Digital ID & jobs: Western Pacific University students won major prizes at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon, building WokKonek (linked to SevisPass/SevisPay) to match jobseekers and employers, plus an offline birth registration tool, SevisBirth. Cybersecurity & scams: A push to amend PNG’s Cybercrime Code Act targets AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, as victims report growing fraud and image-based abuse. Public sector tech: Government payroll operations are being upgraded under DPM, moving to a newer Alesco version to improve transparency and accountability for payments to public servants. 5G momentum: NICTA says 5G is released in PNG, with regulatory work for future rollout nearing completion alongside a new integrated ICT database. Digital inclusion in the region: Tonga universities join a Port Moresby challenge on digital inclusion, online safety and cybersecurity, running alongside DTS 2026 and Pacific Cyber Week. Power beats connectivity: Pacific connectivity efforts are being held back by reliable electricity, with Starlink deployments paired with solar power for schools and health services. Energy infrastructure: ABL secures marine warranty survey work for PNG’s first offshore floating storage and offloading (FSO) facility tied to the Kutubu pipeline system. Regional security ties: New Zealand and PNG sign a defence cooperation agreement for 2026–2029, expanding dialogue, training and exercises. Resource policy: Marape says PNG is entering a new phase of resource development aimed at higher national returns while keeping investor confidence.