The 41st Australia Papua New Guinea (PNG) Business Forum and Trade Expo, is coming up and Westpac PNG is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment as sponsor and even having NRL and business leader, Ben Ikin as keynote speaker.
For more than four decades, the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum has been a cornerstone of bilateral engagement, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, investors and development partners to foster dialogue, collaboration, and investment between the two countries.
As part of Westpac’s sponsorship, the bank will once again host the Forum’s official opening dinner, setting the tone for the days ahead and providing an opportunity for meaningful connection between Australian and Papua New Guinean stakeholders.
This year’s opening dinner will feature a keynote address by Ben Ikin, former State of Origin star, premiership-winning NRL player and respected business executive. Drawing on his experience across elite sport and leadership, Ben will share insights on leadership under pressure, building high-performing teams, resilience, and the importance of trust.
“The Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum continues to play a critical role in strengthening commercial ties between our two countries,” said Patrick Wright, Head of Corporate & Commercial Banking at Westpac PNG.
“As a long-standing partner to businesses operating across Papua New Guinea, we see firsthand the importance of trust, leadership and collaboration in driving sustainable growth. Ben Ikin’s keynote will resonate strongly with the Forum audience, bringing practical lessons from high-performance environments that translate directly into business leadership.”
The event is set for the 13–15 May in Brisbane and coincides with the NRL Magic Round in Brisbane, creating a unique and high‑energy backdrop that reflects the deep cultural connection Papua New Guinea holds with rugby league and the enduring links between sport, community and leadership.
Westpac remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable economic development across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and to partnering with clients, stakeholders and communities today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Westpac Papua New Guinea has been supporting individuals, businesses and communities for more than a century, having established the country’s first commercial bank in 1910. As one of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions, Westpac PNG provides a broad range of retail, business and institutional banking services, with a strong focus on supporting economic growth, trade and financial inclusion.
Westpac PNG is committed to being a trusted and responsible banking partner, delivering sustainable outcomes for its customers while investing in community development, financial literacy and capability-building across the country. As part of the Westpac Group, the bank brings global expertise and regional experience to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term prosperity.
