AGP Executive Report

Starlink for PNG schools and universities: UPNG is piloting SpaceX’s Starlink to boost connectivity for remote learning centres, while NICTA says it’s monitoring the rollout and stresses fibre cables remain the backbone. Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf Province also received Starlink hardware, with reported ~100 Mbps speeds. AI and digital skills push: PNG’s ICT department and ITI signed a five-year deal to grow AI and digital skills, and UPNG is planning an AI-focused IT degree with an emphasis on ethics and keeping humans in control. Accountability tech for service delivery: The Bilum Digital Platform aims to make Service Improvement Programme spending traceable, with real-time public access to project information. Education and training with tech guardrails: IEA PNG marks 50 years in education, including digital learning and guidance on responsible AI use in classrooms. Disaster readiness and resilience: TISA Bank joined disaster preparedness training with the National Disaster Centre and IOM. Environment and governance: Oro Governor Gary Juffa calls for stronger protection of PNG’s seas, warning against deep-sea mining and citing the Solwara One fallout. Energy exploration: TotalEnergies and PETRONAS plan the ultra-deepwater Mailu-1 well offshore between Central and Milne Bay. Health research recognition: Dr Pamela Toliman wins a Westpac WOW award for cervical cancer prevention work.

Connectivity & Education: UPNG is pushing an AI-and-digital future with a Starlink rollout to learning centres and new IT degrees (AI, cyber security, fintech), while NICTA says Starlink is disruptive but complementary and that fibre remains the backbone. School Internet Boost: Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf Province received Starlink hardware via PNG GAQ and donors, with about 100 Mbps speeds reported. AI Skills Partnership: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute signed a five-year MoU to grow AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, and joint AI use cases. Digital Accountability: The Bilum Digital Platform aims to make Service Improvement Programme spending traceable in real time to improve transparency and oversight. Education Tech Governance: IEA PNG marks 50 years, highlighting digital learning and responsible AI use in classrooms. Maritime & Environment: Oro Governor Gary Juffa calls for stronger protection of PNG’s seas, warning against deep-sea mining after past failures like Solwara One. Disaster & Food Security: Manus communities report volcanic pumice rafts blocking boats, damaging fishing grounds, and raising food shortage fears. Energy Exploration: Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater drilling is set to begin soon offshore between Central and Milne Bay, with TotalEnergies and PETRONAS consulting communities on safeguards. Public Service University Move: SILAG says it’s closer to university status after completing key accreditation documents.

AI & Education in PNG: DICT and ITI signed a five-year deal to boost AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, and joint AI use cases. UPNG is also pushing an AI-powered future, piloting Starlink for remote learning and rolling out AI-focused study plans, while a student survey shows most are already using AI tools. Connectivity Oversight: NICTA says Starlink rollout is “disruptive and transformative” but insists submarine fibre remains the backbone, with satellite services best used as a complement. Disaster Preparedness: TISA Bank joined NDC and IOM for disaster risk management training to strengthen response coordination and business continuity. Agriculture Support: PNG Biosecurity Authority’s PlantwisePlus plant clinics are helping farmers tackle pest and disease problems with CABI-trained plant doctors. Energy & Industry: PNG’s Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration well is set to begin soon, with TotalEnergies and PETRONAS aiming to attract investment and expand PNG’s deepwater energy prospects. Health Recognition: Dr Pamela Toliman won a Westpac WOW award for cervical cancer prevention work, turning research into a national screening programme. Volcanic Impact: Pumice rafts from a PNG eruption are disrupting Manus Island livelihoods and raising food shortage fears.

Vaccine Logistics: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations passed 1 million doses, with PNG receiving 28,000 as COVAX covers only about a fifth of needed shots. Human Evolution Research: New genome work links Denisovan DNA to immune and skeletal traits in Near Oceania, adding fresh clues to how people adapted as they migrated. Sports & Youth: Divine Word University will host PNG’s 2026 National University Soccer Games in Madang (June 22–26), with other inter-university fixtures also scheduled. Public Health Recognition: Dr Pamela Toliman won the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women award for cervical cancer prevention work at PNGIMR. Agriculture Support: PlantwisePlus plant clinics at Boroko Market are helping farmers tackle crop pests and diseases with CABI-trained plant doctors. Connectivity Oversight: NICTA says Starlink rollout is being monitored and framed as complementary to submarine fibre, while noting satellite limits like weather and congestion. AI & Skills Push: PNG’s DICT and ITI signed a five-year AI and digital skills partnership, while UPNG is moving toward an AI-powered university with Starlink pilots and new AI-focused programs. Disaster Watch: Manus communities report volcanic pumice rafts blocking boats, damaging fishing grounds and raising food shortage fears. Energy Exploration: PNG’s Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration well is set to begin within two months, aiming to unlock new investment in offshore petroleum. Education for Inclusion: PNG and Australia are improving support for children with disabilities, including access to assistive technology and clearer pathways through the education system.

Satellite Connectivity Oversight: NICTA says it is monitoring Starlink’s rollout in Papua New Guinea, calling it both disruptive and transformative while stressing submarine fibre remains the backbone of connectivity. AI Skills Push: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute sign a five-year partnership to grow AI and digital skills through curriculum upgrades, internships, corporate training and new AI use cases. Deepwater Oil Prospect: The Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration well is set for drilling soon offshore between Central and Milne Bay, with TotalEnergies and PETRONAS aiming to unlock new investment and jobs. Public Service University Move: SILAG advances toward university status by completing major accreditation documents and governance frameworks, targeting specialised public service university status by 2027. Digital Government in Morobe: PNG DataCo and Morobe sign deals for neutral-host telecom towers and a Morobe digital government platform, including an integrated ERP system to modernise services. Education Meets AI: UPNG ramps up its AI-powered university plan with Starlink pilots, upgraded campus connectivity and new AI-focused programmes, while a student survey shows heavy day-to-day AI use. Disaster Tech for Earthquakes: Geoscience Australia’s LaeShakeAware project aims to deliver fast earthquake information to Lae authorities and communities using a locally usable tool. Volcanic Fallout on Manus: Pumice rafts from a PNG undersea eruption are blocking boats, covering reefs and raising food-shortage fears on Manus Island. Hospitality Tech Upgrade: Coral Sea Hotels rolls out Shiji’s Daylight cloud-based property management system across seven PNG sites, starting with the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby. Connectivity Pricing Watch: Research reports mobile internet prices in PNG stayed stable through 2025 despite major infrastructure build-outs. Regional Nuclear Legacy Debate: Pacific leaders renew calls that decolonisation and nuclear-era harms remain unresolved decades after testing.

AI & Skills Partnership: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute (ITI) signed a five-year deal to grow AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, corporate training, and joint AI use cases, with a technical working group set to oversee delivery. Deepwater Energy Push: The Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration well is set for drilling within two months offshore between Central and Milne Bay, after consultations on timelines, safeguards, and community engagement—potentially opening new investment in PNG’s energy sector. Public Service University Move: SILAG says it has completed major accreditation work and is moving closer to university status by 2027, aiming to strengthen leadership, governance, and workforce development. Disaster & Food Risk: Manus communities report volcanic pumice rafts from a Bismarck Sea eruption are blocking boats, covering reefs, disrupting transport, and raising fears of food shortages. Digital Government in Morobe: PNG DataCo and Morobe signed agreements for neutral host telecom towers and a Morobe digital government platform, including an integrated ERP system to modernise services. UPNG Goes AI: UPNG is positioning itself as an AI-powered university with new digital infrastructure, Starlink connectivity pilots for remote learning centres, and AI-focused degree plans. Regional Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders renewed calls that decolonisation remains unfinished decades after nuclear testing, citing unresolved contamination and self-determination issues. Connectivity Watch: Research on mobile internet prices in PNG says 2025 pricing stayed stable despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

AI in Education: UPNG is pushing an AI-powered future with an AI-focused IT degree, a Starlink-backed connectivity pilot for remote learning centres, and a campus survey showing most students already use AI tools daily or weekly. Digital Government: PNG DataCo and Morobe Province signed deals for neutral-host telecom towers and a Morobe digital government platform, including an integrated ERP to modernise services. Disaster Tech: Australia’s Geoscience Australia and PNG partners are rolling out LaeShakeAware to deliver fast earthquake information to Lae communities and authorities. Connectivity Watch: Research on mobile internet prices in PNG finds stability through 2025 amid new undersea cable plans. Volcanic Impact: Pumice rafts from a PNG eruption have clogged Manus Island shores, disrupting sea transport and livelihoods. Infrastructure & Business: The K400m Noble Centre in Port Moresby is set to open tomorrow, while the EU–PNG Business Forum drew 300+ participants to push investment and technology transfer. Sports Tech: LiveU delivered remote VAR to the Pacific for the OFC Pro League for the first time.

AI in Education: A UPNG student survey suggests AI is already embedded in study routines, with 42% using tools daily and 30% weekly for summarising, drafting and job prep—though researchers say the sample is small and more work is planned. Digital Government in Morobe: PNG DataCo has signed agreements with Morobe Province for neutral-host telecom towers and a cloud-enabled digital government platform, including an integrated ERP to modernise services. Disability Inclusion Tech: PNG and Australia are improving how children with disabilities access support, focusing on clearer referral pathways and more reliable delivery of assistive technology like wheelchairs and hearing aids. Connectivity Watch: Research tracking mobile internet prices in PNG reports stability through 2025 while undersea cable plans continue to reshape infrastructure. EU-PNG Investment Push: The EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby drew 300+ participants and 170+ meetings, with leaders highlighting jobs, connectivity and technology transfer. Pacific Tech in Sports: LiveU says it has enabled remote VAR for the OFC Pro League across Pacific islands, solving past barriers like customs delays and limited fibre. Climate Risk Angle: A new explainer warns a “super” El Niño could drive drought and food shocks, with worst impacts likely hitting poorer farmers and workers. Earthquake & Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami alerts included Papua New Guinea in regional advisories, with agencies monitoring coastal risk.

Digital Transformation: PNG DataCo has signed landmark agreements with Morobe Provincial Government to expand telecom access via Neutral Host Towers and roll out a Morobe Digital Government Services Platform, including a cloud-enabled ERP to modernise government functions like finance, procurement, HR and citizen services. Disability Inclusion Tech: PNG and Australia are improving support for children with disabilities by mapping referral pathways across departments and making it easier to procure and deliver assistive technology such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Connectivity & Cost: A new monitoring report says mobile internet prices in PNG stayed stable through 2025, even as undersea cable upgrades (including the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative) continue to reshape infrastructure. Food Security: A focus on rural production argues PNG can strengthen food self-sufficiency by backing what smallholders already grow and improving storage for longer drought and famine resilience. Environment & Risk: NEMA and regional partners monitored tsunami risk after a 7.8 quake near Mindanao, while Manus Island faced a separate hazard as pumice rafts from an undersea volcano disrupt boat access and threaten marine life. Innovation & Industry: Daltron highlights its long-running role in PNG’s ICT expansion, from ISP connectivity to enterprise solutions, as the country pushes deeper into digital services.

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.