excitement with PNG HAUSBUNG under the name 'Mary from Gerehu'. Mary had no idea about the Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion until Friday morning, when she was walking her kids to school in Waigani. As they passed a shop near Boreboa, her children spotted the promotion poster and eagerly pointed it out to her. When she saw the poster and read that the prize pool was K500,000, she jokingly told her kids, "What if I win K50,000 or even K20,000 from this K500,000? That money would really help us with our needs!" Little did she know that luck was on her side as later that day, she decided to buy a 6-pack of Maggi Noodles—something she hadn’t done in a long time since her kids usually preferred other products. That evening, while preparing dinner alone in the kitchen, Mary opened the third packet from the pack. As she tore open the seasoning sachet, she noticed something unusual. It was a Golden Ticket. At first, she thought it was K2,000, but as she looked closer, she counted the zeros again to find it wasn’t K2,000 but it was K20,000. Overcome with shock and excitement, she screamed and ran outside to find her kids. With tears of joy, she hugged them tightly and said, "See, kids? We won! God has seen our struggles, and now He is blessing us. Thank you, God!" Her children jumped with excitement, shouting, "Mummy, we won!" Now, with K20,000 in her hands, Mary is still taking time to process her win before making big decisions. However, she already knows that her first priority is her children—buying them new school uniforms, stationary and covering their school fees. She also expressed her deep gratitude to Nestlé for running this life-changing promotion. From now on, she says she will keep buying Maggi Noodles as a way to show her appreciation for this unexpected blessing.

Hope is the theme for 2025 at La Salle Technical Secondary, and for 17-year-old Ardasha Yehresase, hope is more than just a word, it is the force that drives her forward through life’s most difficult circumstances. Born into a family where both parents have been absent from her everyday life, Ardasha has found strength in hope, using it as a foundation to build her dreams and despite all these challenges, she perseveres, determined to create a future defined by success rather than struggle. A shining academic star, Ardasha was part of last year’s La Salle Tec Sec Grade 10’s that came first in the country National Examination which is a testament to her dedication and resilience. She is the eldest of four siblings, with a mother from Gulf and a father from Sepik. When her parents separated during her primary school years, neither had employment, making it difficult to provide for her. To ease her mother’s burden, she moved in with her grandmother, who became her primary caretaker and the family’s sole provider, relying on a pension inherited from Ardasha’s late grandfather, a former police officer. Despite these circumstances, Ardasha plays an active role in her household, assisting with daily chores and even contributing financially through market-selling and during school holidays, she takes on extra responsibilities to help cover her educational expenses, showing an unwavering commitment to her future. Her dream has always been to become an Accountant. However, recent changes in the school curriculum altered the subject options available to her. Rather than letting this deter her, Ardasha adapted, shifting her focus to the business stream. Now studying History, Economics, and Advanced Math, she remains determined to excel, embracing the evolving academic landscape with resilience. Ardasha’s journey took an unexpected turn when a chance encounter during an exclusive PNG HAUSBUNG Back-to-School interview with La Salle’s principal, Br. Antony. As the journalist was capturing images around the school, Ardasha’s warm and welcoming smile caught his attention. This led to an impromptu conversation, where she shared her story, passion for business studies, and aspirations for the future. When asked about her goals, Ardasha spoke with confidence, declaring her ambition to achieve distinction this term. As academic excellence is a long-standing tradition at La Salle, and she is determined to uphold that legacy and not just for herself, but for her grandmother, who has sacrificed so much for her education. "As long as I have hope and the will to push forward, I know I can make it," she shared with quiet determination. For Ardasha, education is not just a pathway to personal success, but it is the key to securing a better future for her family. She dreams of becoming an accountant, not just for her own fulfillment, but to provide for those who have stood by her side. Through her hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering love of her grandmother, Ardasha is paving the way to becoming a role model for her siblings. Her story is a powerful reminder that challenges can be transformed into opportunities with the right mindset. By staying focused and working tirelessly toward her goals, she embodies the power of HOPE and proving that even in the face of adversity, success is possible. Ardasha Yehresase’s journey is a living testament to La Salle Technical Secondary’s 2025 theme. As she continues to rise above her hardships, her future remains bright. She is proof that no matter the obstacles, hope is never in vain, and God sees every tear of determination, every moment of struggle, and rewards the perseverance of those who dare to keep believing. With each step she takes, Ardasha shows that hope is not just a word but a way of life.

City Pharmacy Medical Laboratory & Supplies (CP MedLab) has strengthened healthcare services in Daru Hospital with the installation and training of a cutting-edge APUS 2 Anaesthetic Machine, replacing the outdated Spacelab unit to ensure safer, more efficient surgeries and enhances patient care. CP MedLab’s lead biomedical technician, John Tanu, spearheaded the installation and training. “The APUS 2 brings precision and reliability to anaesthesia management,” Tanu said. He explained that the machine’s user-friendly features and modern technology allow hospital staff to operate it with confidence and accuracy. The APUS 2 Anaesthetic Machine introduces key enhancements, including an upgraded Soda Lime canister for effortless handling, a digital flowmeter gauge for clearer visibility, an integrated flow sensor for precise monitoring, and a color display screen for better usability. To ensure hospital staff could fully utilize the new system, CP MedLab conducted a comprehensive training program, and five staff members were trained in automatic and manual circuit leak testing, oxygen calibration at 21% and 100%, and backup power management for emergencies. Before this upgrade, many patients required referrals to Port Moresby General Hospital for surgical procedures and now with the APUS 2 in operation, Daru Hospital can handle a broader range of surgeries locally, reducing patient wait times and the burden of long-distance travel for medical care. Dr. Emily Wane, a senior anaesthetist at Daru Hospital, welcomed the new technology. “This machine makes our work more efficient and improves patient safety,” Dr. Wane stated. She emphasized how the intuitive design and improved functionalities streamline anaesthesia delivery, enhancing the overall surgical experience for both doctors and patients. CP MedLab is committed to modernizing medical facilities across Papua New Guinea by recognizing that the Spacelab unit is no longer in production, the company aims to standardize the APUS 2 in hospitals still using outdated models. By continuing to provide innovative medical solutions, CP MedLab is driving positive change in healthcare accessibility and quality, ensuring that more communities receive reliable and advanced medical support.

The PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) convened a crucial Games Workshop at the Gateway Hotel recently, drawing together representatives from national sports federations to reflect on past performances, assess the current state of sports in Papua New Guinea, and chart a strategic path forward. With the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau on the horizon, and long-term targets firmly set on Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032, the workshop marked a pivotal shift in the nation’s sports strategy. The emphasis was placed on transitioning from short-term, reactive planning to a more structured and proactive approach. Key focuses included early athlete identification, enhanced high-performance training, and fostering stronger collaboration across all sporting disciplines. The PNGOC’s strategic vision aims to empower both athletes and national federations, encouraging them to take ownership of their development within a unified framework of sporting excellence. The journey towards Palau 2025, LA 2028, and Brisbane 2032 is now underway, with PNGOC steering the course through commitment, collaboration, and meticulous planning. “This workshop is about more than just preparing for upcoming competitions,” said a PNGOC spokesperson. “It’s about building a sustainable system that nurtures our athletes’ potential and solidifies PNG’s presence on the global sporting stage.” As Team PNG embarks on this transformative path, the spirit of national pride and aspiration fuels their quest for long-term success. With strategic planning and unified effort, PNG’s athletes are poised to make their mark on the international arena in the years to come.

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) has officially presented a full report on the 2024 All-Star National Championships to its major sponsor, Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd (KMHL), ensuring transparency and accountability for the successful event. BFPNG President David Peter, a dedicated advocate for basketball development in PNG, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders whose contributions made the tournament possible. “On behalf of BFPNG, we extend our deepest appreciation to Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd for their generous contribution of K157,100, which played a key role in the successful delivery of the championships,” said President Peter. The financial support from KMHL ensured seamless event execution, covering logistics, venue arrangements, and player accommodations. In addition to KMHL’s sponsorship, the Goroka Basketball League (GBL) contributed K20,000 through the Eastern Highlands District Development Authority (DDA). BFPNG has prepared a separate report acknowledging their support and commitment to grassroots basketball. Acknowledgments were also extended to Kinoka Hotune Feo, MP - Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology, and Sports; the National Sports Institution through the PNG Sports Foundation; 3KW Construction Ltd; Digicel PNG; and Coca-Cola Ltd. BFPNG patron Charles Abel provided invaluable guidance throughout the event. For the first time in two decades, the All-Star National Championships were hosted outside of Port Moresby, marking a historic moment for the sport in PNG. The tournament not only showcased top-tier basketball talent but also strengthened regional participation and community engagement. “The dedication and perseverance of everyone involved were commendable. Despite logistical challenges, the event was executed successfully, reinforcing our commitment to elevating basketball in PNG. My journey as President has been an insightful experience, and I look forward to further strengthening the sport,” added President Peter. Moving forward, BFPNG plans to expand its reach by hosting regional tournaments across the country, culminating in a national championship where elite teams will compete. The organization is actively seeking expressions of interest from affiliates interested in hosting these events, which will coincide with the Annual General Meeting. The All-Star National Championships continue to serve as a vital platform for identifying and selecting talent for international representation, reinforcing the importance of ongoing investment in basketball development.

The highly anticipated Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 has officially begun in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with contestants from across the region vying for the prestigious crown. Representing Papua New Guinea is Miss May Hasola, the second queen from the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant to take part in this celebrated event. Miss Papua New Guinea has been assigned contestant number 6, marking her placement in the competition lineup. A crucial highlight of the pageant is the pre-pageant interview segment, where each contestant presents a randomly assigned topic. Hasola will take the stage to speak on the topic of Health—an area she is passionate about. “I am truly honored to represent my country on this regional platform. Though the pageant has only just begun, the experience has already been humbling, and I am eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Hasola. Her sentiments reflect the deep sense of national pride that comes with this journey. With the competition now in full swing, the Tourism Solomons People's Choice voting has officially opened, giving supporters a chance to rally behind their representative. “We encourage all Papua New Guineans to show their support for Miss Papua New Guinea throughout this journey. Additionally, we urge social media users to cast their votes for her in the People’s Choice Award,” stated Anna Bais, Chair of the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Committee. The online voting process is simple, fans can head to the official Miss Pacific Islands Facebook page, find the People’s Choice post, and like Miss Papua New Guinea’s photo to cast their vote. Beyond the crown, this journey is about celebrating culture and identity. Miss Papua New Guinea and her team take immense pride in showcasing the country’s rich heritage on an international stage, particularly in a year that holds special significance as Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary.

Miss Papua New Guinea, May Torrowi Hasola, has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family of the Late Sir Julius Chan, a distinguished statesman and former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, who passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 85. Currently representing Papua New Guinea at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Miss Hasola regrets her inability to be present in the nation during this period of mourning. She honors Sir Julius Chan's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the country's development. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, taking place from February 1 to 8 in Honiara features contestants from across the Pacific region. Miss Hasola, a 21-year-old law student passionate about family unity, education, and gender equality, is among the participants. Supporters can assist Miss Hasola by liking and sharing her picture on the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant's official Facebook page, as increased engagement can positively influence her standing in the competition. The nation joins in honoring the memory of Sir Julius Chan, reflecting on his service and dedication to Papua New Guinea.

The residents of Port Moresby city along with the New Ireland community honored the late Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan, GCL GCMG KBE PC, MP, at the State Funeral Service at the St. Mary’s Cathedral. The moving service was attended by dignitaries, family, and citizens. The service reflected on his lifetime in public service and leadership. The funeral mass, led by Bishop Otto Separy, featured hymns by the Kavieng-Lorengau Choir, with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Ceremonial Guard escorting the casket. In their eulogy, Sir Julius’ children, Mrs. Vanessa Chan Pelgen and Mr. Toea Chan described their father as a strong, principled, and humble leader whose dedication to Papua New Guinea never wavered. They urged the nation to celebrate his legacy and lifelong commitment to service. Prime Minister James Marape paid tribute, recognizing Sir Julius as a man of reconciliation who made peace with his family, ancestors, and faith before his passing. Citing Revelation 22:4 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16, he reassured the family that Sir Julius’ legacy and spirit would endure. The service concluded with prayers, a final procession, and hymns, as the nation bid farewell to one of its founding fathers. Sir Julius Chan’s leadership and contributions to governance, finance, and New Ireland’s autonomy leaves an indelible mark on Papua New Guinea’s history. The casket of the Late Sir Julius was then taken back to the funeral home at Erima. Meanwhile, the National House Cry will take place at 5PM at the Sir John Guise Stadium where MPs and the Prime Minister are expected to address the people and speak of the life and dedication of the Late New Ireland Governor. The House Cry will end at 9PM.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is set to transform police accommodation across the country, ensuring improved living conditions that uplift morale and enhance professional performance. Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Mitna highlighted this commitment at the groundbreaking ceremony for ten new duplexes at Mirane Barracks in Chimbu Province on Friday. "Much of our existing police barracks infrastructure is in dire condition, and we must act swiftly to rebuild," Dr Mitna stated. He explained that land ownership issues remain a major obstacle, often slowing progress in key locations. However, the RPNGC remains determined to push forward with its ambitious housing initiative. "The alternative is to demolish aging barracks and construct new, modern housing that meets contemporary standards," he added. Dr Mitna acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government for its foresight in directly funding this initiative through the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), ensuring the project’s nationwide rollout. The new accommodations will adhere to the RPNGC's standardized building designs, incorporating durable materials such as brick and steel to withstand harsh conditions and reduce maintenance costs over time. “Better housing for our officers translates to better service to the community. Improved living standards motivate police personnel to dedicate themselves fully to their duties,” he emphasized. He further noted that alongside housing, the Constabulary remains committed to increasing police recruitment and providing adequate resources to meet the growing security demands of the population. The selection of Mirane Barracks as the site for this project was significant because land ownership was not an issue, and the buildings exemplify the RPNGC’s standardized design approach. Chimbu is the first province to implement the H65 on slab duplex model. Present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Regional Operations Samson Kua, Simbu Governor Noah Kool, Deputy Provincial Administrator, and senior officials from the Provincial Administration. Also in attendance were Dr Ken Kassi, CEO of the Provincial Health Authority, Mr. Gerald Philip representing the business community, and local leaders. With government support and a clear vision, the RPNGC is determined to establish modern and sustainable police housing across Papua New Guinea, setting a new benchmark for officer welfare and professionalism.

OK Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) recently welcomed more than 500 students to its annual scholarship orientation session at the Kiunga Vocational technical Center in Western Province. The orientation was aimed at guiding both new and returning students through the expectations, policies and processes of the OTDF scholarship program, which supports education opportunities for youths in the region. Led by OTDF scholarship officer Miss Shemila Kasi and her dedicated team, the orientation provided clarity on scholarship requirements and offered practical advice to ensure students make the most of their academic opportunities. The session served as a foundation for the 241 new students joining the program this year and this group includes 101 students from the Preferred Area Development (PAD) and 140 students from the eight Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust Regions. During orientation, the new students were given their offer letters marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their educational journey while for the 308 counting students, the session offered opportunity updates on their scholarship on data sheets, aiming to maintain good academic standard. Miss Kasi then highlighted the critical requirement of achieving a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 and higher for scholarship eligibility. Then she addressed to the parents the vital role they play in supporting their children’s academic success and said, “Parents have a significant part to play, because parents need to ensure their children are ready for study, as the sponsorship process can take time. Parental commitment is crucial in helping students secure a place at their institution before scholarship payments are made.” The session also included a motivational address from Jim John, a former OTDF scholarship recipient who pursued studies in Journalism and Public Relations at the University of Papua New Guinea. John then encouraged the students to stay focused on their goals and said, “Your education is your responsibility. Make it count, and don’t let this opportunity go to waste.” The logistical challenges were also addressed during the orientation where fuel shortage affected Air Niugini flights in Kiunga and Tabubil, with Miss Kasi arranging alternative travel options. These include the use of OTML Charter flights (Pride of Tabubil) and PNG Air for students from the PAD and Nupmo Trust Region. Students from other Trust Regions were advised to coordinate their travel through the Community Relations office in Kiunga or Tabubil. “While we are making every effort to assist, the availability of seats on OTML flights is limited, as employee travel is prioritized,” Miss Kasi explained. The orientation concluded with a renewed sense of determination among the students, many of whom left feeling inspired and equipped to begin and continue their educational journeys. For OTDF, this program is more than just a financial commitment but an investment in the future of Western Province and PAD areas, helping to nurture a new generation of leaders and professionals. The success of the scholarship program is evident in the achievements of its graduates, who have gone on to contribute significantly in various sectors. By enhancing the socio-economic fabric of the Western Province. OTDF remains steadfast in its mission to support and expand educational opportunities, recognizing that education is a cornerstone for sustainable development and prosperity in the region.