Strategic partnership strengthens links between research, innovation, industry and national development

[Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 28th August 2026] IBSUniversity is proud to announce Theodist Limited as thePlatinum Sponsor of PNG Global Connect 2027, the University’s flagship International Research Conference, to be held on 11th–12th March 2027 at APEC Haus, Port Moresby.

Held under the theme “Transforming Futures through Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth,” PNG Global Connect 2027 will bring together academics, researchers, business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners and postgraduate students from Papua New Guinea and around the world to explore practical solutions to emerging economic, technological and social challenges.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by IBSUniversity and Theodist to support education, innovation, workforce development and industry collaboration in Papua New Guinea. It also builds upon the strong working relationship established between the two organisations through their education and industry partnership initiatives.

As Platinum Sponsor, Theodist will play a significant role in supporting the successful delivery of the conference while create opportunities for meaningful engagement between researchers, industry practitioners and policy makers.

Dr. Durga Prasad. Repakula, Conference Secretariat, PNG Global Connect 2027, welcomed the partnership saying:

” It is a privilege to have Theodist on board as the Platinum Sponsor of PNG Global Connect 2027, the flagship international event that IBSUniversity will proudly host. We are thrilled and proud to have Theodist as a valued partner in this significant event. As the first private university in Papua New Guinea, IBSUniversity continues to champion initiatives that are firmly aligned with our vision to “Enrich Life through World-Class Education, Training and Research. We look forward to this valued partnership and to working together to make PNG Global Connect 2027 a successful and impactful international even.”                                                                                                                                                   

Theodist Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kumar Baliah, said the company viewed the conference as an important investment in Papua New Guinea’s future.

“At Theodist, we believe education, innovation and industry collaboration are essential to Papua New Guinea’s long-term development. PNG Global Connect 2027 provides a valuable platform for bringing together researchers, business leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.”

“As a company that has supported Papua New Guinea’s education sector for more than five decades, we are proud to partner with IBSUniversity and contribute to a conference that encourages knowledge sharing, innovation and future-focused thinking. We hope this initiative helps strengthen the connection between research and industry while inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

The conference is expected to attract more than 200 delegates, including international speakers, researchers and industry representatives. The conference will feature research presentations, panel discussions, industry showcases, networking opportunities and speakers, research and industry showcase, networking and collaboration opportunities, and a dedicated Young Researchers Forum aimed at supporting emerging scholars and future research leaders.

The conference will focus on four major research areas:

• Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
• Sustainable Development, Climate Resilience and Inclusive Communities
• Inclusive Growth, Leadership, Governance, Trade and Investment
• Education Transformation, Human Capital and the Future of Work

All papers submitted to the conference will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings with an ISBN, while selected papers may be considered for publication in the IBSU Journal of Business and Research, subject to the journal’s independent editorial and peer-review requirements.

Researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, development partners and organisations interested in innovation and research are encouraged to participate.

For conference information, sponsorship opportunities, registration details and the Call for Papers, visit: https://ibsu.ac.pg/globalconnect2027/