[Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, August 30, 2024] – IBSUniversity proudly hosted the highly anticipated InterUniversity Green Growth Business Pitch Competition on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Peter Drucker Library, IBSUniversity campus, Mt. Eriama, 11 Mile. The event, which ran from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, brought together some of the brightest minds from universities across Papua New Guinea, all focused on presenting creative business ideas centered around green growth and sustainability.

The event began with a warm welcome to the guests and participants, followed by an opening prayer and the National Anthem led by a IBSUniversity student. The day’s proceedings were set in motion by the Vice Chancellor of IBSUniversity, Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, who delivered the opening speech. He expressed his excitement for the event and the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future of sustainable development.

Following the Vice Chancellor’s remarks, the keynote address was delivered by Mr. Michael Kumung, Deputy Secretary for National Planning & Monitoring. Mr. Kumung, honored to be part of the event, acknowledged the audience and participants before emphasizing the significance of the competition. He highlighted the alignment of this event with the global green growth revolution and the adoption of green technology. Mr. Kumung stressed the importance of introducing these concepts in educational institutions to ensure that future generations appreciate their origins, cultures, and environment. He further highlighted the need for awareness about the principle of sustainability, urging it to become a central focus moving forward.

The competition saw the participation of university students, alongside staff, and was graced by several distinguished guests, including Ms. Andu Rawali, Head of HR at Steamships Company; Ms. Zha Agabe-Granfar, Executive Director at Verge PNG; Mr. Sanja Pepae, First Assistant Secretary for Macro Planning at DNPM; and Mr. Kia Henry Numa, President of the Australian Alumni Association.

After the keynote address, the participants took the stage to present their business ideas, each aimed at promoting green growth. The panel of judges, comprising Ms. Andu Rawali, Ms. Zha Agabe-Granfar, and Mr. Sanja Pepae, evaluated the presentations. A Q&A session followed each presentation, allowing participants to explore their ideas further and respond to queries from the judges.

The participants are as follows:

The event served as both a competition and a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. It concluded with an award ceremony where the most exceptional business pitches were recognized. The Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academics) presented the awards, celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of the participants.

The day ended with a networking session, providing an opportunity for participants, judges, guests, and IBSU management to connect, share insights, and explore future possibilities.

The InterUniversity Green Growth Innovations Business Pitch Competition proved to be a remarkable platform for showcasing creativity, ingenuity, and the commitment of Papua New Guinea’s future leaders to sustainable development.

Exciting cash prizes were awarded to the winners, along with certificates of participation for all contestants.

For more information, please contact:

Coordinators

Dr. Durga Prasad

Email: durga.prasad@ibs.ac.pg

Phone: 7155 2394

Dr. Emmanuel Aquino

Email: emmanuel.aquino@ibs.ac.pg

Phone: 7230 8657

IBSUniversity

Portion 1553, Sogeri Road, 11 Mile, NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

PC: IBSU Media Editing & ND: IBSU Library & Information