PNG Haus Bung

SP Brewery has partnered with locally owned company Optimum Trade Limited to repurpose spent grain from its brewing process in Lae for agricultural use.The initiative aims to support local farmers by providing nutrient-rich organic material while promoting responsible waste management.SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare welcomed the partnership, saying it provides both environmental and economic benefits.“We are proud to support a locally owned business with a proven commitment to sustainability. Their innovative approach to repurposing sludge generated from our wastewater treatment plant and spent grain adds significant value to our operations.“This is both a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for SP Brewery and Optimum Trade. This partnership reflects our commitment to our global ambition of turning waste into value and closing material loops throughout our value chain by 2030. We are excited about the positive outcomes this collaboration will deliver.”Optimum Trade Director Michael Early, who founded the company in 2022, described the partnership with SP Brewery as an incredible opportunity.“Partnering with SP Brewery has been an incredible opportunity. We have already created positive outcomes beyond waste management, distributing spent grain to farms.”Early said the nutrient-rich material is being used as compost in gardens and as stockfeed for farms.He said delivery is also provided at no cost, making the programme accessible to farming communities that may otherwise face challenges accessing sustainable and affordable stockfeed.According to Early, demand for spent grain continues to grow as more farmers see its benefits.“Many farmers are seeing the benefits and are requesting more sludge and spent grain because it costs them nothing. The environmental impact is clear — cleaner communities, greener farms and healthier growing conditions.”He said the partnership has also created opportunities for local people and businesses while supporting more sustainable farming practices.In addition to spent grain, sludge generated from SP Brewery’s Wastewater Treatment Facility is collected and supplied to farms as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner to help improve soil health and agricultural productivity.The initiative aligns with SP Brewery’s global sustainability strategy of closing material loops throughout its value chain by 2030, ensuring valuable resources are reused rather than discarded.WHAT IS SPENT GRAIN?Spent grain is the leftover malted grain from the brewing process. It is rich in fibre, protein and nutrients and can be used as compost or stockfeed.WHAT IS SLUDGE?Sludge is a thick mixture of liquid and solid materials produced through industrial processes, including wastewater treatment.

Fourth-year Information Systems students at Divine Word University are turning their final-year projects into practical solutions to real-world problems in Papua New Guinea.The students showcased their innovative projects at DWU’s 21st Information Systems Symposium in Madang, putting their technical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities on display.The symposium brought together students, academics and ICT industry leaders, giving the young developers an opportunity to present their ideas and connect classroom learning with the real world.NICTA CEO Polume Lume highlighted the importance of innovation and digital transformation as PNG’s technology sector continues to grow.Meanwhile DWU President Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs says the future of technology must remain focused on people.He warned that PNG’s digital transformation should not leave behind communities that are less connected or have limited access to technology.“If digital transformation benefits only those who are already well connected, well educated and prosperous, then we will have introduced new technology without achieving genuine human development."For these young graduates, the symposium is a step beyond the classroom and into a future where their ideas could help communities, organizations and PNG as a whole.

A fresh push is being made to protect young Papua New Guinean women from cervical cancer, with calls for HPV vaccination to be made widely available across the country.The call comes from National Health Board Chairman, Chief Prof Dr Mathias Sapuri, following the 14th International Globeathon held in Port Moresby on September 27.Dr Sapuri is urging the government, health workers, communities and families to support a nationwide Gardasil vaccination campaign targeting eligible girls and young women.“Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in our country.”“Gardasil, a proven vaccine against human papillomavirus, or HPV, has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and protect future generations of Papua New Guinean women from this preventable disease.”The proposed rollout would target girls and young women aged between 9 and 26.PNG has already had experience with HPV vaccination through local initiatives, including programs involving thousands of girls in the National Capital District, West New Britain and Morobe.The call for a wider vaccination program comes as health advocates continue to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of prevention and early action.The message from the Globeathon is clear: preventing cervical cancer cannot depend only on treating patients after they become sick. Greater attention is needed on protecting girls and young women before the disease develops.

Australia is helping train West New Britain’s next generation of skilled workers, with new construction tools and equipment delivered to West New Britain Technical College.West New Britain Technical College Principal Meshack Bubu welcomed the investment, saying access to modern tools was critical to preparing students for the workforce.“For students to develop the right skills, they need access to the tools industries are using today,” said Mr. Bubu.The investment will strengthen practical training opportunities for students preparing for careers across industries such as construction, agriculture, fisheries, cocoa production and oil palm, where demand for skilled workers continues to grow.The commissioning ceremony was attended by a representative from the Australian High Commission, senior representatives of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), senior officials from other government agencies, students, industry representatives and community leaders, highlighting the shared commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Papua New Guinea.DHERST Acting Deputy Secretary Gideon Kaevakore emphasised that partnerships between government, industry and development partners were critical to strengthening the TVET sector.“TVET is an essential pathway to meaningful employment. Investments like this help ensure students are better equipped to meet workplace standards and support our focus on strengthening quality and ensuring training remains relevant to the needs of industry,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Kaevakore.Students and staff were given their first look at the new tools and equipment that will enhance practical training at the college. The equipment includes surveying equipment, construction tools, generators, safety equipment, concrete mixers, drainage and water management equipment, carpentry tools and classroom resources.Instructors will also receive training to support safe, industry-relevant training and delivery of the RII20720 Certificate II in Civil Construction.For Principal Bubu, the investment addresses a challenge he has faced since taking office in 2019.“Our students have often had to learn using limited and outdated equipment because modern tools are expensive. Despite this, many have succeeded through determination, observation and hard work. These new tools will give students a head start, allowing them to develop their skills using equipment that reflects modern industry standards.”The investment reflects Australia’s commitment to strengthening TVET in Papua New Guinea by supporting training institutions, building industry relevant skills and creating pathways to employment for more Papua New Guineans.

The Prime Minister has secured further opportunities for the country in diplomatic engagements with officials from the United States of America.Prime Minister James Marape secured advancements in regional energy security, market diversification, and infrastructure funding during high-level diplomatic engagements at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week as the 81st session drew to a close in New York.The engagements, which built upon an earlier interaction with U.S. President Donald Trump at a welcome dinner for world leaders, concluded last Friday with a strategic session between PM Marape and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre.DeSombre met with the Prime Minister to finalize bilateral implementations aimed at elevating Papua New Guinea's economic sovereignty and formalising operational facets of the U.S.-PNG Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).As part of this economic push, Prime Minister Marape also participated in an exclusive business roundtable hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU). The high-level dialogue, attended by DeSombre alongside prominent American business executives and institutional investors, focused on moving beyond traditional foreign aid toward robust commercial partnerships built on mutual economic production.During the BCIU session, Marape highlighted Papua New Guinea's strategic position as a free-market gateway to the Asian marketplace and detailed a robust legal architecture that ensures State investment agreements are strictly and perpetually honoured.

A young mother who gave birth to triplets in a remote part of Markham District of Morobe province was successfully evacuated to Lae on Monday, but all three of her babies died before help could reach them.Manolos Aviation carried out the emergency medical evacuation from Onga-Waffa LLG area, bringing the mother into Lae shortly after 10am before she was taken to hospital for further treatment.The woman had given birth prematurely to triplets at about eight months into her pregnancy.Despite the efforts of health workers at the local health facility, all three babies died within hours of each other. The clinic had limited resources and was unable to provide the level of specialised neonatal care required by the premature babies.Manolos Aviation chief executive and pilot, Captain Jurgen Ruh said the outcome could potentially have been different if the medevac team had received the emergency call earlier.“None of the babies survived. One of the babies died last night and the other two died this morning at nine o’clock,” Captain Ruh said. The tragedy again highlights the difficulties faced by mothers and newborn babies in remote parts of Papua New Guinea, where geographical isolation, poor transport links and limited medical resources can turn complications during childbirth into life-threatening emergencies.For Manolos Aviation, the case also carries echoes of an earlier evacuation involving another mother of triplets.In May 2017, the company evacuated 25-year-old Rose Andy and her newborn triplets — two boys and a girl — from the remote village of Sikami in Obura-Wonenara District, Eastern Highlands Province.The mother was suffering serious complications following the birth and was bleeding when the call for assistance was made.Captain Ruh and a medevac nurse flew into the remote community, stabilised the mother and babies and transported them to Angau General Hospital in Lae. All three babies survived, and after four weeks at Angau, the family was cleared to return home.Manolos Aviation's medical evacuation work has since expanded considerably, with its MAMA Medevac program providing emergency air transport for patients from some of the country's most isolated communities.One of its most high-profile recent missions involved conjoined twins Tom and Sawong, who were born at Braun Memorial Hospital in Finschhafen in October 2025.Within two days of their birth, Manolos Aviation evacuated the twins to Angau Memorial Hospital before they were eventually transferred to Australia for highly specialised medical treatment.Doctors later carried out a complex separation operation in Sydney. Tom, who had severe medical complications, did not survive, but the operation saved Sawong.

The leaders and people of Hela province have been given credit for their effort in surrendering illegal firearms and choosing peace.Prime Minister James Marape has commended Hela Governor Philip Undialu for his leadership in addressing the proliferation of Illegal Firearms in Hela Province, saying the progress being made demonstrates what can be achieved when Government, community leaders and the people work together to restore Peace and Law and Order.Marape said the voluntary surrender of high-powered Firearms in Hela was an important step in the Marape-Rosso Government’s broader drive to remove Illegal Guns from communities, particularly in parts of the Highlands that have experienced tribal fighting and gun-related violence.Recent Gun Surrender activities in Hela have seen dozens of Illegal Firearms handed over, including high-powered weapons, as communities respond to the Government’s Gun Amnesty Programme.“I want to commend Governor Philip Undialu for his leadership and the work he is doing in Hela in getting our people to return Guns and choose Peace,” Prime Minister Marape said.“I also commend our people and the tribes who have returned their Guns. You have made the right decision. Having returned these Guns, let us not go back to them. Let us anchor Peace in our communities.”The Prime Minister called on Community Leaders, Churches, Councillors, Youth Leaders and Tribal Leaders throughout Hela to rally behind Governor Undialu and the Provincial Government’s Peace initiatives.“The National Government, our Districts and our Provincial leadership must work together so that the Surrender of Guns is not simply the end of one process, but the beginning of a better life for our people,” he said.The Prime Minister said his Tari-Pori District Development Authority would continue complementing the work of the Hela Provincial Government by connecting people who surrender Firearms with opportunities in Education, Training, SMEs and other productive activities.He said particular attention should be given to young people who have previously been caught up in tribal fighting and gun related activities, giving them alternative pathways through second-chance education, institutions such as the Hope Institute, skills training and SME opportunities.

Papua New Guinea’s multi-peril parametric climate insurance scheme has made its second automatic payout, distributing a total of PGK 621,220 to 15,295 people across 14 districts affected by drought between June and July.The payouts were triggered when rainfall levels in the affected districts fell below pre-agreed thresholds. Because the insurance is parametric, members did not need to make individual claims or undergo on-the-ground loss assessments.The drought affected communities in East Sepik, Madang, Gulf, Central, Morobe, Milne Bay, Eastern Highlands and West Sepik provinces.The largest payouts were recorded in Wewak District, where 2,322 members received a combined PGK 232,200, followed by Madang District, where 1,566 members received PGK 156,600.The insurance cover is held by Women’s Micro Bank Limited, also known as Mama Bank, on behalf of its members. It is subsidised by Humanity Insured, underwritten by Pacific MMI Insurance and reinsured by Pacific Reinsurance Company.The scheme was developed with support from the Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP), a joint initiative involving UNCDF, UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security and UNDP, with support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.Mama Bank CEO Gunanidhi Das says the automatic payout provides timely support to members who are vulnerable to climate-related shocks.Pacific MMI CEO Darryl Williamson says parametric insurance allows payouts to be made quickly and transparently because they are based on independent rainfall data rather than lengthy loss assessments.UNDP Resident Representative Nicholas Booth says the latest payout demonstrates how partnerships between insurers, reinsurers, financial institutions and communities can help provide faster financial support when climate shocks occur.

Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage took centre stage just recently at the Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo, drawing attention from visitors through traditional performances and interactive experiences.Traditional dancers from Rigo District in Central Province represented PNG as cultural ambassadors during the three-day event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.Their traditional attire and kundu drumming captured a lot of attention from visitors, offering international audiences an introduction to Papua New Guinea’s diverse cultural traditions.The cultural presentation formed part of a wider tourism promotion led by Air Niugini and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, which made its first appearance at the Hong Kong travel expo.Visitors to the PNG stand were able to engage directly with the cultural ambassadors, take photographs, and learn more about the country's traditions and communities.Local facts were emphasized such as PNG's extraordinary cultural diversity, including its more than 800 languages and hundreds of distinct tribes and cultures.Beyond culture, tourism activities promoted ranged from diving, trekking and birdwatching to cultural festivals, island escapes and eco-tourism.Air Niugini Regional Manager Asia, Joshua Koh, said the response from visitors had been encouraging."We are seeing strong interest from visitors, with thousands passing through our booth eager to learn more about Papua New Guinea's unique culture, natural beauty and adventure tourism experiences."The cultural showcase also helped position PNG as a destination offering experiences that differ from conventional mass-tourism destinations in the region.The Hong Kong expo, which brought together 270 exhibitors from the global tourism industry, provided PNG with an opportunity to present its cultural identity directly to potential travellers from Hong Kong and the wider Asian market.The participation is expected to contribute to greater awareness of PNG as a tourism destination while creating opportunities for future visitor arrivals and tourism partnerships.

The President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has called for peace and calm on campus following a fight between groups of students from the Western Highlands and Enga provinces.In a statement released on the 27th of September, the SRC President said the fight broke out over the weekend on campus, with preliminary reports indicating the dispute started off campus before spilling into residential halls and common areas. Several students from both sides suffered severe injuries and are receiving medical treatment, the President confirmed.The SRC President said his immediate priority is to urge student leaders from both sides to identify any other injured students and get medical help right away. He appealed to all UPNG students to reject physical violence and regional division on campus."To all UPNG students, we’re future leaders of our beautiful nation — Papua New Guinea, I respectfully urge us to not allow physical violence and regional division like this on our campus," the President said.He warned that such fights not only damage the university's reputation but also risk students' lives, put the academic year at risk as final examinations approach, destroy future job prospects, chase away sponsors and partners, and lower the value of UPNG degrees.The SRC remains neutral and is working alongside UNIFORCE (campus security), student leaders and the University Administration to maintain safety and restore calm. The President commended the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (NCD Police) for stepping in quickly to handle the situation.He made a direct appeal to student leaders and students of both Western Highlands and Enga to stand together and end all retaliation."Let us step forward together and settle this peacefully," he said.The President also asked the general public to stop spreading false information and to avoid taking sides."My leaders, let us put our education first, for our country, consider the sacrifices of our sponsors, our families and all of those who believe in us still," he said.

The Kerevat National School of Excellence in the East New Britain (ENB) has entered a new phase of digital transformation following the commissioning of five major infrastructure and technology projects.Minister for Education Francis Kikin Siune officially opened and commissioned the developments on Friday, September 25, 2026, in an event attended by Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, provincial administration leaders, the school’s Board of Governors, staff, students and community representatives.The developments include two 12-in-1 classroom complexes featuring 16 smart classrooms and a multi-purpose auditorium constructed at a cost of K3.8 million.The school also launched a School Digital Management System aimed at streamlining administration and student record-keeping, along with its School Development Plan and Future Projects.Another major highlight was the launch of the James Marape Legacy Campus. Minister Siune unveiled a monument honoring Prime Minister James Marape and the Marape-Rosso Government for championing the National Schools of Excellence concept, supporting the schools and sustaining the STEM scholarship programme over the past four years.Prime Minister Marape was in New York attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the commissioning.Minister Siune also announced the upcoming launch of the PNG Education Transformation Vision 2075, a 50-year strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the country’s education system.The roadmap focuses on developing critical thinking and knowledge, problem-solving and innovation, opportunity creation, as well as values and discipline among students.Under the theme “Excelling through Digital Empowerment and Innovation,” Minister Siune pointed out the importance of technology in both school administration and classroom learning.The Department of Education has also recently launched EduNex, a national Learning Management System designed to connect digital curricula, lesson plans, assessment data and academic records.Kerevat National School of Excellence is one of seven National Schools of Excellence selected to pilot EduNex and will integrate the platform with its new digital management infrastructure.Minister Siune said National Schools of Excellence are intended to serve as national incubators for STEM and STEAM education, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to education infrastructure, teacher training and digital learning platforms nationwide.

Only a "negotiated solution" can end the conflict between the US and Iran, Tehran's foreign minister has said, after President Donald Trump publicly rejected a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Trump told reporters at the White House that Iran's proposal was not "acceptable" and that Tehran wanted to make a deal to open the strait to commercial shipping within seven days because "they're losing so badly".In a post on Telegram, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Trump's rejection, but said Iran would wait for a "definitive" official US response.He said the president had made contradictory statements in the past.Araghchi said the conditions to open the strait were the same that had been included in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran that was signed in June.Iran said it had raised reopening the strait and ending hostilities during negotiations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this past week.The vital waterway through which around a fifth of the world's gas and oil supply usually flows has been effectively closed since the outbreak of war in February."I'm rejecting their deal," Trump said on Saturday, adding that the US already had "total control" of the strait, with "massive amounts of oil" passing through it, causing massive rises in global oil prices and steep fuel cost increases for consumers.Araghchi wrote on Telegram that Trump "has made many good statements, as well as many contradictory ones, which unfortunately we hear frequently".He continued: "We are waiting for the mediators to convey the definitive views to us, and we will make a decision based on them."Separately, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who travelled to New York for the UN general assembly, told the BBC's US news partner CBS that "distrust created by this war needs to be overcome" in order for talks to be successful.He said the Iranians were open to talks on implementing the MOU in stages in order to end the impasse, but that the "US needs to show it does not intend to overthrow our government".Pezeshkian said Trump had "tore up" the MOU when the US resumed its bombing campaign, adding: "If we don't abide by what we have written down, can we really resolve it by dialogue?"He was also asked about Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in the US strike which killed his father in February and has not been seen in public since. Reports have claimed he suffered serious injuries to his legs and face.Pezeshkian said he had met the supreme leader on two occasions, telling CBS he had "no specific ongoing health issues or challenges" and had been well enough to hold seven hours of talks.Oman, which has been acting as a mediator between the US and Iran, called for all parties to continue having open dialogue to resolve the crisis.Oman's foreign minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, told the UN General Debate that "all parties" should cooperate with Oman in efforts to safeguard navigation in the strategic waterway.Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal was backed by US ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker.Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, Whitaker said that Iran had offered "half measures" and "illusory deals to make themselves look good on the world stage"."President Trump's right to reject it," he said.Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Saturday that economic sanctions imposed by the US were taking a toll on Iran.Posting on X, Bessent said Turkey, Oman and the United Arab Emirates had halted flights from various Iranian airlines, and some banks in the UAE and Turkey had stopped transactions with Iran.The Trump administration has dubbed an economic blockade on Iran "Operation Economic Outcast", with the White House attempting to use economic pressure to force Tehran to stop attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.But some economists have questioned whether the latest sanctions will be effective, as this depends on the reaction from Iran's major trading partners.These include China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, which has ignored previous US sanctions and continued to do business with Tehran.Source: BBC News