29th July 2025 | COE Open Arena | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Chess is more than a game at IBSUniversity, it’s a training ground for our students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. It is an annual interschool competition amongst the four schools within our university. This year the chess challenge was hosted on 29^th July 2025 by the School of Accounting and Finance Student Association (SAFSA) in collaboration with the IBSUniversity Chess Club.

Forty-Five (45) students from the four schools participated and compete against each other in the game that requires strategic ability, full concentration and agility of mind.

You might ask, why chess? Why now?

Scientific studies have shown that chess improves memory span, enables concentration ability, boosts problem-solving skills, and can tapped out strategic thinking. All these qualities add value to academic excellence for a university student. Also, students learn patience, decision-making, and resilience—skills that are important during their time as students and in their professional endeavors.

That’s why we encourage our students to take part in the game. It’s an extracurricular activity that will unleash intellectual discipline and develop the full potential of our students.

Now do we have someone from the PNG Chess Federation who joined us in the tournament?

Yes, we were honoured to have Mr. Jireh Mileng, the Vice President of the PNG Chess Federation; to be one of our judges, we acknowledged his time and expertise and his presence throughout the competition to ensure that the tournament ran smoothly across all rounds.

At the end of the tournament, all 43 students received certificates of Chess Merit in recognition of their skills & effort. Delivering the opening remarks for the presentation was Mr. Arumugam Mourougane, Head of School – Accounting & Finance, followed by a special speech of appreciation and acknowledgment from the Vice Chancellor. Dr. Ramachandran Arunachalam, who congratulated all the players and presented the top three awards to the three winners.

For prospective students and sponsors looking to choose a university that develops not only academic ability but also critical life skills, IBSUniversity is your next stop. Initiatives like the Chess Competition are not standalone—they are part of the broader mission of our university to “stimulate personal development, organizational growth and building of our young nation.”

From industry partnerships and entrepreneurship training to academic clubs and co-curricularactivitieslike this chess tournament, we make learning active, engaging, and enriching.

So, what to expect from a IBSUniversity graduate?

Our students don’t just graduate—they grow, as thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

Before you go, choose IBSUniversity – Your checkmate to greatness, where every move matters, and every student is empowered to make theirs count.

For more info about Chess Club at IBSUniversity Contact: