[IBSU Library, Mt. Eriama Campus, 11 Mile, Port Moresby] On Tuesday, 06 May 2025, the School of Business and Management, along with the Business Entrepreneurial School Association (BESA), held a special leadership talk at the IBSUniversity Library. The session gave students the chance to hear from a young speaker who’s already made her mark in a range of areas.

The program began with Ms. Angelica Temu as the MC, followed by an opening prayer and the recital of the national anthem. The atmosphere was calm but full of expectation as students and staff waited to hear from the guest speaker.

Delivering the welcoming remarks, Ms. Abinaya Nagamuthu, BESA Coordinator, expressed her excitement in hosting the session:

“It’s a great excitement as I welcome you all today for this insightful session… I extend a warm welcome to our Head of School, Dr. Durga Prasad, our dedicated staff members, and most importantly, our students, who are the heartbeat of events like this.”

She also thanked everyone involved in making the event possible and reminded students that the session was a rare opportunity to learn from someone who once sat where they now sit.

Next, the present Miss IBSUniversity, Ms Delilah Saneto Purai, introduced the keynote speaker with a warm and genuine speech. She spoke about the guest’s journey, her work, and the courage she’s shown along the way.

“Please allow me to welcome our keynote speaker, Ms. Tyla Crystal Singirok… Her journey reminds us that success is not just about qualifications but about using our voices, values, and platforms to make a difference.”

Ms. Singirok, a graduate mining engineer and intern with the PNG Olympic Committee, was also the first Miss Bird of Paradise PNG and placed First Runner-Up in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2024. She stepped up to the podium and delivered a thought-provoking address where she spoke about what leadership truly means.

“Leadership is about influence… and it begins with a shift in mindset. You don’t need a title to lead — you need purpose, self-awareness, and the courage to be the example.”

She explained that leadership doesn’t begin with a position or a title—it begins with how you carry yourself. She added that some of the best leaders are those who make changes in quiet ways, through their daily choices and behavior.

She spoke about a conversation with her father the night before, where he talked about three types of leaders: those who lead from the front and seek recognition, those who lead from within and collaborate with others, and those who lead from behind but often lack clear direction. She asked the students to reflect on the kind of leader they want to be and consider what shifts they might need to make in their thinking and behavior.

She pointed out that leadership often starts at home—through everyday things like making your bed, helping out, and doing the right thing even when no one’s looking. According to her, these small habits build the discipline that’s needed to lead in any setting.

Ms Singirok wrapped up her speech by telling students that leadership doesn’t only happen on big platforms. It often starts in the small, everyday moments and grows as you learn to understand yourself and stay disciplined.

During the question-and-answer session, one student asked how Ms. Singirok dealt with criticism as a leader. She responded by saying that she chooses to ignore unnecessary criticism that isn’t constructive. However, she made it clear that feedback which encourages growth or adds value is worth listening to—otherwise, it’s best to tune it out.

Another student asked, “What is your ‘why’? What motivates you to get up each morning?” In response, Ms. Singirok further elaborated that beyond meeting her daily needs, she feels a strong sense of duty to inspire young people and show them that the world beyond Papua New Guinea holds vast opportunities. She also encouraged the youth to develop the habit of saving money, pointing out that this simple practice could open doors for them to travel, learn, and experience life outside the country.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a group photo. As students left the room, many were deep in thought, especially about the message that real leadership begins with knowing yourself, not with holding a title.

About IBSUniversity

IBSUniversity is a private university in Papua New Guinea offering higher education in business and management, information technology, accounting and finance and economics and development studies. The university prepares students to meet real-world challenges by building strong academic foundations and workplace-ready skills. Located at Mt. Eriama, 11-Mile Sogeri Road, Port Moresby, IBSU continues to grow as a place where learning, leadership, and new ideas are encouraged.