Defence & Jobs: PNG and Australia are turning the Pukpuk Treaty into practical workforce plans, including a pilot pathway for Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force, with early recruitment expected in 2026-27 and scaling over the decade. Energy & Local Business: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina has approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, setting a framework to expand PNG training, employment and PNG-owned supplier participation. Infrastructure Safety: PNG has launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance to improve public safety and engineering standards. Disaster Watch: A 5.8 earthquake struck near PNG’s northern coast; officials reported no immediate damage and agencies are monitoring for aftershocks. Regional Tech Governance: Pacific Foreign Ministers backed new AI and safer digital space principles as connectivity expands across undersea cables. STEM Pathways: A PNG student is heading to India for electrical engineering under a STEM scholarship, highlighting how reliable power shapes learning opportunities. Mining Update: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project, extending Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems. ADB Funding Pipeline: PNG is set to receive about K5.2b in new Asian Development Bank projects covering transport, energy, water, health, education and agriculture. Vehicle Market: Perodua PNG launched the Traz SUV, pitching value, safety and efficiency for PNG driving conditions.