Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru has highly commended Prime Minister James Marape and the NEC for the very bold and visionary decision to set up a Mission in Thailand amongst the four new missions to be established by the Marape-Rosso Government. The other three are Israel, UAE and Switzerland. “In my view after visiting Thailand last week on a Trade and Investment Mission, the decision by the Marape-Rosso Government to set up a Mission in Thailand this year as part of our walk across Asia strategy will in time prove to be one of the best decisions taken by any Government has taken since Independence. My delegation marveled at the sheer size and achievements of Thai industries to become world leaders and pacesetters in industries like the fish processing industry, chicken processing industry, starch from cassava, rice and sugar. They used to be third world nation producing agriculture raw materials like PNG is still doing 47 years after Independence while Thailand has transformed to become world leaders in food processing and exports,” said Minister Maru. Thailand has 40 fish processing plants and is tuna capital of the world with no local fishing industry. They are able to buy and become the leading world supplier of finished fishing products from fish supplied to them from fishing grounds all over the world including Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We visited and found out that they are major suppliers of fresh and cooked chicken products to Japan, US and the European Union after meeting Japan, US and European Union quality processing standards and accreditation. Thailand is now the world’s leading cassava starch supplier and also sugar. It’s unbelievable they also supply finished products only and do not export raw materials or semi processed agriculture products like PNG does,” said Minister Maru. “During our visit, leading Thai companies have expressed interest to invest in Papua New Guinea if we are able to provide land, electricity, good roads, wharves and all the enabling infrastructure and incentives to come and set up world class industries to mainly assist them to meet growing world demand for their quality products for countries in the ASEAN region like Indonesia, Australia and our own domestic market demand and Indo Pacific Region. By building a strong trade and investment relationship with the Government of Thailand, the private sector of Thailand, targeting potential investors and the people to people ties with Thailand, the Thai investors can help us develop our vast agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing industries into world class industries in our country,” said Minister Maru. “We were amazed when they told us that Japan has 30, 000 companies operating in Thailand and they employ over 1 million people from Myanmar to assist with low-cost labor in their manufacturing industry, to ensure they continue to be a low-cost producer of goods and services for the world. They have developed their tourism industry and today enjoy an influx of 40 million tourists a year. Thailand has moved to industrialization starting with manufacturing first all their agriculture products and now they have moved to automobile and other hi-tech industries,” said Minister Maru. “I was inspired by the trip because I envision if we follow the same path as Thailand and the same trajectory, our PNG economy can be transformed over the next 20 years if we develop a long and enduring partnership with Thailand and benefit from their business models, capital and technology, and their leading global brands and reputation and access their well-established global markets,” Minister Maru added. Minister Maru said PNG can also benefit from a strong trade and investment partnership with Thailand in areas like tourism development and developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs). “We found out from our visit to the Industrial Estates Authority of Thailand that is equivalent to our new Special Economic Authority that over the last 30 years they have built 4922 factories, built 4 international ports, accumulated over US$200 billion in Special Economic Zones and created directly 932,258 new jobs,” said Minister Maru. “The Marape-Rosso Government’s vision to anchor our future by building Special Economic Zones to drive economic growth, large scale mass employment opportunities for our people and create vast wealth creation opportunities for our people and our country is the right way to go based on global experience from countries like Thailand so opening our new Embassy this year in Thailand has to be given our highest priority,” said Minister Maru. “I am very inspired, and I have no doubt that cementing a trade and investment relationship with Thailand on a Prime Minister to Prime Minister level with a State visit this year by our Prime Minister and the opening of our new Embassy in Thailand will be one of the greatest contribution the Marape led Government will do to secure an even brighter and better future for our beautiful country,” said Minister Maru. Meanwhile, the first large scale investor that the Delegation met and have invited to come to explore investment opportunities in PNG are scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby early next month. “My Ministry and the Department will work to invite more Thai investors to come and invest in Papua New Guinea as a major focus of Marape-Rosso Government’s economic growth initiative,” said Minister Maru.

DICT prioritizes Data Governance Policy and Framework for a Data-Driven Government The Papua New Guinea Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is making sure that the country's data is secure, private, and under the jurisdiction of the country. To support the country's aim of becoming a data-driven government, the department is working with partners and stakeholders to address data-related concerns. DICT is developing a comprehensive Data Governance Framework to ensure data privacy, sovereignty, and protection on cloud platforms. The framework will provide a clear approach to data privacy and protection and also offer guidance on data sharing and interoperability between systems. Ensuring data security while in transit between systems and agencies is important for the success of the country's data-driven government. The department is committed to providing a secure and compliant environment for data storage and processing and is taking a leading role in maintaining data protection and jurisdiction. The department is also setting regulations and guidelines for cloud service providers to comply with data security and privacy laws. It is important for individuals and organizations to stay informed about developments in this area. The implementation of the Data Governance Framework will mark a major step forward for Papua New Guinea in securing data stored on cloud platforms. The department is dedicated to maintaining data security and sovereignty and is playing a key role in the country's digital transformation.

Beyoncé has broken the record for the most Grammy Award wins of all time, after collecting her 32nd trophy at this year's ceremony. The singer made history as she won best dance/electronic album, for her euphoric dance opus Renaissance. In doing so, she overtook Hungarian-British conductor George Solti, whose record of 31 awards had stood for more than 20 years. "I'm trying not to be too emotional," said the star, accepting the prize. "I'm trying to just receive this night." She went on to thank her family, including her late uncle Jonny, who helped make her stage outfits before she became famous. Beyoncé has previously said his battle with HIV influenced her interest in dance music, and its historical ties to the LGBTQ community, on Renaissance. With the ceremony still ongoing, Beyoncé could extend her lead even further. She's up for the night's main prize, album of the year, as well as song and record of the year, both for her number one single Break My Soul. But she missed some of her early prizes after getting stuck in gridlocked downtown Los Angeles. "I'm surprised traffic could stop you," joked host Trevor Noah once she arrived. "I thought you travelled through space and time." Source: CNN

Ten people have been killed in several avalanches across the Austrian and Swiss Alps over the weekend. Tourists from New Zealand, China and Germany were among the dead at a number of different ski resorts. Austrian authorities put in place a level four avalanche alert - the second highest - following intense snowfall and wind in the area. Despite the warnings, ski resorts in western Austria have been filling up due to school holidays in Vienna. Austrian police announced five deaths on Sunday, including that of a 59-year-old man who was using a snow plough in the western region of Tyrol. They also recovered the bodies of a ski guide in Sankt Anton am Arlberg and a 62-year-old man who was cross-country skiing around the summit of Hohe Aifner. On Saturday, a 17-year-old New Zealander, a 32-year-old Chinese national and a German man in his 50s - who were all said to be skiing off designated ski trails when avalanches hit - were also found dead. In Switzerland, a 56-year-old woman and 52-year-old man were also killed by unstable snow in the south-east canton of Graubuenden on Saturday morning. Swiss police said a third member of their group managed to escape unharmed. Avalanches are common in both countries. According to Austria's APA news agency, 30 avalanches were reported in the Tyrol region on Saturday alone - 11 of these involving people. Austria's level four alert level means "very large avalanches are likely" - it advises inexperienced skiers to remain on open ski runs and trails and for experienced skiers to stay away from very steep terrain.   Source: BBC

Airways Hotel & Residences is pleased to announce the launch of our new website. Designed and built by their in-house digital marketing team, the new website includes significant changes and updates to improve the booking experience of our guests. This includes a new online booking system enabling their guests to make a room reservation with just a few clicks. It also offers an intuitive flow to allow guests easier navigation around the website with additional images of the rooms and facilities. And with a sleek and modern design, the new site is visually more appealing and showcases their refreshed branding. As technology continues to play a critical part in our industry, Airways is committed to investing in providing the best experience for guests while showcasing the best of Papua New Guinea. Check out website www.airways.com.pg.

Tanah Boyd will be wasting no time in his quest to retain the Titans' No. 7 jersey, confirming he will feature in next Sunday's first trial against the Broncos. Finishing 2022 with three wins from the last four games in the halfback position, the time to shine has arrived for the 39-game playmaker, who many have tipped to remain as the Coast' chief linchpin for the season opener. With the next two pre-season trial matches between the Broncos and Dolphins the chance for coach Justin Holbrook to finalise his top 17 for Round 1 - including locking in the spine which is yet to be decided - the 22-year-old will be in the thick of it from the opening whistle at Sunshine Coast Stadium to prove his case in the hotly-contested battle. "I'll be playing a little bit next Sunday against the Broncos, so I'm really looking forward to that," Boyd confirmed on 4BC's Wide World of Sports. "There's so much competition for spots and that's what's been so healthy about this pre-season. "It's going to be a good headache to have for the coaches and us as players have to perform in the trials and at training every day. "It's been really good so far and I can't wait to play some footy." Whilst not expecting to partner new recruit Kieran Foran this week with the experienced playmaker likely put on ice until the Titans' major trial against the Dolphins in a fortnight, the 39-game half has enjoyed learning off the adept professional in his first month at Parkwood. "I've loved [having him here]," Boyd said. "I grew up watching Foz play, so to have him at the club now and the fact I can just pick his brains and learn off him, it's pretty cool and I love doing it. "He's been so good for the young fellas in the club. He's so willing to help anyone and share his knowledge and experience and that's what I love about him. "He sits and does video with a lot of the boys and shows them little bits and pieces that we need to get better on. He just wants success and it's so good to have him at the club. "We've got along pretty well and hopefully we can try and build a combination if I get that seven role." There is now an heir of eagerness among the playing squad with the final countdown on to kick-off, after a relentless summer of preparation to turn around last year's disappointing results. "It's been a pretty tough pre-season. We definitely weren't comfortable with where we finished last year at 13th," Boyd said. "We are striving for bigger and better things. We want to be up there in the top four teams and I believe we have the squad to do that. "Footy's not far away now and the boys are itching to get out there and show what we've been doing in the pre-season." Source: NRL.Com

A Partnership Framework Agreement (PFA) to strengthen the collaboration between the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was signed for the first time in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, by the Secretary-General of the PNGRCS Valachie Quagliata, and the Head of the ICRC Mission in Papua New Guinea, Dominik Urban. "Creating positive relationships, being able to communicate ideas and understand others is an important skill to have when building partnerships," says Mr Urban. The document captures a three-year partnership (2023-2025) and expresses the mutual commitment to develop, strengthen and value partnership, particularly in the areas of capacity-building in Communication, Protecting Family Links, Branding, Safer Access and IHL. The Head of ICRC PNG Mission, Dominik Urban said the ICRC had always enjoyed a good working relationship with PNG Red Cross and the agreement will further strengthen what had already been established. "This agreement is all about these perspectives and others. The implementation will strengthen our relationship with PNG Red Cross and leverage our positions as humanitarian actors in PNG:" The signing marked an historic moment for the two institutions. PFA is a strategic level agreement that among other things, signifies a commitment to grow together in accordance with the Movement's Fundamental Principles, its statues, the Code of Conduct for good partnership and the Movement's coordination rules. The Secretary General of the PNGRCS, Valachie Quagliata, for his part, described the agreement as significant in strengthening the cooperation and collaboration, especially at this time when other key stakeholders are working hard to operationalize their humanitarian impact in PNG. "We are, therefore, pleased and encouraged by this momentous achievement and we are committed to taking it forward. With this PFA and our enhanced partnership, we hope to achieve our vision of becoming the focal point when it comes to Humanitarian diplomacy and action within the next 5 to 10 years and further". Mr. Quagliata thanked ICRC for the guidance and support rendered in the past several years and assured its partner of PNGRCS commitment to the agreement.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) is excited to announce the signing of its Discount Partnership Agreement with Pacific Foam Limited, which will see Port Moresby based Members of the Fund find comfort in discounts on items purchased directly from Pacific Foam. Pacific Foam Limited Branch Head Mr. Uttam Tripathi said, “Nambawan Super Members, with Membership ID cards, can now enjoy an amazing 30% off on listed items purchased directly from Pacific Foam Limited in Port Moresby”. “We are happy to be partnering with NSL for the benefit of Nambawan Super Members who can now enjoy our high quality products at very affordable rates”. “With 30% off all listed prices on all products, Nambawan Super Members can find comfort in Pacific Foam’s mattresses, furniture, furnishings and beddings ”, Mr. Tripathi added. NSL Deputy CEO Vere Arava, thanked Pacific Foam Limited for their inclusiveness by providing an opportunity for ordinary citizens, who are Nambawan Super Members, to benefit from this partnership. “A good and comfortable home provides a sense of security for families. A safe haven where we can make memories, build our future wealth and ultimately lead to retirement with dignity and financial security. That is our Purpose, to help members achieve their best retirement outcomes.” “We encourage all our Nambawan Super Members including those in Retirement Savings and Choice Super, to take advantage of these discounts if they are looking to purchase comfortable and high-quality home furnishing for themselves or their families”, Mr. Arava said. Members can access the full list of Discount Partners nationwide on the NSL website, by contacting NSL’s Customer Call Centre through Free Call on 180 1599, via email at CallCentre@nambawansuper.com.pg or get a poster at their nearest branch.

After winning a Grammy Award, Viola Davis has officially completed the holy grail of entertainment awards. Davis’ Sunday win for the audiobook of her memoir “Finding Me” completes her EGOT collection. She previously won an Emmy for her role in “How to Get Away with Murder,” an Oscar for “Fences,” and two Tony awards for “King Hedley III” and “Fences.” Davis, 57, won the award for “Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording,” according to a tweet from the Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammys. In her acceptance speech, the multi-hyphenate performer paid tribute to her younger self. “I wrote this book to honor the 6-year-old Viola,” she said. “To honor her life, her joy, her trauma, everything. And, it has just been such a journey – I just EGOT!” Davis’ career has been studded with awards and firsts. In 2015, she became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for best actress in a drama and in 2017, she became the first Black woman to score three Academy Award nominations. Source: CNN News

PNG Air regrets to advise our customers and the travelling public that due to circumstances beyond our control all scheduled, charter and cargo flights with immediate effect have been cancelled to and from Misima. This is unfortunately due to the Aerodrome Closure following an Aviation Notice publication (NOTAM) from NuiSky last week, Thursday 2nd February, 2023. In the first instance, PNG Air’s Misima flights will be cancelled with immediate effect through to 30th April, 2023. Our team will be in contact with affected travelers. PNG Air will recommence operations to Misima as soon as the Aerodrome is re-opened.

Four years on from teaming up with Braydon Trindall to help Wenlock Rivers win the Queensland Murri Carnival, J'maine Hopgood will take to a different stage alongside his former teammate on Saturday, but one with all the same meaning. The former Panthers NSW Cup captain, who has shifted to rivals Parramatta for the 2023 season, will kick off his year with a debut for the Indigenous All Stars in Rotorua. It's his first major representative appearance in the NRL after 10 appearances at the senior level, which for the 23-year-old has been a slow burn since he was a teenager running around for the Stallions in Townsville. "My Indigenous side comes through my mother and great grandfather," Hopgood told NRL.com during a fan event at Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation in Airds on Saturday. "To represent everyone back home and in Hervey Bay and Queensland, I’m very grateful. I’m just excited to give back to the community this week and then get into some training with the boys and hopefully some rewards at the end of the game. "Everyone knows each other in the team somehow and even if you don’t it doesn’t take long before you do. We always seem to click really quick so I'm looking forward to playing in a team with a lot of great players and represent our mobs. "And going to New Zealand, that’s going to be a challenge in itself and something the Māori boys have had to do since the concept began." "We want to give back to the people in New Zealand as well, immerse ourselves in their culture and put on a show." J'maine Hopgood There will be many eager observers watching Hopgood on Saturday including Eels coach Brad Arthur, who is looking for a lock forward in the early rounds of the club's 2023 campaign with Ryan Matterson missing three games due to suspension. After being stuck behind a dominant forward pack at the Panthers, Hopgood has enjoyed his switch to the 2022 grand finalists so far and is eyeing off a permanent spot in Parramatta's line-up. "It’s been awesome, I’ve enjoyed my time so far and the coaches and boys are really good. We’ve put ourselves in a really good position to have a good year," he said. "You look at the players at Penrith and the forward pack is unbelievable. I had to do what was best for me, you only play this game for a short amount of time so I want to make the most of it. "I’m keen to be a part of All Stars week and then get back and have a really good start to the year. You can’t tell both clubs apart too much to be honest, they do a lot of the same things, that’s what successful clubs do. "They’re doing all the right things and hopefully we can go one better with this new club." As for any chat around Hopgood's NRL Fantasy potential, he offered some kind words to coaches looking to snap him up this season. "I have seen a bit of chat around it and they’re already paying an outrageous price for me," he joked. "I know if I can get an opportunity and get a few games under my belt it will build my confidence. Hopefully I can reward a few of the Fantasy freaks out there." Source: NRL.Com

Miss Papua New Guinea, Josie Nicholas, has been crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2023 also taking out the Best Talent and People’s Choice Award. The Samoan home crowd embraced the theme of “Unity” when they cheered at the announcement of Miss PNG as the new Miss Pacific Islands after their own Miss Samoa was announced as First Runner Up. It was a great evening of entertainment and the five contestants looked to have been relaxed and enjoyed the evening. The Corporate tables were well serviced with food and drinks and the gallery areas were also packed with supporters. Miss Papua New Guinea won the Best Talent category and spoke eloquently during pre-pageant interviews on her topic of Education. “Give a man a fish and you’ll feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, and you’ll feed him for a lifetime,” was the theme of he’d pre-pageant presentation. Miss Papua New Guinea said she is honored to be crowned Miss Pacific Islands and will do her best to represent the Pacific during her reign with dignity and respect for Pacific people and their cultures. Miss Samoa was First Runner Up and Miss American Samoa was announced Second Runner Up. With only 5 contestants, there were no 3rd and 4th Runner up categories this year. Miss Solomon Islands won the National Tourism award as well as the Best Interview award. In the fashion and arts categories Miss American Samoa took Best Traditional wear, while Miss Samoa received the Best Sarong award. Miss Personality is selected by the contestants themselves and this went to Miss Nauru. Miss Photogenic, selected by the pageants official photographer Vanu Studios, was awarded to Miss American Samoa. The winners received prize money of $2000 USD for second runner up, $3kUSD for the first runner up and $4k USD for Miss Pacific Islands. Source: globalsamoanews.com