AGP Executive Report

Philippines Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8-magnitude quake struck off Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, with coastal communities urged to move to higher ground as waves could exceed 1 metre in some areas. PNG Digital & Connectivity: New monitoring shows mobile internet prices in Papua New Guinea stayed stable through 2025, even as the country prepares for more undersea cable upgrades under the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative. Disability Inclusion: PNG and Australia are improving disability support for children by strengthening referral pathways and speeding access to assistive technology. Hospitality Tech in PNG: Coral Sea Hotels Group is rolling out Shiji’s Daylight PMS across seven properties, with Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby the first PNG site to go live. Education Funding: The government says K877 million has gone into a tuition fee subsidy, helping keep more than 2.5 million students in school, alongside upgrades to classrooms and science labs. Environment & Research: NCD Governor Parkop announced new environmental science scholarships for marine biology, botany and entomology students.

Philippines Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake struck off Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, with coastal monitoring on alert and calls for people to move to higher ground. PNG–Australia Disability Inclusion: PNG and Australia are improving referral pathways and access to assistive technology for children with disabilities, aiming for more consistent support from identification to delivery. Mobile Internet Prices: New research finds mobile internet prices in PNG stayed stable through 2025 despite ongoing connectivity upgrades, including new undersea cable plans. Education Funding Boost: The government says K877 million has gone into a tuition fee subsidy, helping keep more than 2.5 million students in school, plus support for higher education through HELP. Environment & Scholarships: NCD Governor Parkop marked World Environment Day with residents and announced six new environmental science scholarships for next year. Biodiversity Research: Three new snake mantis species were identified in Australia and Papua New Guinea, using museum specimens and citizen science. Manus Pumice Disaster: Huge pumice rafts from an undersea volcano are disrupting boat access and harming marine life on Manus Island. Digital Public Infrastructure: PNG’s DICT says digital public infrastructure—especially digital identity—could help fight fake accounts and strengthen trusted information, including during emergencies.

Volcanic Hazard: Huge pumice rafts from an undersea volcano are battering Manus Island’s south coast, blocking boat access and threatening reefs and marine life around Loniu passage and Lorengau wharves. Education Funding: PNG says it has invested about K877 million through a tuition fee subsidy, with extra support via HELP and upgrades to classrooms, science labs, libraries and teacher accommodation. NCD Scholarships: Port Moresby’s Governor Powes Parkop announced six next-year scholarships for environmental science—marine biology, botany and entomology—to build local research talent for biodiversity protection. Digital ID for Cybercrime: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Sevis PNG Digital ID will help identify people behind fake accounts and online abuse, strengthening enforcement of cybercrime laws. DPI Legal Framework: PNG is preparing legislation for verifiable credentials and trusted digital transactions to support SevisPass, SevisWallet and SevisDEx rollout. Marine Conservation: PNG designated the Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming to protect biodiversity and sustain fisheries. Telecom & Connectivity: Nokia signals interest in expanding PNG network partnerships, including fibre and hybrid solutions, building on its existing Digicel support. Mining & Exploration: K92 reports expanded high-grade results at Arakompa and drilling progress at the Wera gold prospect, using geophysics and new exploration targets.

Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: PNG is moving fast on DPI, with Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr saying the Sevis PNG Digital ID system will help authorities identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, strengthening enforcement of cybercrime laws. Legal Framework for DPI: Parliament is also set to get a verifiable credentials law to support SevisPass, SevisWallet and SevisDEx, with a July rollout target. Media Resilience: DICT Deputy Secretary Flierl Shongol says PNG and the Pacific need trusted, secure digital media systems that can fight misinformation and cyber threats as connectivity grows. Environment & Skills: NCD Governor Powes Parkop announced six new environmental science scholarships for marine biology, botany and entomology students. Marine Conservation: PNG plans the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a major no-take sanctuary within the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Water Infrastructure: EIB Global and the EU-backed financing will expand drinking-water networks to add potable supply for 400,000 more people. Education & Tech: A new MOU links Remington Technology with Don Bosco Technical School to expand workplace training and staff upskilling. Research & Climate Risk: PNG is urged to prepare for a possible El Niño mid-2026, with food security and disaster readiness front and centre.

Environment & Education: NCD Governor Powes Parkop announced six new environmental science scholarships for 2027—marine biology, botany and entomology—pushing research-backed biodiversity protection. Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: PNG is rolling out Sevis PNG Digital ID to help authorities identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, while separate coverage says new legislation will set the legal framework for verifiable credentials and trusted digital transactions under the DPI push. Media & Trust: PNG’s DICT says Digital Public Infrastructure could strengthen media resilience through digital identity for verification, safer data exchange, and new subscription-style revenue options. Water Infrastructure: EIB Global backed by EU support will finance expanded drinking-water networks in PNG, aiming to add potable supply for 400,000 more people. Ocean Science & Conservation: PNG plans the Western Manus no-take marine protected area—over 214,000 sq km—positioned as a major biodiversity safeguard in the Melanesian Ocean Corridor. Telecom & Research: A new study warns subsea cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, and Nokia signals interest in deeper PNG connectivity partnerships.

Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: PNG is rolling out Sevis PNG Digital ID (SevisPass/SevisWallet/SevisDEx) to help authorities identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, with Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr saying it will strengthen enforcement of cybercrime laws. Digital Public Infrastructure for Media: DICT says Digital Public Infrastructure can underpin trusted digital interactions for PNG’s media sector—supporting verified journalists, safer data exchange and new subscription-style revenue models. AI Governance: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and AI-generated content, with a focus on transparency, accountability and safeguards. Water & Connectivity Investment: EIB Global is financing a €25m loan (with EU support) to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people. EU-PNG Business & Trade: The EU-PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby drew 300+ participants to push renewable energy, water security, digital transformation and connectivity investment. Marine Protection: PNG plans the Western Manus Marine Protected Area—over 214,000 sq km—as a major no-take sanctuary within the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Education & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu signed a 2026 MOU for workplace training and staff upskilling.

Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: PNG is rolling out Sevis PNG Digital ID to help authorities identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, with Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr saying it will strengthen enforcement of cybercrime laws. Digital Public Infrastructure for Media: PNG’s DICT says Digital Public Infrastructure—built on digital identity, digital payments and secure data exchange—could help the media sector earn new revenue, verify journalists and improve trust, especially during emergencies. Legal Framework for Verifiable Credentials: Government is preparing legislation to support verifiable credentials and trusted digital transactions under PNG’s DPI push, including SevisPass, SevisWallet and SevisDEx, targeting a July rollout. AI Strategy to Tackle Misinformation: DICT is developing a national AI strategy focused on transparency, accountability and safeguards, warning PNG’s social-media culture makes misinformation spread fast. El Niño Preparedness: Security and health experts and MPs are urging early action as a significant El Niño threat could hit mid-2026, with food security the biggest concern. Ocean Protection & Resilience: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary—part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves—aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting fisheries long-term. Marine Tech Research: New research finds reef manta rays in PNG dive deeper during storm events to find food, suggesting resilience strategies that could inform conservation. Business & Connectivity: Nokia says it wants to expand in PNG via stronger network partnerships, while the EU-PNG Business Forum highlights investment interest in digital transformation and connectivity. Education & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School signed a 2026 MOU to expand workplace training and staff upskilling, and a Southern Highlands graduate plans to use digital learning tools to improve remote education.

Cybersecurity & Digital Identity: PNG is rolling out Sevis PNG Digital ID to help authorities identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, with Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr saying the system will strengthen enforcement of cybercrime laws. Digital Trust & Law: PNG is also preparing legislation to create a legal framework for verifiable credentials and trusted digital transactions, supporting SevisPass, SevisWallet and SevisDEx as part of the national digital public infrastructure push. AI Governance: PNG is developing a national AI strategy aimed at tackling misinformation and AI-generated content, with a focus on transparency, accountability and safeguards. Education Tech: A reform trial in pilot provinces is leaving families unsure whether national exams will proceed, while an education-focused story highlights how e-libraries and digital tools are reaching remote learners. Mining & Exploration: K92 Mining reports expanded high-grade results at Arakompa and advances drilling at the Wera gold prospect as exploration investment ramps up. Ocean Protection: PNG plans a major no-take Western Manus marine sanctuary as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, while regional coverage also highlights progress on marine protected area governance and community stewardship. Climate Risk: El Niño warnings are intensifying, with calls for early preparedness to protect food and water supplies.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Scientists and dozens of nations are calling for a global moratorium as the “deep sea mining” push ramps up, warning of major risks to ocean ecosystems. Mining in PNG: K92 Mining reports expanded high-grade drilling at Arakompa (AR1) and advances drilling at the Wera gold prospect, with a large epithermal system now defined for further exploration. Marine Protection: PNG plans the Western Manus Marine Protected Area—set to become Melanesia’s largest no-take sanctuary—aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting long-term fisheries. Climate & Food Security: El Niño warnings intensify, with PNG urged to prepare now for drought impacts on crops and water, drawing on past lessons from 1997. Digital Safety & AI: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and misuse of AI, while media leaders push for stronger media resilience in a fast-changing digital environment. Connectivity & Tech Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School sign a 2026 MOU to expand workplace training and staff upskilling; an education reform story highlights ongoing uncertainty over national exams. Aviation Tech Leap: PNG moves toward space-based air traffic management via partnerships with Skykraft and NiuSky Pacific, targeting safer operations in remote areas. Health Research: Dr Pamela Toliman is recognised for cervical cancer prevention work using rapid HPV testing and improved lab/public health systems.

Health & Research: Dr Pamela Toliman (PNGIMR) wins the 2025 WOW Awards Public Sector category for work on cervical cancer prevention, including rapid point-of-care HPV testing for women far from clinics. Education & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu sign a 2026 MOU to expand workplace training for students and upskill Remington staff. Digital Learning: A Southern Highlands graduate plans to bring e-library and digital learning tools back to remote communities, blending tech with traditional teaching. Mining & Tech in the Field: K92 Mining ramps up drilling at the Wera gold prospect after defining a large epithermal gold system using airborne surveys and sampling. AI & Media Trust: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation, while media leaders at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference push for resilient, secure, trusted digital newsrooms. Climate Risk: El Niño warnings intensify, with calls for early action to protect food and water supplies. Aviation Innovation: PNG plans space-based air traffic management via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, aiming to improve safety in remote areas. Environment: PNG announces the Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary, targeting major biodiversity protection and longer-term fishery sustainability.

Media Resilience: DICT Deputy Secretary Flierl Shongol told the Pacific Media Partnership Conference that PNG and the wider Pacific must build resilient, trusted media systems that can handle misinformation, cyber threats, and falling ad revenue as digital platforms reshape news. AI & Misinformation: PNG is developing a national AI strategy focused on transparency, accountability, and safeguards to curb AI-generated misinformation—especially given how quickly social media claims spread. Education Reform: In pilot provinces using PNG’s 1-6-6 education reform, MPs say families still don’t know if national exams will go ahead this year, leaving students in limbo. Transport Governance: The CIMC Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee reconvened in Port Moresby to revisit long-running transport and infrastructure gaps, including funding, enforcement, and coordination. Aviation Tech Leap: PNG is set to implement space-based air traffic management after an agreement between NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, aiming to improve safety in remote areas. Digital Public Infrastructure: PNG joined the 50-in-5 campaign, linking its SevisPNG digital identity, payments, and data exchange plans to wider interoperability efforts. Connectivity & Cost Pressure: Concerns are rising over high mobile data charges and credit practices that may be unfair to users. Skills Pipeline: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School signed a 2026 MOU to expand structured on-the-job training and staff development.

Space & Aviation Tech: Papua New Guinea is set to be the first country to roll out a space-based Air Traffic Management system across its national airspace, via a partnership between NiuSky Pacific and Australia’s Skykraft, aimed at improving aircraft monitoring and safety in remote and mountainous areas. Digital Identity & Interoperability: PNG has joined the 50-in-5 digital public infrastructure push, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange ecosystem with wider interoperability efforts across the Global South. Media & AI Literacy: NBC managing director Kora Nou says PNG newsrooms are grappling with citizen journalism and social media, while PNG’s National Research Institute warns that rising AI-generated content is threatening creativity and information integrity. Connectivity Costs: A new concern is growing over mobile data charges in PNG, with claims that expired credits and top-up practices may be unfair to users. Climate Readiness: East Sepik governor Allan Bird urged PNG to prepare for El Niño impacts on food and water, pointing to drought-resistant crops that need early planting. Local Innovation: The Innovation PNG 2026 Awards named winners including NiuPay’s digital strata title platform, plus solutions for poultry feed and classroom support. Satellite Internet Access: Telikom is now authorised to resell Starlink services, expanding options for government, mining, SMEs and VSAT customers.

Mobile Consumer Watch: PNG mobile data charges are being slammed as “excessively expensive,” with users losing remaining credits, facing automatic top-ups without consent, and seeing unexplained credit losses—prompting calls for NICTA to investigate and force transparency. Climate Preparedness: East Sepik governor Allan Bird urged Parliament to prepare for El Niño (forecast Sep–Oct, lasting into 2027), warning of drought and food security shocks like 1997 and pushing faster action with NARI drought-resistant crops. Aviation Tech Leap: PNG is set to be the first country to roll out space-based air traffic management, via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, promising better monitoring and safer operations in remote areas. Digital Identity Push: PNG joined the 50-in-5 digital public infrastructure campaign, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet, and data exchange to interoperability goals. Connectivity Upgrade: Telikom is now authorised to resell Starlink in PNG, offering managed satellite internet for households, government, mining, and enterprises. Research & Education: UPNG signed a three-year partnership with the University of Wisconsin for exchanges and research pathways. Public Sector Skills: NICTA inducted 18 officers into PNG’s public service induction program to strengthen accountability in ICT regulation.

Digital Identity & Travel Tech: Digi Yatra hit a major milestone after an IATA-led trial showed its digital identity can interoperate with global aviation systems and digital wallets, including remote biometric enrolment and airport-to-boarding checks. Digital Government & Interoperability: PNG joined the 50-in-5 push for digital public infrastructure, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange to a wider interoperability drive across the Global South. Connectivity Boost: Telikom is now an authorised reseller of Starlink in PNG, promising managed services for households, government and business, especially where fibre and mobile coverage is thin. El Niño Food Security Warning: PNG leaders were urged to prepare for a mid-2026 El Niño, with drought risk flagged for western Pacific regions and potential knock-on impacts for local food supplies. Media & Climate Resilience: Pacific broadcasters are being pushed to strengthen business models and skills while using emerging tech to better cover weather and climate for resilience. Public Sector Tech Skills: NICTA officers completed a public service induction program aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability in PNG’s ICT regulation.

El Niño & food security: PNG leaders and scientists are urging the country to prepare for a likely mid-2026 El Niño, warning western Pacific drought could hit crops and livelihoods. Digital identity interoperability: Digi Yatra’s IATA trial reported cross-border travel credentials working across systems and digital wallets, while PNG is pushing interoperability through its SevisPNG digital ID and data exchange ecosystem as it joins the 50-in-5 push. Connectivity for remote PNG: The US says it will fund US$30m for satellite internet to link rural schools, health facilities and disaster centres. Starlink in PNG: Telikom is now authorised to resell Starlink, offering managed connectivity and enterprise services. Biometrics governance: The FBI is seeking industry input on biometric algorithms for NGI modernization, and PNG’s NICTA has inducted staff to strengthen public service professionalism. Regional tech & infrastructure: Quad partners are spotlighting ports, cables and critical minerals across the Pacific, including a Fiji port initiative. Mining & jobs: Newmont Lihir is hiring across engineering, operations and IT roles, while Woodlark gold’s updated feasibility study draws bullish investor coverage.

Satellite Connectivity Boost: The US plans to fund US$30 million for satellite internet across Papua New Guinea, targeting remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Starlink Goes Local: Telikom is now an authorised reseller of Starlink, handling billing, installation coordination and support to extend services to enterprises, government agencies, mining, finance and existing VSAT users. Regulator Capacity Building: NICTA officers completed a public service induction program to strengthen professionalism and accountability in PNG’s ICT sector. Digital Identity Push: PNG is building a legal foundation for a digital identity ecosystem, with related work on reusable identity and biometric verification in the region. Mining & Jobs: Newmont Lihir is advertising roles across engineering, operations, IT and digital, as the mine continues major contributions to PNG. Conservation Spotlight: Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marks 30 years protecting the YUS area in Morobe and Madang, with community livelihoods and “One Health” work. Health Warning: A Danish scientist interview highlights modern antivenom research, while PNG health coverage flags oral cancers linked to betel nut chewing. Regional Tech & Security: Quad partners announced port and infrastructure plans in Fiji, alongside initiatives on maritime awareness and critical minerals. Biodiversity Find: Researchers describe a new ghost pipefish species discovered with help from PNG field work.