AGP Executive Report

PNG–New Zealand Defence: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2029 Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation in Port Moresby, setting up deeper security dialogue, joint exercises, training and personnel exchanges as regional maritime uncertainty grows. Digital Economy & AI Push: PNG’s Digital Transformation Summit 2026 (with Pacific Cyber Week) is driving plans for AI-driven growth, digital public services, cybersecurity and inclusion, while Australia-backed AI governance toolkits aim to help governments manage AI risks responsibly. Cyber Safety & Scams: PNG is seeing rising AI misuse, including deepfake-style Facebook scams using fake giveaways, alongside calls to strengthen cyber resilience and public awareness to tackle ransomware and phishing. National Data Reform: The National Research Institute is urging a single national data system and district coordination to stop agencies collecting overlapping data, as PNG moves to align population, National ID and electoral roll. 5G & Digital Infrastructure: NICTA says 5G release is underway and regulatory work for future rollout is nearing completion, alongside progress on an integrated ICT database. Public Access Online: Parliament launched a new website to make proceedings, legislation and committee reports easier to access in real time. Education & Digital Inclusion: A Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in Port Moresby brings university teams from Tonga and PNG to build practical solutions for safer, more inclusive online communities. Energy/Marine Engineering: ABL won work tied to PNG’s first offshore floating storage and offloading facility, supporting installation and marine warranty survey services for the Kumul Marine Terminal and Kutubu pipeline system. Diplomacy & Tech Cooperation: India’s Jaishankar met PNG and Brunei counterparts in Manila, discussing tech cooperation including AI and drones, while PNG’s Taiwan office closure continues to reshape regional ties.

Digital Economy & AI Push: PNG’s Digital Transformation Summit 2026 in Port Moresby put AI, cybersecurity, digital government and investment front and centre, with leaders calling for practical steps to grow the digital economy across the country and the Pacific. Cyber Resilience: A cybersecurity expert warned PNG must close the gap between fast-moving digital services and slower security readiness, flagging ransomware and phishing as growing risks. AI Misuse & Scams: A PNG TV personality’s experience shows how AI deepfakes and photo manipulation are being used for Facebook scams, as PNG prepares laws to criminalise malicious AI use. National Data Alignment: The National Research Institute urged a single national data system and district coordination to stop agencies collecting overlapping data, while government plans aim to align the population census, National ID and electoral roll. 5G & Regulation: NICTA says 5G release is underway, alongside a new integrated regulatory database to support trusted, data-driven oversight. Education & Skills: New training initiatives target PNG’s road engineering workforce, while DWU medical alumni completed ultrasound skills workshops to boost diagnostic capacity. Regional Tech Governance: Australia will fund AI governance and risk-management toolkits for Pacific governments, developed by Standards Australia. Mining Benefits Model: Morobe and Madang leaders visited Ok Tedi to learn how landowner companies and local business participation can maximise mining returns. Energy Infrastructure: ABL won an installation-related contract for PNG’s first offshore floating storage and offloading facility tied to the Kutubu pipeline system. Diplomacy & Tech Policy: PNG’s parliament launched a new website to improve public access to proceedings and legislation, while PNG also moved to close Taiwan’s trade mission, reaffirming “One China.”

5G & digital governance: PNG’s ICT regulator NICTA says 5G is released and its regulatory review is nearing completion, while it unveils the NICTA Integrated Database to act as a single trusted source for ICT regulation ahead of wider rollout. Digital inclusion: At the Digital Transformation Summit 2026, ICT Minister Robert Naguri and PM James Marape push for equal access for rural communities and other groups, warning that connectivity must come with trust and security. AI scams & new rules: PNG is drafting cyber laws targeting AI misuse like deepfakes and voice cloning as scammers exploit AI-manipulated images in Facebook frauds, prompting calls for public awareness beyond legislation. Biometric voting plan: Government says biometric and electronic voting will start with photo-roll trials in selected Highlands provinces and NCD, with the Electoral Commission deciding readiness before any broader move. Energy & marine tech: ABL wins an FSO installation-related contract for Oil Search (PNG), supporting PNG’s first offshore floating storage and offloading facility at the Kumul Marine Terminal for Kutubu pipeline operations. Skills for delivery: PNG-Australia Partnership backs a new road engineering training pipeline, while DWU medical alumni complete ultrasound skills workshops to strengthen frontline diagnostics. Diplomacy watch: PNG will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, reaffirming One China—an issue already drawing regional security attention.

Digital Transformation Push: PNG kicked off Digital Transformation Summit 2026 and Pacific Cyber Week in Port Moresby, with ICT Minister Robert Naguri stressing equal access for rural communities, women, youth, people with disabilities and small businesses, and Prime Minister James Marape warning PNG must not be left behind as AI accelerates. 5G + Regulatory Data: NICTA announced 5G release while unveiling an integrated regulatory database to create a single trusted source for ICT oversight. Election Tech Roadmap: Government plans phased biometric voter ID and electronic voting, starting with photo-roll trials in selected Highlands provinces and NCD, aiming for broader rollout after testing and public education. AI Scams Crackdown: PNG is drafting cyber laws targeting deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation as scammers exploit AI-manipulated images in Facebook frauds. Roads + Health Skills: Works and Highways launched a five-year training plan to grow the road engineering workforce, while Divine Word University alumni completed ultrasound skills workshops to strengthen patient diagnostics. Diplomacy + Tech Angle: PNG abruptly moved to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade mission, reaffirming “One China,” triggering strong pushback from Taipei. Science Watch: NASA satellites tracked an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea, with scientists monitoring for possible new island formation.

5G & Digital Infrastructure: PNG’s regulator NICTA says 5G is being released as preparations near completion, alongside a new integrated ICT regulatory database to strengthen oversight and support future services. Digital Inclusion: ICT Minister Robert Naguri told the Digital Transformation Summit 2026 that digital progress must reach every citizen—rural communities, women, youth, people with disabilities and small businesses—backed by trust, secure systems and better connectivity. Data Unification: Government plans to align the national census, National ID register and electoral roll to end fragmented data across agencies, with directives pushing population data to connect to electoral and ID reforms. Election Tech Rollout: PNG is moving toward biometric and electronic voting in phases, starting with photo-roll trials in selected Highlands provinces and NCD, with the Electoral Commission deciding readiness. AI Scams Crackdown: PNG is drafting cyber laws targeting AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, as scammers increasingly use AI-manipulated images to run Facebook giveaways and impersonation fraud. Roads & Health Skills: A new PNG-Australia supported training plan aims to grow the road engineering workforce, while Divine Word University medical alumni completed ultrasound skills workshops to improve patient diagnostics. Modular Hotels: CSCEC says it’s seen explosive growth in modular construction demand and has shipped modules to PNG for MRDC Heritage Hotels, including the newly opened Kikori, Kutubu and Kerema sites. Geopolitics: PNG will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby to reaffirm One China policy, a move Beijing welcomed and Taipei opposed. Pacific Shock: Coverage highlights how the U.S.–Iran war is driving higher costs and uncertainty across Pacific island economies, including PNG’s heavy reliance on imported energy.

Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity: Papua New Guinea hosted the Digital Transformation Summit and Pacific Cyber Week in Port Moresby, with leaders pushing a Pacific-led, trusted digital future and tackling cybersecurity, AI, online safety and cybercrime. AI Misuse & Elections: PNG is drafting new cyber rules to curb AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, while researchers propose an automated fake news detector for Tok Pisin and English ahead of elections. Biometric Voting Rollout: The government plans phased biometric and electronic voting trials starting with photo-roll testing in parts of the Highlands and NCD, with the Electoral Commission deciding readiness before any wider move. Road Engineering Workforce: The Department of Works and Highways launched a 2025–2029 training plan and a Graduate Development Program to recruit up to 20 graduate engineers per cohort from 2027, supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership. Healthcare Skills Upgrade: Divine Word University medical alumni completed basic ultrasonography workshops using hands-on scanning and a SonoSim virtual simulator, boosting diagnostic capacity across PNG. Maritime Survey Support: Australia’s hydrographic survey ship HMAS Leeuwin deployed to PNG for a five-week seabed survey mission with PNGDF, aiming to improve navigation safety. Public Service University: SILAG completed final consultations for the Somare Public Service University Bill 2027, targeting four-year degree programs from 2027.

AI & Cybersecurity Reform: PNG is revamping its Cybercrime Code Act to criminalise AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, with platform and AI service providers also facing accountability. Digital Identity & Elections: PNG’s digital reform push also intersects with election tech plans, but experts warn not to rush biometrics until citizen databases are accurate and voter systems are ready. Maritime Safety Survey: Australia’s HMAS Leeuwin is in PNG for a five-week hydrographic survey with PNGDF partners, aiming to improve navigation safety and build local capability. Energy & Jobs Momentum: TISA’s Koisen urges PNG’s finance sector to pull K15 billion from the informal economy to better fund the resource boom, while PNG expects Papua LNG to reach final investment decision by end-2026. Higher Education & Skills: UPNG will add new streams in 2027, including AI and critical thinking, and SILAG is moving toward becoming PNG’s first public service university. Governance Appointments: Three Acting Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including new acting leaders for Police, Infrastructure and Health. Taiwan Tensions: PNG’s sudden closure of Taiwan’s trade mission is sparking diplomatic friction with Taiwan and concern from the US, amid wider China-Pacific pressure.

Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: PNG is tightening its Cybercrime Code Act to criminalise AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, while also pushing accountability for platforms and AI service providers as internet access grows and cyber threats rise. Elections Tech Caution: A Smartmatic Australia sales director says PNG shouldn’t rush biometrics for the 2027 election until citizen databases are cleaned up, recommending a staged approach. Digital Government & Skills: UPNG will add new course streams in 2027, including AI, critical thinking research and soft skills, and the ICT ministry completed a ministerial handover to keep the digital transformation agenda moving. Resource Finance Push: TISA Group CEO Koisen urged PNG’s financial sector to bring an estimated K15 billion from the informal economy into formal banking to better fund the resource boom. Energy Investment Outlook: PNG expects a final investment decision for the US$14.5b Papua LNG project before end-2026 as reforms aim to attract investors. Science & Health Training: Divine Word University alumni completed an ultrasonography skills workshop using a SonoSim virtual simulator supported by Poland. Space Science: NASA detected an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea using satellite imagery, tracking ash stains and a pumice raft. Marine Conservation: PNG UNRE and Kunua Conservation Network signed a 10-year pact to advance climate and ocean research, while Melanesian nations move toward a massive ocean reserve corridor. Governance & Voting Tech: Minister Masere outlined a plan for biometric and electronic voting rollout, starting with photo roll trials in selected provinces and NCD. Education Reform Debate: A new analysis asks what PNG’s education system is producing beyond exams and content, as reforms roll out.

PNG–Taiwan/China Tensions: Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade and economic office “immediately,” prompting a sharp U.S. reaction and renewed questions about how Beijing-linked pressure is reshaping PNG’s diplomatic space. Digital Governance & Cybercrime: PNG is drafting updates to its Cybercrime Code Act to better tackle AI-fuelled deepfakes, voice cloning, impersonation, and related monetisation, while also pushing broader digital public services. Elections Tech Caution: An election-technology adviser says PNG should not rush biometric voting for GE27, arguing citizen databases must be cleaned first and rollout should come later. AI & Identity Reform: PNG’s digital transformation agenda also includes new steps on cybersecurity and partnerships aimed at a more citizen-focused digital government. Health Tech Training: Divine Word University alumni completed a Basic Ultrasonographic Skills Workshop using a SonoSim virtual simulator supported by Poland, boosting diagnostic capacity across PNG. Space Science for PNG: NASA satellites detected an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea north of PNG, tracking ash stains and a pumice raft to show how space data can monitor remote hazards. Marine Conservation: PNG and partners are advancing the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with more Pacific nations joining a transboundary marine protection push. Education & Skills: UPNG will add new AI, critical thinking, and soft-skills streams across courses from 2027, while SILAG moves closer to becoming PNG’s first public service university. Energy Investment: PNG expects a Papua LNG final investment decision before end-2026 as reforms aim to unlock major petroleum projects.

AI & Cybersecurity Reform: PNG is tightening its Cybercrime Code Act to criminalize AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, while pushing accountability for platforms and AI service providers. Digital Identity & Elections: A PNG biometrics rollout is being debated, with experts warning not to rush until citizen databases are accurate, as the Electoral Commission weighs photo-roll trials. Higher Education for Tech Skills: UPNG will add new course streams in 2027, including Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking Research and Soft Skills, alongside ICT centre offerings. Public Service University Push: SILAG’s Somare Public Service University Bill 2027 moves forward after final stakeholder consultations, aiming to start four-year degrees in 2027. Digital Government Leadership: ICT Minister Robert Naguri takes over from Peter Tsiamalili Jr, with continuity for PNG’s digital transformation agenda. Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini will resume direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 November 2026, cutting travel time and expanding Pacific links. Energy Investment Outlook: PNG expects a Papua LNG final investment decision before end-2026 as petroleum reforms continue. Science & Environment: NASA satellites detected an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea, while PNG UNRE and Kunua Conservation Network signed a 10-year pact to advance climate and ocean research. Diplomacy & Tech Policy Risk: PNG’s move to close Taiwan’s representative office is sparking internal and external questions, with implications for regional cooperation.

Global AI Governance: UN chief António Guterres praised China’s role as WAIC 2026 opens in Shanghai, arguing AI could be humanity’s biggest opportunity if governance keeps security and inclusion front and centre. Cyber & Digital Identity: PNG is tightening its Cybercrime Code Act to criminalise AI deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation, while also pushing broader digital government partnerships. Education Tech: UPNG will embed new streams across all courses in 2027, including AI, critical thinking research and soft skills, alongside its ICT centre of excellence. Public Service University: SILAG’s push for PNG’s first public service university is one consultation step from a 2027 start, pending legal and cabinet approvals. Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini plans to resume direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 Nov 2026. Science from Space: NASA satellites tracked an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea using ocean colour changes and a pumice raft. Marine Conservation: PNG UNRE and Kunua Conservation Network sign a 10-year pact for climate and ocean research, while Melanesian nations move toward a massive ocean reserve corridor. Geopolitics: PNG’s decision to close Taiwan’s representative office sparks renewed uncertainty over Taiwan ties and PNG’s China alignment.

AI Governance & Cybersecurity: UN chief António Guterres praised AI as a chance for inclusion at the Shanghai World AI Conference, while PNG moves to revamp its Cybercrime Code Act to criminalize deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation and hold platforms accountable. Digital Identity & Elections: A Smartmatic Australia adviser says PNG shouldn’t rush biometrics for GE27 until citizen databases are cleaned up, suggesting a phased approach. Education & Skills: UPNG will add new streams in 2027 (including AI, critical thinking research and soft skills), and PNG pushes standards-based reforms while asking what kind of citizens the system is producing. Public Service Training: SILAG is one step closer to becoming PNG’s first public service university, with degree programs planned for 2027. Connectivity & Media: Community networks are highlighted as a durable way to bridge the digital divide, and EMTV launches the iGoEMTV mobile app. Energy & Industry: PNG expects Papua LNG FID before end-2026 as petroleum reforms accelerate. Science from Space: NASA detected an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea using satellite imagery. Diplomacy: PNG closes Taiwan’s economic office, sparking dispute with Taipei and renewed questions about PNG’s strategic alignment. Environment: Melanesian nations push a massive ocean reserve corridor (MOCOR) as Solomon Islands joins.

Petroleum & Energy: PNG expects a US$14.5b Papua LNG final investment decision before end-2026 as reforms push projects like Pasca Gas and assess the Western Energy plan. Higher Education & Skills: UPNG will embed new streams across all courses in 2027—Technology, AI, Critical Thinking Research and Soft Skills—aimed at tackling misinformation and boosting graduate readiness. Digital Transformation: Digicel PNG backs DTS26 as a Gold Sponsor, while EMTV launches the iGoEMTV mobile app to bring TV access “on the go.” Education Tech: Hutjena Secondary School in Bougainville becomes PNG’s first EduNeX-connected school, bringing digital learning tools and AI-supported content to classrooms. Health Tech & Lab Capacity: East Sepik Hospital upgrades testing with a new Erba EC90 electrolyte analyser, cutting lab turnaround to about 35 seconds. Elections & Identity: A Smartmatic Australia expert warns PNG not to rush biometrics for GE27, saying citizen databases must be fixed first. Governance & Appointments: Marape’s cabinet reshuffle brings Robert Naguri to ICT and shifts several portfolios, including a new Health/Defence arrangement. Science from Space: NASA satellites captured a submarine volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea, showing pumice rafts and ash signals in high-definition imagery.

Digital Connectivity & Community Networks: A new ITU and Internet Society report says community-run internet networks can help close the digital divide in places like PNG, but only if locals help design, run and maintain services, with funding, training and supportive rules. Space for Local Science: NASA satellites captured a high-definition view of an underwater volcanic eruption in the Bismarck Sea north of PNG, including a pumice raft and ash/gas signals—showing how space tech can monitor hard-to-reach events. Health Tech in PNG: East Sepik Hospital staff trained on a new Erba EC90 electrolyte analyser, aiming for faster, reliable lab results for ICU and emergency patients. Education Tech: Hutjena Secondary School in Bougainville became PNG’s first school connected to EduNeX, bringing AI-supported learning tools to teachers and students. Antibiotic Resistance Warning: Mount Hagen’s health authority warns antimicrobial resistance is rising due to misuse of antibiotics, including self-medication and incomplete courses. ICT Policy & Apps: EMTV launched the iGoEMTV mobile app, while PNG’s ICT ministerial leadership shifts after a cabinet reshuffle. Governance & Security: Marape’s cabinet reshuffle includes a new ICT minister and Marape taking Correctional Services, amid recent prison escape incidents.

Health & Safety: Mount Hagen Specialist Hospital is warning that antimicrobial resistance is rising fast, driven by self-medication, unregulated antibiotic sales, poor prescribing and patients not finishing courses—threatening recovery and raising costs. Digital TV: EMTV has launched the iGoEMTV mobile app so viewers can watch on the go, backed by Telikom leadership and framed as part of PNG’s wider digital push. ICT & Identity: PNG is moving from policy to implementation with a QUT partnership tied to SevisPass digital identity research, plus new draft rules aimed at AI misuse like deepfakes and voice cloning. Education Tech: Bougainville’s Hutjena Secondary School becomes the first PNG school connected to EduNeX, bringing AI-supported learning content and teacher tools. Research & Industry: East Sepik Hospital is getting faster electrolyte testing after staff training on a new Erba EC90 lab analyser via a leasing partnership. Governance & Policy: Prime Minister Marape’s cabinet reshuffle includes Robert Naguri taking over ICT, and Marape personally overseeing Correctional Services. Sports Tech: SP PNG Hunters will trial a video referee system for try and foul-play decisions in two home matches. Population Pressure: A World Population Day panel highlights how PNG’s growing population is straining maternity services, with Port Moresby General Hospital seeing major increases in demand.

Digital Identity & AI Governance: PNG is pushing from policy to implementation with a new QUT partnership to strengthen SevisPass and public-sector innovation, while new laws are being drafted to curb deepfakes, voice cloning and digital impersonation. Healthcare Tech: East Sepik Hospital is getting faster electrolyte testing after technicians were trained to run a new Erba EC90 analyzer through a leasing partnership. Public Health Warning: WHPHA says antimicrobial resistance is worsening as people misuse antibiotics—taking them without advice, not finishing courses, and buying from informal markets. Education Tech: Hutjena Secondary School in Bougainville becomes PNG’s first school connected to EduNeX, bringing AI-supported learning resources and teacher tools. Workforce & Skills: PNG Resource Week highlights the need for national collaboration to build a skilled workforce and boost local participation in procurement and supply chains. Sports Tech Trial: SP Hunters will trial a video referee system for try and foul-play decisions in Port Moresby. Population Pressure: Dr Glen Mola warns PNG’s growing population is straining health services, with maternity demand rising sharply. Science & Environment: NASA satellites are tracking an underwater Bismarck Sea eruption that could eventually form a new island.