Police Commissioner David Manning announced that the 2022 National General Election operation plans and preparations are on track for the launching and deployment of the joint security forces in the highlands region this week.  Commissioner Manning made these remarks during his official visit to Mt Hagen last week to inspect and ascertain the establishment of the joint security forces operation forward base at the Kimininga police barracks in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. Mr Manning when receiving reports  from Divisional Commander Highlands Eastern-end Assistant Commissioner Rigga Neggi commended his police officers for initiating and commencing pre-election awareness and operations despite resource issues. “I want to commend you all for your efforts thus far. Like any other government departments, timely and adequate resources have always been a challenge but it is incumbent upon us as commanders to manage, command and control whatever resources that are available.   “I also want to put it on record that the national government has given us enough funding for this 2022 election security operations. Before we deploy for the polling, we should have all our necessary requirements fixed,” Commissioner Manning said.  He also added that the Quick Response Farce (QRS) comprises police, PNG Defense Force and Correctional Services members will arrive in Mt Hagen this week for the 2022 National General Election security operation grand opening in Mt Hagen over the weekend.

PNG Women’s Va’a skipper Ailima Kini was given the prestigious role of official PNG flag bearer at the team accommodation venue at Grandvrio Resort, in Saipan, Northern Marianas. Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee President Sir John Dawanicura said the flag bearer reveal is an important role and ceremony in the lead up to the opening ceremony. “Ailima’s outstanding leadership has been key to the Vaá women’s success. “Ailima was part of the women’s team to the 2013 Mini Pacific Games that won three silver medals, the 2015 Pacific Games V12 team that shocked champions Tahiti for the Gold and in 2019 added another silver and a bronze for their treasure trove. “Since being appointed as skipper in 2015, Kini continues to show outstanding leadership traits in and out of the water,” “Being the Team PNG flag bearer is an honour and unique responsibility that places you in an elite and distinguished class with those who elegantly carried the flag and its responsibilities before you”. Team PNG Chef de Mission to the Mini Pacific Games Mr. Kila Dick while congratulating Kini on her appointment said: “Being a flag bearer is a significant achievement and is a true reflection of Ailima’s character, which is worthy of this recognition”. The majority of the traveling Team PNG contingent flew directly to the Northern Marianas from Papua New Guinea, whilst several overaseas based athletes from the United States and Australia have touched down in Saipan today to join the rest of Team PNG. The full team is now in training mode whilst awaiting the opening ceremony.

Eight (8) hardcore criminals from the Tigak Group of Islands in New Ireland, who are part of a gang, that has reigned in anarchy for past three (3) years, has finally surrendered to the Police last week. After two (2) weeks of aggressive resilience from the gang, their surrender came about following the loss of their ring leader, (name withheld) who was shot dead in a raid conducted by joint local Police and Mobile Squad personnel on Thursday the 9th of June. After numerous calls from the Police, since their insertion into the area, on the 27th of May, a seven (7) day ULTIMATUM was given from the 31st of May to the 7th of June, for the identified criminals, to either surrender voluntarily or face the full brunt of the Law. There were warnings also given to recover all boats transporting the fugitives to and from the islands. However, these criminals continued to intimidate and terrorize lives of innocent people, despite police presence and the ultimatum given. A boat used to ferry the fugitives has been identified, confiscated and impounded at the Kavieng Police Station, as investigation continues. These criminals including the deceased, are responsible for lawless acts without any remorse causing anxiety and fear in the Tigak Islands including communities of Ungan, Nonovaul, Salampiu, Kavin and other neighboring islands. The gruesome crimes include three (3) barbaric killings, arsons, unlawful wounding, arm robberies, break and enter stealing, marijuana cultivation, trade and consumption, home brew sales and consumption, willful damage to properties, rapes, public nuisances and other crimes committed at will according to their convenience without any regard for the innocent. Towards the end of May, reports were received by the Police of a willful damage of properties incident, at Ungan Island following an SME distribution by an intending candidate for the 2022 National General Election. When local Police made the first insertion into the area, they were verbally threatened and attacked with cross bows, catapults and bows and arrows. That resulted in New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat, calling in re-enforcement of Mobile Squad personnel, from Tomaringa to boost manpower and mitigate the situation. Investigation into the matter traced back to a string of gruesome crimes including the willful murder committed by the deceased, who took his biological brother's life, following a minor argument while under the influence of alcohol. All suspects are part of a family gang made up of a landowner from Tigak (name withheld) his sons forming a "band of brothers" and his grandsons assisted by a minority of displaced Lovongai's who he accommodates on the large portion of customary land that he owns. According to Police report, the criminals committed an act of defiance with high level of arrogance, for the past two weeks despite countless attempts for negotiation conducted around the whole group of islands which was not complied with. Leaving the Police with no other option but to resort to applying the relevant amount of force, to move in and apprehend the suspects after all negotiations failed. The main suspects have surrendered while their accomplices and the displaced Lovongai's are still at large. Police operations continue as the eight (8) suspects, who surrendered recently, brings the progressive number of criminals apprehended to eleven (11) out of an initial total of fourteen (14) wanted criminals listed for the case. Meanwhile, the operation has also unraveled a trail of drug dealings where marijuana was confiscated and dealers arrested.

Department of Personnel Management Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan has urged Public Servants in Madang to return to work immediately. Secretary Sansan addressed the Madang Public Servants on Friday(10th June) during a meeting they held with the President of the Madang Public Employees Association branch John Bivi. Ms. Sansan used the opportunity of the meeting with Mr Bivi to address the Madang Public Servants via phone and explained to them the Appointments process of Provincial Administrators. In her address, Ms Sansan confirmed that the position was advertised and that the proper processes were followed through to the National Executive Council - who is the appointing authority who made the appointment. Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan said, the issue of appointment of the Provincial Administrator for Madang is a decision made by the National Executive Council based on a resolution and recommendation by the Provincial Executive Council. “I reminded the Madang public servants that they are paid by the government and what they did was improper. As public servants they should remain neutral at all times”. Secretary Sansan reminded them to resume duties immediately. Failure to do so would result in disciplinary action be taken against them.

Normalcy is slowly returning to the township of Wewak as authorities and community leaders continue to hold peace talks between the conflicting factions of the fight that saw Wewak town in East Sepik province in a standstill since Sunday last week. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Albert Beli said the situation remain tense however fighting has stopped. The fight between the settlers at Wewak Bay (Basis) and Mengar villagers last Sunday has resulted in seven lives lost and homes and properties completely destroyed with displaced families now forced to seek refuge. “It has been a tough week for all of us here but we’re slowly taking things under control,” Mr. Beli said. “I’ve held talks with the Deputy Governor, the Provincial Administrator and community leaders and are looking to have a peace ceremony next Wednesday with both parties.” The fight initially started during a volleyball match where a community leader from Mengar village was shot at by youths from the settlement and died at the hospital afterwards. Superintendent Beli said police have struggled with manpower during the initial start of the fight but the issue was sorted out following the deployment of Special Services Division (SSD) personnel from Port Moresby into the province. “This has boosted the security operations around the conflicting areas to prevent any spill over.” He said while police continue to secure the area, investigations into the incident itself has commenced and talks have been held with the respective community leaders in the two factions to surrender the perpetrators involved in the fight. Schools, offices and businesses in Wewak have been given the clearance to resume next week Tuesday following their closure last week due the fight. “The authorities have all agreed on the guarantee of the public and assurance have been made to the general public on that.” The settlers who have been displaced following the fight have been accommodated at the Sir Michael Thomas Somare Stadium at this time. “The stay is temporary because most of these people have lost all their belongings following the raid by both parties.” “As for the Mengar villagers, some are being assisted by their neighboring villagers.” He said unofficial figures given on the number of casualties remain at seven, however police are trying to establish the total number at this time. “Some bodies were collected in body parts, that is why we are working on establishing the exact figure.”

Team Papua New Guinea to the 11th Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands left our shores this morning, 12th June 2022. Concerns due to the corona virus pandemic has prompted the General Management Team to opt against a formal farewell reception. The team took a contingent of 119 made up of 85 athletes and 34 officials including the General Management Team. Team PNG will take part in five sports from the nine on offer and are expected to perform very strongly at this event. [caption id="attachment_22297" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Image courtesy of Team PNG face book page[/caption] Team Athletics makes up the bulk of the contingent with 37 athletes and seven team officials, followed by Va’a with 27 athletes and four team officials. Tennis and Weightlifting have five athletes each and two team officials each while Golf has three athletes and two team officials. The Athletics Competition will be at the Oleai Sports Complex featuring 17 countries with over 300 participants. Team PNG will feature in the following Track events; 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x 100m relay, 4x 400m relay, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, 3000m steeple and marathon races while our Field athletes will participate in the Long Jump, High Jump, Hurdles, Discus, Javelin, Shot Put, and Hammer. Our Va’a Men’s and Women’s will be up against 10 countries in the V12, V6 and V1 categories at the 13th Fisherman Memorial Monument Beach In Weightlifting, Papua New Guinea will be amongst 15 countries with over 130 participants. PNG will have Dika Toua compete in the 49kg category while Morea Baru in the 61kg category. Thelma Toua will take on her opponents in the 55kg category, 16-year-old Idau Vagi in the 45kg category and Schofield Sinaka in the men’s 55kg category. Tennis competitions will be held at two different venues: American Memorial Park and Pacific Islands Club. Team PNG will be among 16 participating countries. Team PNG will take part in the Teams events, singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events. Golf will be among 11 participating countries with over 60 participants. Competition will be played at the Coral Ocean Resort golf course. Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee President Sir John Dawanicura in his farewell remarks reminded the athletes and officials to be good ambassadors of the country. “When you wear the PNG uniform, you forget your various differences and you come together as one to do your best for your country. Despite the results, what matters most is that you do the best you can,” Sir John said.   [caption id="attachment_22298" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Team PNG in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands[/caption] Sir John extended his appreciation to all of PNGOC’s corporate partners: Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Trukai Industries, SP Brewery, Air Niugini, Coral Sea Hotels, IBSU, Theodist, The National, Trophy Haus, Media Partners, Jacks PNG and Blue 7 Team for their support in cash and kind towards PNGOC and Team PNG. He also acknowledged Oilmin Field Services and City Pharmacy that came on board recently to support Team PNG. Chef de Mission Kila Dick in his remarks contended that the Team will be out to perform to the best of their ability and bring home pride for the country. Tennis will be the first to kick off their competitions on Friday the 17th June, followed by Va’a & Weightlifting on the 20th of June. Golf & Athletics competitions begin on Tuesday the 21st of June. The event is expected to host 22 nations including Papua New Guinea and will start off with the Opening Ceremony on Friday the 17th of June and ends with a Closing Ceremony on Saturday 25th of June. Team PNG to return to the country on 26th June.

Acting Vice Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology Dr. Gary Sali, Head of Public Affairs from the U.S. Embassy Damian Wampler, and PNG Tribal Foundation signed an MOU to formally agree and enter a partnership in order to build an Amelia Earhart memorial on the campus of the University. The idea was formed after U.S. Ambassador Erin McKee visited Morobe Province and saw a need to create a statue to honor the legendary pioneer aviator. Since then, the three parties have joined in partnership not only to build a statue in her honor, but to launch a scholarship fund for women and girls to enhance their knowledge of Science and Technology. At the MOU signing ceremony at Matheson library, Acting Vice Dr. Gary Sali said, “The Papua New Guinea University of Technology is proud to provide a way not only to honor this brave woman, but to create a lasting partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea that began 125 years ago in 1937.” This year July marks the 85th anniversary of Amelia’s disappearance and 125th anniversary of her birth. Head of Public Affairs from the U.S. Embassy Damian Wampler said, “one hundred percent of the population needs to be educated. We hope that this memorial, and the scholarship fund, will motivate women and men, girls and boys, students, faculty, and staff in Lae to push the boundaries of science and technology every day.” CEO of the PNG Tribal Foundation GT Bustin added that “the memorial will serve as a reminder that with determination and courage, women can achieve any height. And the scholarship fund, which will be created by generous donations from American companies and individuals, will award scholarships for PNG women and girls who want to reach even greater heights in scientific fields.” The Papua New Guinea University of Technology and partners will break ground on the memorial site in July after a design is chosen through open competition. The winning design concept will win K1,500. A brave young woman from the state of Kansas in the United States, Amelia Earhart made herself America’s most popular aviator by pushing the boundaries of flight. She became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set records for distance and high altitude flying, and became an inspiration for women and girls around the world. She conceived the idea of becoming the first person to fly all the way around the world. She almost made it. But three weeks before her 40th birthday, Earhart disappeared over the Pacific, last seen by the public in Lae on July 2, 1937.

Team PNG Contingent to the Pacific Mini Games were issued their uniforms this week in time for their departure for the Games this Sunday. The uniforms were happily modelled by the Va’a Athletes as the Team is set to depart this weekend on an Air Niugini direct charter, to Saipan in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas. The Team PNG uniform sets include a jacket, a matching pair of tracksuits (top and bottom), a pair of shoes, two pairs of socks (black and white), training wear, leisure wear, cap, water bottle, backpack and travelling bag. The Team PNG Walkout wear will be revealed in Saipan during the Opening ceremony while the flag bearer will be announced next week before the opening ceremony on the 17th of June. PNG Olympic Committee acknowledges Team PNG’s uniform suppliers for working with us in ensuring all Team uniforms arrived on time. Team PNG uniform suppliers for the 2022 Pacific Mini Games are Axellerate Sport – supplier of all generic team wear; Niugini Native – Walkout Uniforms and bags; Trophy Haus – Shoes and local SMEs in East Sepik Province who supplied hand woven bilums. The 11th Pacific Mini Games is scheduled to be held from the 17th of June to the 25th of June 2022. The Team PNG Contingent with a total of 119 heads, is made up of 85 Athletes, 21 Sports Officials and 14 Members from the General Team Management (GMT). Team PNG will only be competing in 5 sports out of 9 sports on the program and they are Athletics (including Para-Athletics), Va’a, Golf, Weightlifting and Tennis.

Athletics PNG’s 38 strong squad is primed to take to the track and field in Saipan Northern Marianas Islands from June 21 to 25. The team of 24 male and 14 female athletes will head to Saipan in three groups this weekend from Port Moresby , Brisbane and Los Angeles. Thirteen US based athletes and Coach Nelson Stone will fly to Saipan via Honolulu and Guam with some stopping over in Los Angeles this weekend for a final lead up competition. A total of 20 athletes have been competing at the Oceania Championships in Mackay , Qld this week and the highlights so far have been a National Record of 53.33m in the mens discus for Debono Paraka ; an outstanding 10,000m performance from Siune Kagl; and a stunning 400m time from multi event athlete Karo Iga. Young middle and long distance runners Adolf Kauba and Aquila Turalom are also in good form and running personal best times. PNG is set for a strong showing in the mens long distance events especially the 3000m steeplechase and 10,000m. Four athletes clocked times of under 10mins for the steeplechase in Port Moresby last weekend led by Turalom (9min 40 secs) , Israel Takap (9:44) , Wilford Baia (9:52) and Abel Siune (9:59). Kagl is expected to be joined by Dilu Goiye and Baia in the 5000m and 10000m events. Pacific Sprint queen Toea Wisil is not in her best form and her recent times have been well below her best, however she remains determined to give her best at the Games. PNG does have good back up in the sprints with Leonie Beu and Isila Apkup. In the mens sprints the big question will be whether Banuve Tabacaucoro of Fiji can hold off the challenge of Leroy Kamau and the other PNG sprinters in the 200m. Fiji has relied heavily on their star sprinter in the past few Pacific Games, but like Wisil, his recent times have been below his best. Tabacaucoro has been improving in the 100m with every race and he will be the man to beat in this event, however not much is known about his 200m form and it will be interesting to see if his experience will see him through what is sure to be a stiff challenge. Rellie Kaputin only recently returned to Australia to prepare for these Games and is a little rusty after nine months back in PNG. However there hasn’t been any Pacific Islander close to Rellie in the horizontal jumps in recent years other than Annie Topal and PNG’s hopes will again rest on the East New Britain pair to bring home the gold. National record holder Peniel Richard will start favourite in the mens triple jump and PNG will have three men contesting the long jump, including Roland Hure who won Gold in 2017, Richard, and Eldan Toti. Multi eventers Edna Boafob and Karo Iga have both shown good form since going to the Gold Coast at the end of april for a period of training, with Boafob showing good progress in the 100m hurdles and in the long jump. These events combined with her strengths in the 200m and 800m should see her post a much better score in what will be her first heptathlon since her debut in this event at the 2019 Games. Iga is expected to be very competitive in the mens Octathlon after showing good form in a range of events recently. He ran an outstanding 400m of 48.68 seconds at the Oceania Championships on Tuesday this week. President Tony Green thanked sponsors PNGAIR , Kumul Consolidated Holdings , the National Sports Institute, Prima Smallgoods for their support in preparing a very strong team for the Games. He expressed confidence that the team will improve on its gold medal totals from Vanuatu 2017 and Samoa 2019 and expressed a special word of thanks to PNG Sports Foundation CEO Albert Veratau for his support to the athletes who have been camped in Port Moresby. He added that the preparing for these Games has been extremely challenging for the Sports and thanked Team Managers Kylie Martins and Sharon Atuai for all their hard work. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that all of the team members make it safely through the minefield of covid related travel requirements at this time and reach Saipan smoothly.

The National Alliance Party’s 60 candidates for the 2022 national election represent a blend of experienced former government Ministers, top ranking bureaucrats and individuals with high academic accomplishments, says Party Leader Patrick Pruaitch. “This is a talented and dedicated team capable of running the government even though NA is destined to be part of a Coalition Government in the 118-seat 11th Parliament,” Mr Pruaitch said. The NA team, he said, included a dozen former Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Governors and many individuals who hold post-graduate qualifications. Former Cabinet Ministers are contesting all four regions. This includes former Police Minister Sani Rambi for Mul Baiyer (Highlands), former Agriculture and Livestock Minister Andrew Baing for Markham Open (Momase), former Fisheries Minister Alois King for Madang Provincial (Momase) and former Forests Minister Tim Neville for Milne Bay Provincial (Papua). Islands Region candidates include NA’s Secretary General, Civil Service Minister Walter Schnaubelt, for Namatanai Open and former Agriculture Minister Malakai Tabar for Gazelle Open. Mr Pruaitch, the longest serving PNG Treasurer, will contest his West Sepik seat of Aitape-Lumi (Momase). Former and current Provincial Governors in NA’s 2022 team included Allan Bird (East Sepik), Tony Wouwou (West Sepik), Julie Soso (Eastern Highlands) and Tim Neville (Milne Bay). Other high profile current NA MPs recontesting include Ross Seymour, Huon Gulf Open; Peter Isoaimo, Kairuku Open; William Nakin, North Bougainville Open and Salio Waipo, Angoram Open. NA’s Joyce Grant, a noted figure who has mentored political candidates over many years as the party’s Executive Secretary, will contest Kiriwina-Goodenough Open (Milne Bay). “We are optimistic the electorate will recognise the talent and abilities of our four women candidates and vote Ms Grant, Julie Soso (Eastern Highlands Provincial), Mary Morola (Kerema Open) and Sheila Harou (Morobe Provincial) into parliament with public recognition of the importance of the voice of women in Parliament. “These four women are leaders in their own right and will play important roles within their electorates as well as nationally,” Mr Pruaitch noted. Mr Pruaitch said NA’s “pool of talent includes two candidates who rose to the highest levels in academia – Dr Misty Baloiloil, the longest serving Vice Chancellor at the University of Technology and Dr Francis Baindu Essacu, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Natural Resources and Environment.” Like other NA candidates, Dr Baloiloil, NA candidate for Esa’ala Open (Milne Bay), and Dr Essacu, for Wosera Gawi Open (East Sepik), are eager to bring social and economic development to rural electorates they represent. “A future NA government will place a high priority on job creation and rejuvenation of smallholder production of coffee, cocoa, and other produce, which has been neglected for several years. NA is determined to transform the agriculture sector to promote prosperity and lower widespread poverty,” Mr Pruaitch said. Other NA candidates include a medical doctor, Dr Petrus Opum, contesting the Anglimp South Waghi Open (Jiwaka). Candidates from the commercial world include Dominic Kaumu, Talasea Open (West New Britain), who served in upper echelons of Air Niugini management for many years and Adam Wangu, a geologist with experience in PNG as well as in Indonesia and Myanmar. Several NA candidates have risen to senior positions in the public service. Among them is Mary Oakiva Morola, NA candidate for Kerema Open, who headed the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations. Ms Morola holds post-graduate qualifications in public finance, business management and human resources. Another distinguished former public servant contesting Morobe Provincial is NA’s Sheila Pati Harou, who recently served as Morobe’s Acting Provincial Administrator. Others with notable public service experience include Norman Barnabas, for Nawaeb Open, Morobe, a former First Secretary for Fisheries; Gregory Ume, for Samarai Murua Open, Milne Bay, an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Planning and Tumai Ipou, for Goilala Open, a disaster management expert in Central. The NA candidate for Telefomin Open, Sandaun, Atimern Buhupe, is development specialist with a Master’s Degree in Development Studies.

With the assistance of sister forces and sister units, the PNG Defense Force, CS and Mobile Squad personnel, New Ireland Police say the are ready to provide security for the 2022 National General Elections. New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Felix Nebanat, speaking at the launching of the NATEL 2022 Provincial Security Operation, also thanked the Police Commissioner for the donation of two vehicles. PPC Nebanat says he is ready to freely, fairly, securely and safely execute security for the elections but that this has to be done in partnership with the people. He appealed to all New Irelanders to be security conscious during the election period, to remain vigilant and restrain from provoking election related offences. “Voting a leader to represent you in Parliament is your democratic choice, use it wisely. At the end of the day, it determines the quality of life you live back at home. Our paramount responsibility is to make sure that you are safe and secure,” PPC Nebanat said. Nebanat warned the general public and candidates, that Police will come down hard on anyone who may disturb the election process. “We are going to have you arrested and charged according to the provisions of the Law, be it electoral. crin1inal, summary offence or traffic law.” Nebanat says Police couldn’t carry out effective policing due to manpower issues. But now with reinforcements, they have a better capacity to do so. He urged the general public to adhere to basic traffic rules, as there will be road blocks and check points set up during this period. The PPC also warned candidates and the general public, not to abuse government assets for campaigning purposes, as Police will be forced to confiscate and impound thee assets and charge offenders. “I appeal to our candidates, supporters and the general public to help the Police in ensuring that transparency is maintained during the election, in order for it to be carried out with integrity. It is only fair, that all candidates are given the same privilege to exercise their rights freely to contest this election.” Nebanat appealed to his police personnel, to maintain their integrity during this period. He says police are duty bound to serve with honesty and transparency to prove themselves to the people and there should be no compromises. Police Officers going into the Polls are not to be affiliated with political parties, candidates, they should refrain from accepting bribery and getting involved in other activities that will jeopardize the integrity of the Force. He says Police must maintain that transparency now leading into the future to regain the trust from the community in the long run. “Meanwhile I am deeply grateful for our stakeholders and partners who have started supporting my office in curbing Law and Order in the Province. NATEL is a one-off event that happens every five (5) years. I thank my partners for supporting me during this period and I believe that after the fall of election, we will continue to partner in pursuing some of my initiatives that I have already embarked on.” “On another note, I am honored to re-iterate the Police Commissioners message to our Retirees. As your PPC, I want to thank you for your outstanding service. You have done tremendously in your service to the state, the people of Papua New Guinea and the people of New Ireland. On behalf of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the New Ireland Police, our stakeholders and partners, the people of New Ireland and my family, I wish you well in your future endeavors,” the New Ireland PPC said. In closing, PPC Nebanat urged people in New Ireland to take ownership and support the Police and other Disciplinary Forces and Electoral Commission to ensure a successful 2022 National General Elections.

SNS Tech has been quality approved by Business Link Pacific (BLP), and it is now part of its regional network of business advisors. As a BLP partner, SNS Tech can offer subsidies to eligible SME clients on professional technology services. Being quality approved speaks about the high level of competence of the services provided by SNS Tech. Local SMEs will easily access up-to-date technology services from SNS Tech and can apply for up to 50% subsidy support for their businesses. Technology services can improve customer experience, innovation, and business development. “While we help SMEs join the digital ecosystem and transform their business processes by developing, designing and implementing world-class technology solutions for everyday problems, we are also optimistic that there will be positive causal sequences as their businesses grow.” Based on its research in the Pacific, BLP has learnt that small and medium sized business owners and managers often struggle to find quality local business advice that is also affordable. The right business advice can be a game changer for a growing business. “The BLP Subsidy Scheme is designed to make services more affordable, minimize risks and introduce businesses to reliable and quality services.” To date at least eleven local SMEs have benefitted from this partnership through access to both subsidies and business services. SNS Tech and BLP anticipate more SMEs engaging in and drawing on the benefits of this partnership.