The Grade 10 National Written Expression Examination (WEX) commenced smoothly at Gordon Secondary School this morning, with all 386 registered students present and prepared.Logistics for the exam went according to plan, with examination papers arriving on schedule and the exam starting on time. Both school leadership and external oversight expressed high confidence in the students' performance. Mr. Bonzak Nomsing, the external invigilator and Deputy Principal of New Erima Junior High School, confirmed that the cohort appeared well-prepared for the exam. Gordon Secondary Principal Mr. George Kenega noted that the students' readiness was backed by solid results from two recent mock exams. "At our school, English is a strong subject," Mr. Kenega said. "When it comes to English, our students do very well. Even up to fifty students can score 20 out of 20." However, the examination period has highlighted an ongoing infrastructure challenge for the school. To accommodate the 386 exam sitters under proper spacing and supervision guidelines, the administration had to advise its Grade 9 students to remain at home today to free up classroom space. The spatial constraint stems from a three-year delay regarding the school’s assembly hall. The school board had previously engaged a contractor to demolish and rebuild the facility, but operations were halted three years ago by the National Capital District (NCD) Building Board due to a lack of specific clearances. Principal Kenega stated that despite the school promptly presenting all required paperwork to the building board, final approval has still not been granted. "It’s a school hall and the school need it," Kenega explained. "Every time I follow up, they say ‘it’s with the governor, it’s with the city manager.’ I have a school to look after, and I can't be there all the time to check on all these things." The school has had to use multiple individual classrooms over the last three years to ensure proper spacing for Grade 10 and 12 examinations. While the adjustments ensure that national examinations are conducted fairly and securely, the practice continues to cause temporary disruptions to the learning schedules of non-examination grades. School officials hope the NCD Building Board will soon finalize the pending approvals so construction on the hall can resume.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has acknowledged legitimate public concerns regarding the overcrowding of the labor ward at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and the limited capacity for maternity services across the region.The shortage of birthing suites and beds is a long-standing structural challenge rather than a new problem; the authority is actively working with stakeholders to upgrade infrastructure that has stagnated since the 1970s. To bridge the gap until the infrastructure catches up with population growth, NCDPHA has deployed short, medium, and long-term strategies. In the short term, the operationalized Metoreia Urban Clinic, the 24/7 Six-Mile Polyclinic, and a partnership with the Nazarene Church at Gereka are successfully diverting thousands of primary care and maternity patients away from PMGH. Medium-term relief is on the horizon with the nearing completion of a new four-bed birthing suite and operating theatre at Gerehu Hospital, alongside the construction of the Moresby South District Hospital. Additionally, a funded expansion program is in motion to install more birthing suites across various regional clinics, while a new 20-bed Tuberculosis Ward at Six-Mile Polyclinic will soon free up an entire ward at PMGH. Looking to the future, the construction of a new Level 5 Provincial Specialist Hospital will fundamentally decentralize specialist and maternity care, ending the historic over-reliance on a single referral hospital. Addressing the community directly, NCDPHA stated, "No mother in Port Moresby — or anywhere in Papua New Guinea — should have to deliver her baby on the floor of a hospital ward. We accept it." While acknowledging that progress must accelerate, the authority credited its staff and ongoing projects for absorbing the current burden and pledged continuous updates as these healthcare expansions advance.

Today, PNG Haus Bung sat down with living legend George Telek MBE after his return from a collaborative project in Australia.Reflecting on his journey, he recalled his time with the famous Painim Wok band, a period that saw create 18 records with Pacific Gold Studios in Rabaul. He also spoke on his solo career, which eventually led him to join an Australian band. His musical journey remains highly active today, as he regularly travels between PNG and Australia to work on projects with fellow artists. The conversation naturally turned to the evolving industry, with Telek sharing his perspectives on the rise of artificial intelligence in music. Although he initially resisted the idea, he now acknowledges that AI is here to stay and that artists may soon have no choice but to embrace it, stating, “Mipla ino laikim but mipla hat lo halpim lo disla.” He recently raised these concerns at the Sydney Opera House, where he holds a membership, recalling the consensus there, “Ol i tok em bai hat lo stopim. Displa samting, nogat man bai stopim so mipla stap tasol olsem.” Looking ahead, he noted that integrating technology might simply become the new norm for artists, adding, “Or mipla rekod lo AI i orait tu. Ol waitman tu i poret long displa, so ating bai yumi go wantem tasol.” Turning his attention to the next generation, Telek expressed high praise for fellow singer-songwriter and visual artist Ngaiire (Ngaiire Joseph) and her new community-driven initiative, the Musik Blok in Goroka. The music school connects emerging local talent with top musicians and producers from Australia and PNG, providing them with the skills and tools needed to produce professional, release-ready tracks. Crucially, the initiative encourages these young artists to keep and weave their own unique Papua New Guinean cultural sounds into their modern creations. Sharing a quick update on his personal life, Telek mentioned that he is currently enjoying a slower pace at his home in East New Britain. He spends his days managing his cocoa plot and enjoying quality time with his family and grandchildren. Nevertheless, his dedication to his craft remains strong, and he continues to jump at the chance to travel whenever duty and music call.

In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day that took place in early May, the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) in partnership with Moni Plus, hosted a free basic medical check event specifically for media personnel. The gathering, held on Friday, May 29th, brought together journalists, producers, and reporters from several media houses, including the National Broadcasting Service (NBC), EMTV, TVWAN, the Sunday Bulletin, the Post-Courier, and The National and PNGFM Limited. Attendees had access to multiple stations set up to check vital signs like blood pressure and Body Mass Index, alongside dedicated booths for mental health, dental checks, and eye, ear, nose, and throat examinations. For any participant found with a serious condition, the hospital provided the option for an immediate medical referral on the spot. During the event, trainee cardiologist Dr. Mallen delivered a serious health talk focused on cardiovascular, cerebral vascular, and peripheral artery diseases, revealing that three to four patients are admitted with strokes every single day. He explained that Papua New Guinea is currently battling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, with cardiovascular disease remaining the leading cause of death globally. Dr. Mallen drew a sharp contrast between older generations of Papua New Guineans, who smoked heavily and chewed betelnut but rarely suffered from heart conditions, and the current generation, attributing the rise in modern heart issues directly to changing behavioral and environmental factors. “Most cardiovascular diseases are preventable if we address behavioral and environmental factors like tobacco use and betelnut chewing,” Dr. Mallen warned. “Many people are unaware that plaque is slowly building up in their arteries. Betelnut-induced heart attacks are becoming common now, but these are behavioral choices we can modify.” “Prevention is better than cure. It is far safer and more cost-effective to stop a problem from happening than to repair damage that has already occurred.” Representing the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department, Dr. Osiat Baining spoke about the severe burden of head, mouth, and neck cancers in the country, which rank alongside breast and cervical cancers as major health crises. He shared a staggering statistic regarding the country’s healthcare capacity, noting that PNG has only thirteen ENT specialists in total, twelve of whom were trained locally to serve a population of over 10 million people. Highlighting the severe shortage, he noted that, “The global standard states that there should be one ENT specialist for 40, 000 residents in a given population. For PNG, it is one specialist is to seven hundred and eighty-three thousand.” Dr. Baining urged the audience to imagine the immense pressure these few specialists face, sharing that he receives daily messages from anxious patients waiting for surgeries. He expressed how heartbreaking it is to tell them to wait due to a lack of capacity, knowing that while patients sit on a waiting list, their cancers often progress and lead to death. To combat these challenges, Dr. Baining thanked the media for attending and stressed how vital public screening and media coverage are for keeping the population informed. The media personnel have been encouraged to listen to their bodies and prioritize their personal health amid busy work schedules, while reinforcing the crucial responsibility of the media to educate and inform the public on these critical health issues.

Founded in 1997 by Pastor Maria Kiagi Moreva, Moale Ministry has become well-known through its partnership with the Living Light Our Square Church in Kaugere. The ministry focuses on helping children and women from disadvantaged backgrounds.A major goal of the ministry is to teach mothers practical skills so they can find jobs across the city. Pastor Maria's training has already brought great results. More than seven single mothers learned basic housekeeping and work skills and are now employed by Air Niugini as ancillary staff. Another five women trained by Pastor Maria now work at the Vision City Mega Mall, with three in the food court and two as ancillary staff. In addition, more women are now working at the Boroko Food World Supermarket. Talking about these growing opportunities, Pastor Maria added in Tok Pisin, “Still mipla trainim ol yet, planti opportunity kam lo go autsait lo wok. Rait nau mi gat tripla youngpla meri lo salim ol go aut lo wok.”

In an effort to support the local press, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and Moni Plus came together on Thursday 28th May for a special shirt presentation ahead of a free medical check-up day for local news houses today.This thoughtful initiative ties back to the celebrations of World Press Freedom Day held earlier this month, showing real appreciation for the people who keep the public informed, educated and entertained. While the two organizations have been long-term partners, with Moni Plus frequently supporting PMGH and other health projects over the years, this decision to host media personnel for health screenings shows just how much they both value community well-being and health promotion. ENT Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Osiat Baining, was there to officially launch the initiative and present the shirts before the medical checks get underway. During his speech, he shared his heartfelt appreciation for the hard work local media teams do every day, saying, “Before the patients come into the hospital, we need to go out there and inform them how to look after the themselves, so we appreciate the work that the media is doing for us and we want to thank them for delivering that message across to the public and promoting health in the communities.” He also made sure to mention how much the hospital team appreciates the press, adding, “On behalf of the hospital management and the staff, and the patients, we acknowledge your magnificent support; coming in at times when we need your help.” The gathering highlighted how important strong relationships are when it comes to taking care of the people who keep the public informed. Moni Plus Sales Support Manager, Bernard Mambote, also spoke at the event, explaining that this kind of community care is at the very heart of their company values, saying, “Our Corporate Social Responsibility Program is built on a simple but powerful principle: giving back to the communities we serve. We are committed to supporting our business partners and assisting individuals that rely on our services. Through meaningful partnerships and targeted initiatives, we aim to help build stronger communities and create lasting impact where it is needed.”

A quiet visit a few months ago has blossomed into a wonderful partnership for the Kaugere community in Port Moresby city.Today, the team at BNBM PNG Limited dropped by to support the Moale Ministry kitchen with a generous donation worth K4,000. The Moale Ministry is operated by the Living Light Foursquare Gospel Church, providing vital support to the area by feeding children and women from underprivileged homes. During the presentation, Pastor Dobi Tomuriesa, speaking on behalf of her husband Pastor Rodney Tomuriesa, revealed that the ministry’s Feeding and Nutrition Program serves between 500 and 600 children every week. This initiative runs in coordination with the Kaugere Clinic, a facility under the Living Light Health Services. Pastor Dobi, alongside Pastor Maria Kiagi Moreva, who founded the ministry back in 1997, expressed their deep appreciation to BNBM for their generosity. The handover turned into a memorable community gathering. BNBM Digital Marketing Supervisor, Alysha Paisabua, noted that her team was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome from both the ministry and the local residents. She shared that the company is grateful the community turned out to celebrate, noting that the new appliances will directly help volunteers prepare balanced meals for local mothers and children. In addition, Paisabua hinted at a bright future for the collaboration, stating that this donation is just the beginning of a long-term partnership that could eventually include renovating the ministry’s kitchen and launching other community activities. This gesture aligns closely with the hardware and home-center company's core motto, "Building A Better Future," as they continually look for ways to give a helping hand to families and communities in need. BNBM Advertising Supervisor, Shane N. Jacob, shared that the donation included two (2) 5-liter electric woks, two (2) stock pots, a double gas stove with a hose and regulator, an outdoor table, a large 5.6-liter rice cooker, and a 45-liter hot water urn. They also gifted essential utensils like soup spoons and colanders, along with a 16-inch stand fan to keep the kitchen volunteers cool while they cook. 

The PG420: International and Regional Security unit at Divine Word University’s Madang campus perfectly showcases the institution's drive to produce work-ready graduates.This forward-thinking program pairs final-year Papua New Guinea and International Studies (PGIS) students with their peers from Communication Arts (CA) to research and launch strategic public awareness campaigns on critical national security threats, including food insecurity, corruption, border vulnerabilities, drug smuggling and other topics. Facilitated by Senior International Relations Lecturer Bernard S. Yegiora, students bridge academic theory and digital execution by building YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and group blogs. Rather than just writing traditional essays, groups translate complex national policies, like the Boe Declaration and international treaties, into engaging multimedia content, utilizing digital equipment to produce high-quality audio-visual pieces, live streams, and interactive polls. This real-world campaign doubles as a professional portfolio, with Mr. Yegiora urging students in the criteria to take pride in their digital footprint to boost their CVs in media publishing and strategic communication, a model that has already seen graduates transition into successful roles as digital disruptors and content creators. “Make sure to respond to comments made by your readers on your group blog…in a respectful manner. Some of the readers might be your future employers.” “Your work could be added to your resume or CV to showcase your communication skills or social media publishing experience...the content you create will showcase your skills and creativity.” Putting these ideas into action, a team of seven students: Cosmas Hafak, Damien Kingi, Anslem Nakin, Penuel Ben Wangu, Nina Marie Tibong, Twyla Yalu, Martha Yagama, and Olivia Alutao, has launched an urgent digital campaign. They are pushing the message across their own newly created pages (Borders & Beyond), while also sparking dialogue on the PNG Foreign Policy Community Facebook forum. Their focus targets the intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Abuse as critical threats to national stability. Backed by rigorous referencing from think-tanks, journals, and mainstream media, the team is mastering the technical side of content creation and audience engagement while fulfilling DWU’s core mission: amplifying a powerful public message that human rights abuses cannot be normalized, and that citizens must actively speak up to protect the future of Papua New Guinea and the region.

Stepping onto the stage at the YumiFM PNG Musik Awards last Saturday night was a deeply moving moment for Roman Kili.He was there to present the prestigious Justin Kili Award, marking exactly 20 years since his father pioneered the historic initiative. Moments before stepping into the spotlight, Roman thought about his father and how proud he would be to see how far the country's music scene has advanced. He also recalled the playful, perfectionist pressure his father used to put on the family. "Everyone that knew dad knew that he was some sort of a perfectionist. At that moment, before I walked out, all I could think of was how proud he would’ve been to see how far Music in PNG has come, oh and of course the 'don’t make me look bad in front of everyone'. Perfectionist I tell ya." Growing up with a cultural icon, the Kili children saw firsthand that music was more than just a job for their father; it was an all-consuming lifestyle. He worked tirelessly as a radio host, emcee, and journalist. Yet, at home, he remained a down-to-earth family man. It was only after he passed away in 2015 that his children truly realized the massive scale of his impact on the country. “We knew dad was an important person in the music industry, but it was not till we lost him back in 2015 that we realized what impact he truly had; he was just Dad, Uncle, Bubu, Papu to us.” Today, Justin Kili’s name remains securely anchored to the heart of PNG’s biggest music night. He shaped the local industry by creating the country's first music program, its first radio countdown, and its first music awards. He was a fierce advocate who believed all PNG music was fundamentally great, no matter the genre, and fought for artists to get the recognition they deserved. He even welcomed musicians into the family home for his Glassim Musik Wantaim JK articles, sharing local delicacies like mumu or aigir during the interviews. This open-minded philosophy still guides the Kili family today. Seeing the vibrant crowd and the influx of fresh, young talent last Saturday proved that his long-term vision has fully come to life, held together by the high standards he championed. The Kili family highly praised the ongoing management and staff of PNGFM for keeping those meticulous benchmarks alive. “Dad always made sure everything was done to the highest standard. I commend the management and staff of PNGFM for continuing to uphold that standard and carry his vision forward." Roman further shared with PNG Haus Bung the simple rule his father lived by, “Something dad used to tell us was ‘If you’re not doing your best, you’re not trying’. I think that is something everyone can take in on a personal level. Older PNG artists' music styles were influenced by JK in some way.” This spirit was beautifully illustrated when legendary artists Sharzy and Anslom Nakikus, both close friends of Justin Kili, shared the stage once more in a perfect tribute to his legacy. “I hope the next music awards is even bigger and better. It was great to see Sharzy and Anslom sharing the stage again. Those were two of dad’s good friends, he influenced their music a lot, I’m sure they would agree."

“Lewa!” shouted Freddy Black of YumiFM, as a massive crowd enthusiastically chanted back “AJ!” during a lively meet-and-greet event at Rangeview Mall, today.The event was part of the Lae Biscuit Company’s promotional tour for its brand ambassador, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Alex Johnston. The tour marks the launch of several new products, including coconut and chocolate cookies under the Lewa brand, alongside the Gutpla Kakaruk – Yumi Yet two-minute noodles. Johnston did not travel alone. He brought along two of his Rabbitohs teammates, Sean Keppie and Peter Mamouzelos, to meet local fans in Papua New Guinea (PNG). For Mamouzelos, who plays hooker and dummy-half for the Rabbitohs, it was his first time visiting the country. He expressed his gratitude to the crowd, noting how much he appreciated the warm welcome and open arms of the PNG public. His teammate Keppie, a powerhouse prop, noted that this was his second visit to PNG and thanked the locals for always making them feel at home. “Thank you for welcoming us with open arms; we really appreciate it.” To gain exclusive access to a private, one-on-one meet- and- greet with the NRL stars, fans registered by purchasing at least one carton of the new Lewa coconut or chocolate cookies. Francis Chow from the Lae Biscuit Company spoke at the event, explaining that when consumers buy Lae Biscuit products, they are directly supporting community initiatives. He noted that these sales help the company give back to local communities and create opportunities to bring elite athletes like Johnston, Keppie, and Mamouzelos to meet the public. The crowd was kept entertained throughout the day with performances by well-known local dancers and personalities, including Pia from YumiFM, Nelson Kokoa from the Resistance Crew, and Lexxy from NauFM. 

Papua New Guinea’s maritime sector marked International Day for Women in Maritime this week by honoring the female professionals transforming the nation’s ports.Globally, women represent less than 20 per cent of the seafaring workforce despite shipping accounting for over 80 per cent of world trade. For PNG, a nation boasting one of the Pacific's longest coastlines, bridging this divide is vital for economic and community resilience, as empowering women inherently fortifies the entire industry. This year’s International Maritime Organization theme, “From Policy to Practice: advancing gender equality for maritime excellence,” underscores a real-time shift across PNG, where women are increasingly commanding leadership and technical roles in engineering, business development, safety, and project management. The celebrations spotlighted these achievements while reinforcing the need for an inclusive workplace culture that champions career advancement and skill development. Embodying this momentum, Lae Industrial Park Manager for Projects for PNG Ports Corporation Limited Ms. Eunice Dalton, said that leading project works at Lae Industrial Park, is not where many people would have pictured a woman from PNG a generation ago. “Today, it is part of the job. My focus is delivering the work safely and on time, and every project I lead also tells the next generation of women that this sector is theirs too.” This progress is actively supported by a Joint Implementation Unit between the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and PNG Ports Corporation Limited, which provides targeted training and career opportunities, including key roles within the Kimbe Port Rehabilitation Project in West New Britain Province. Moving forward, the PNG-Australia Partnership remains dedicated to investing in the professional development and institutional framework necessary to sustain a diverse, highly skilled port workforce.

The shores of Port Moresby have welcomed back a visitor as the MV Doulos Hope makes its second appearance this year.The crew decided to return after seeing how eager Port Moresby residents were to learn and purchase books during their first trip earlier this year. Currently docked at the Main T Wharf Berth Downtown, the ship opened its doors to local residents on May 9 and will remain in Port Moresby until May 27. Speaking with PNG Haus Bung, Doulos Hope Communications Department Head, Vale Rios Galindo, said the crew is made up of 100 volunteers from 35 nationalities from all walks of life. She introduced Doulos Hope as belonging to a family of fleets that have bookfairs. These floating libraries are operated by the German company, GBA (Gute Bücher für Alle). “We have operated for over 50 years and we just so excited to see people coming on board and visiting our ships.” She explained that there are two vessels operating at the moment, with their sister ship, MV Logos Hope, currently en route to the Netherlands. She further added, “we have three goals: to share knowledge, help and hope.” Galindo noted that local enthusiasm for their 2,000-title collection was so strong during the first visit that the crew felt compelled to return. Before arriving in Port Moresby, the vessel toured Southeast Asia. MV Duolos Hope will next set sail for other ports in the country, including Rabaul, Madang, Kavieng, and Lae. The ship is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 7pm until May 27.