[Port Moresby – 11^th -12^th March 2026] The Centre for Research at IBSUniversity successfully hosted a two-day National Conference on the theme “Artificial Intelligence for Business Transformation and Economic Growth.” The conference brought together academics, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of business practices and driving economic development.

The conference was honored to have Mr. Steven Matainaho, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, as the Chief Guest, who delivered the Inaugural Address. The event also featured a Keynote Address by Mr. John Pulu, General Manager – Corporate Sales at Datec PNG Limited, who shared valuable insights on the role of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence in driving business innovation and economic growth.

Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence for Business Transformation and Economic Growth,” the conference provided a valuable platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and collaborative discussions. It brought together experts and practitioners to examine how Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, enhancing business capabilities, and driving innovation that contributes to sustainable economic growth.

On Day One, the conference featured an engaging Panel Discussion with three distinguished panelists:

1. Russell Harada – Director of ICT at the University of Papua New Guinea and Associate Professor (CEIT).
2. Aamir Siddiqui – Director of Medical Services at Pacific International Hospital.
3. Tharindu Jayamaha – Cisco SDWAN, Observability, ITSM – Head of Observability and Cyber Security Solutions at Daltron.

The insightful and interactive discussion was moderated by Durga Prasad, Senior Lecturer from School of Business and Management at IBSUniversity.

The panel explored key perspectives on the role of Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technological innovation in shaping the future of business and industry.

Day two of the National Conference kicked off with an engaging Panel Discussion.

The session was moderated by Mr. Milfred Lopez, Senior Lecturer at the School of Accounting & Finance at IBSUniversity.

The panelists included:

• Solomon Wesley Sua – Founder & CEO of Cyber Security PNG and Microsoft 365 Hybrid Migration Consultant at National Information and Communications Technology Authority.
• Seema Dass-Raju – Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Nambawan Super.
• Victor Bogalin – Senior Lecturer in Information Technology at IBSUniversity.

The panel delivered valuable insights on leadership, digital security, governance, and the future of technology in Papua New Guinea, highlighting the importance of innovation, responsible technology adoption, and strong cybersecurity frameworks in the era of Artificial Intelligence.

The conference continued with an engaging Technical Session chaired by Ronald Prasad, Chief Strategic Officer at Vodafone. The session provided valuable insights into emerging technologies, digital transformation, and innovative solutions shaping the future of business and industry. The afternoon sessions on both days featured Technical Paper Presentations, showcasing innovative studies, research breakthroughs, and scholarly contributions. A total of nine technical papers were presented by researchers and academics from various universities across Papua New Guinea, highlighting diverse perspectives and advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence and business innovation.

IBSUniversity expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all esteemed speakers, panelists, presenters, and participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions to the conference. Through this meaningful exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, the conference further strengthened IBSUniversity’s commitment to promoting research excellence, innovation, and the development of intelligent solutions that support sustainable business transformation and economic growth in Papua New Guinea and beyond.