STEM Scholarships: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has now backed 470 students overseas since 2023, with 137 more scholars farewelled for studies abroad under Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra. Solar Skills & Deployment: The International Solar Alliance deepened its PNG partnership and announced a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Don Bosco Technological Institute to build local capacity for solar installation and maintenance. Digital ICT Showcase: THEODIST highlighted local ICT capability at DTS26, pitching enterprise AI, mobility, digital media and power continuity solutions for PNG’s digital public ecosystem. Housing Advance Online Support: Nasfund restarted virtual Housing Advance education sessions, using the online format to address member confusion and push for superannuation law reforms. Health Supply Risk: A new look at Manus province warns that delayed budget release and weak execution are linked to medicine shortages felt at clinics and aid posts. Public Service University Land Deal: UPNG and SILAG signed an MoU to secure land tenure, moving PNG closer to a dedicated Public Service University. Marine Protection Survey: Pristine Seas is heading to Samoa to survey biodiversity across new marine protected areas, supporting the country’s push to protect 30% of its ocean. Mining Drilling Update: Great Pacific Gold began diamond drilling at the Magiabe target in East New Britain as part of a wider 2026 campaign. Wildlife & Science: Scientists also reported DNA-linked findings on the mushroom behind “tiny people” hallucinations, tying the effect to a single species across distant communities.