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Exepreneur is a premium media brand dedicated to showcasing the best in business and luxury lifestyle across the Asia Pacific region. We bring insightful stories, expert interviews, exclusive features, and curated content that cater to entrepreneurs, executives, and discerning audiences who appreciate quality, innovation, and sophisticated living. Our content blends cutting-edge business trends with the elegance of luxury travel, fashion, hospitality, and culture — offering a unique perspective for those who seek inspiration and success. From influential industry leaders to luxurious destinations, we connect viewers with topics that drive growth and enrich lifestyle. Join us to explore the dynamic intersection of commerce and luxury in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse regions.

Bougainville raises K46.74 million a year of its own money. Running an independent state would cost K1.3 billion a year....
10/08/2026

Bougainville raises K46.74 million a year of its own money. Running an independent state would cost K1.3 billion a year.

That K1.3 billion comes from the ABG's own accounting. NBC Bougainville and the Post Courier both reported the figure on 23 June, drawing on the cost-of-services report Treasury and Finance Minister Albert Punghau launched in Buka, titled "From Here To There" and commissioned with the National Economic and Fiscal Commission. Exepreneur has not independently verified it against the report.

Punghau described what governing Bougainville actually costs as an iceberg, PNG Haus B**g reported, with much of the expense sitting hidden inside national agency allocations in Waigani. "A sovereign people must be served by a government that can sustain itself," he said, Asia Pacific Report carried.

The ABG's 2026 budget is K844.09 million, of which K520.36 million arrives as National Government grants, per figures Punghau tabled and PNG Business News reported. Internal revenue funds 5.5 per cent of it.

Statehood costs more than that budget again. Closing the difference means raising 28 times what Bougainville raises today.

An independent estimate lands higher. Researchers at Harvard Kennedy School's Growth Lab put the annual cost of a fully sovereign Bougainville at the equivalent of K1.5 billion to K2.1 billion, in a March 2026 dispatch by Niklas Piringer and Anna Christina Thorsheim advised by Professor Ricardo Hausmann, covering courts, police, health, education, foreign affairs and infrastructure. Bougainville's own figure sits below their range.

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum endorsed 1 September 2030 as the declaration date on 28 July, Islands Business reported.

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Hargy Oil Palms Limited has appointed Robert Nilkare as an independent director, the company said. The appointment takes...
05/08/2026

Hargy Oil Palms Limited has appointed Robert Nilkare as an independent director, the company said. The appointment takes effect 1 August 2026.

SIPEF, the Belgian agribusiness that wholly owns Hargy, reports six oil palm estates and three mills in West New Britain, 4,852 employees, and planted area of 12,228 hectares of mature palms and 1,321 hectares of immature. About 3,640 certified independent smallholders supply the mills and account for roughly 40% of fresh fruit bunch volume, with Hargy's own estates producing the rest.

Hargy general manager Craig Gibsone said the appointment strengthens the board and reinforces the company's commitment to governance and to the long-term development of the oil palm industry in West New Britain and nationally. Hargy said Nilkare adds industry knowledge and strategic capability as the company advances its operational, sustainability and community priorities.

Nilkare comes from the other side of the same industry. As at August 2025 he was PNG country manager and group advisor for government and corporate stakeholder interface at New Britain Palm Oil Limited, and chairman of the PNG Palm Oil Producers Association, according to Kina Securities.

Kina Securities appointed him an independent non-executive director in August 2025, The National reported. He is a director of Brian Bell & Co Limited, and has previously served as president of the Business Council of PNG, acting chief executive and board director at PNG Ports Corporation, and executive advisor at Kumul Consolidated Holdings.

SIPEF has been Hargy's sole shareholder since 2003, when the PNG government sold the last of the stake it took at the company's founding in 1976.

The Suva Magistrates Court acquitted former Fiji deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica of all criminal charges on Monda...
05/08/2026

The Suva Magistrates Court acquitted former Fiji deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica of all criminal charges on Monday, ruling he had no case to answer, according to RNZ Pacific. Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele found the prosecution had not produced enough evidence to require Kamikamica to enter a defence.

The ruling clears a sitting member of parliament and deputy leader of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's People's Alliance party, less than a year after he left cabinet and with a general election due before February 2027.

Kamikamica faced one count of perjury under Section 176(1) of Fiji's Crimes Act 2009 and an alternative count of providing false information to a public servant under Section 201(a), the Fiji Sun reported.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption brought both. FBC News reported that FICAC alleged Kamikamica knowingly made a false statement under oath between 1 December 2024 and 31 March 2025 in Suva, claiming he had nothing to do with the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC commissioner. The perjury count alleged he falsely told the 2024 Commission of Inquiry into that appointment he had no knowledge of it before the public announcement on 5 September 2024, the Fiji Times reported.

He pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence throughout.

Defence counsel Wylie Clarke filed a no case to answer application following a hearing last month, arguing FICAC could not establish the key elements of the charge beyond reasonable doubt, according to FBC News. The same report noted that Clarke declined to cross-examine a FICAC witness who told the court Kamikamica had informed him of Malimali's coming appointment.

Ratakele found no evidence that Kamikamica had made a material statement in the proceedings. Had the statement been material, FBC News reported him saying, the Commission would have enquired further.

Kamikamica said after the ruling that the decision had restored truth and justice, and that his focus now returns to government and to preparing for the election, fijivillage reported. Asked whether he expects a ministerial portfolio back, he said that decision sits with Rabuka.

Malimali was arrested on her first day as FICAC commissioner in September 2024 by her own deputy, according to the Australian National University's Development Policy Centre. Rabuka established a Commission of Inquiry on 31 October 2024 under Supreme Court judge David Ashton-Lewis, which heard 35 witnesses and reported on 1 May 2025. RNZ reported that local media described the inquiry as finding the appointment process legally invalid and ethically indefensible. Rabuka later stood Malimali down.

Kamikamica resigned as deputy prime minister and minister for external trade, cooperatives and SMEs in October 2025, saying he would focus on clearing his name. He was granted bail on a FJ$10,000 bond with two sureties. Biman Prasad, then the other deputy prime minister and leader of the National Federation Party, resigned a week later after FICAC charged him separately.

Both men sought permanent stays of proceedings in the High Court. RNZ reported that Justice Siainiu Fa'alogo-Bull refused Kamikamica's application, then refused Prasad's two weeks later on the grounds that it lacked merit.

Prasad's trial runs from 10 to 14 August 2026 at the Suva Magistrates Court, the Fiji Sun reported, with FICAC calling four witnesses and presenting 18 documents. He faces one count of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and an alternative count of providing false information in a statutory declaration, over an alleged failure to declare a directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts Pte Limited in a 2015 filing.

Digicel Fiji CEO Farid Mohammed is stepping down after 20 years with the company. Mohammed is leaving Digicel Fiji and r...
05/08/2026

Digicel Fiji CEO Farid Mohammed is stepping down after 20 years with the company.

Mohammed is leaving Digicel Fiji and relocating overseas with his family, ending a career that began at Digicel Pacific on 4 August 2006, according to fijivillage.

Steve Long, Digicel Pacific's Regional Hub Markets chief executive, will oversee the Fiji business directly until a permanent appointment is made.

Mohammed was the first local appointed to lead Digicel Fiji. He held the role for about six years, after four years as the company's chief financial officer and three as chief executive in Samoa.

Telstra told analysts at its first-half FY2026 results that Digicel Pacific EBITDA fell 22% to A$139 million in the six months to 31 December 2025, attributing the decline to the prior period's release of remaining earn-out provisions.

Digicel is number two in Fiji. Developing Telecoms reported in September 2025 that Vodafone Fiji serves more than 850,000 subscribers and holds around 85% of the market, and that Digicel Fiji has not released subscriber numbers.

Three operators are midway through a 5G rollout running to 2028. Starlink holds a Fiji licence and is expanding through the universal service programme.

Digicel Fiji has not stated a timeline for a permanent appointment.

WE ARE HIRING: Video Podcast Editor (Talking Head and Motion Graphics)Exepreneur's CEO Series puts Pacific chief executi...
04/08/2026

WE ARE HIRING: Video Podcast Editor (Talking Head and Motion Graphics)

Exepreneur's CEO Series puts Pacific chief executives on camera. We are hiring an editor to make those episodes come alive.

The material is long-form talking head (for now), recorded multicam, plus short-form cutdowns for YouTube Shorts.

Pacing, brand consistency and clean motion graphics are the whole job. What you deliver is something a viewer does not scroll past.

What you will do

-Cut full episodes from raw multicam footage, including audio sync and multicam switching

-Produce short-form clips per episode for YouTube Shorts

-Design and animate lower thirds, titles, transitions and end cards to the Exepreneur brand system

-Colour grade to a consistent look across the series

-Clean and mix audio to broadcast standard

-Build captions, B-roll, charts and on-screen data callouts

-Deliver to an agreed turnaround after each recording

What we need to see

-A showreel containing at least two long-form talking-head edits and three short-form clips you cut yourself

-Working command of Premiere Pro, plus After Effects for motion graphics

-Motion graphics you built, not templates you bought

-Evidence you hold deadlines, with references we can call

-Useful, not essential
Thumbnail design, YouTube channel optimisation, familiarity with PNG and Pacific business

Terms
We are only looking for Port Moresby based editors for now on full time employment basis.

To apply
Send your showreel and your rate to [email protected]. Put "Video Podcast Editor" in the subject line. Applications without a showreel will not be read.

Marriott International and Rimbunan Hijau (RH) have put K90 million into converting the Stanley Hotel & Suites into the ...
03/08/2026

Marriott International and Rimbunan Hijau (RH) have put K90 million into converting the Stanley Hotel & Suites into the country's first Sheraton, according to the hotel.

The upgrade adds 394 keys and more than 2,500 square metres of event space to Port Moresby's accommodation and conference capacity.

The event space includes what Marriott describes as Papua New Guinea's largest ballroom, aimed at government, corporate and resource sector business. Conference capacity of that scale gives PNG the option of hosting events its institutions have previously run offshore.

Marriott opened Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites on 3 August 2026. It is Marriott's second property in the country and the ninth Sheraton across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

The hotel sits in Port Moresby's central business and government district, five minutes from Jacksons International Airport and connected to Vision City Mega Mall.

Rooms comprise 284 guestrooms, 15 suites and 95 apartments. The apartments carry separate living areas, kitchens and dining spaces, aimed at extended stays and relocating families.

Five food and beverage outlets opened with the hotel, built to draw Port Moresby diners alongside guests. Silverleaf is the destination restaurant, centred on seafood and meat cooked over a Josper grill. Greenhaus runs the buffet across all meal periods, serving New Guinea coffee. &More by Sheraton occupies the lobby, with Monsoon Bar & Lounge and a Pool Bar & Café completing the line-up.

Wellness covers an infinity pool, Sheraton Fitness and a full-service day spa.

The property has traded as The Stanley Hotel & Suites since 2016. It converted under an agreement Marriott signed with owner Dynasty Development Limited, the vehicle led by RH managing director James Sze Yuan Lau, in July 2024. The opening was originally slated for August 2025.

General manager Shin Ching called it "an important milestone for Papua New Guinea's hospitality sector." A Grand Opening Event follows later this year.

Sheraton operates more than 425 hotels across 70 countries and territories, within Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 brands.

Datec PNG opened a retail outlet in Lae, extending the ICT company's store network into the Momase region.Chief Executiv...
01/08/2026

Datec PNG opened a retail outlet in Lae, extending the ICT company's store network into the Momase region.

Chief Executive Preetam Talukdar led guests to the ribbon-cutting. Minister for State Enterprises William Duma attended as chief guest. Datec and Kumul Consolidated Holdings Chairman Moses Maladina, Telikom Limited Group Chairman Cedric Rondoke and Telikom Limited Group Chief Executive Amos Tepi also attended.

The Datec board, the Telikom Limited board represented by Janet Sios, chief executives of Telikom Group subsidiaries, government representatives, customers, technology partners and business leaders were present, according to Datec.

Duma, the Datec chairman, the Telikom Group chairman and the Telikom Group chief executive each addressed the ceremony. Their remarks covered investment in digital infrastructure in Papua New Guinea.

Talukdar set out the retail standard.

"Our mission is to build the global retail experience right here in Papua New Guinea," he said. "Every Datec retail outlet is designed to deliver world-class technology, exceptional customer service and trusted expertise, ensuring our customers enjoy the same premium retail experience found anywhere in the world."

The outlet carries global technology brands, enterprise ICT products and related services, Datec said.

The company said the store will serve customers and businesses in Lae and the wider Momase region, and that the opening forms part of its nationwide growth strategy.

Datec PNG has operated for over 30 years, running shops in eight centres from Port Moresby to Alotau. Telikom Limited acquired it from Steamships in 2014, and Kumul Consolidated Holdings holds it for the State. Service lines span ICT consulting, infrastructure, data centres, software and the Datec Learning Centres.

Australia can now recruit up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans into its defence force.The Pukpuk Treaty entered into force on...
31/07/2026

Australia can now recruit up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans into its defence force.

The Pukpuk Treaty entered into force on 8 July 2026, announced by Prime Ministers James Marape and Anthony Albanese at their leaders' meeting in Brisbane. It is Papua New Guinea's first military alliance with any country, and Australia's first in more than 70 years, according to the Australian Prime Minister's office.

RNZ and PINA report the treaty opens up to 10,000 Australian Defence Force places to Papua New Guineans.

Marape's office has set a target of 7,000 troops for the PNG Defence Force, alongside a 3,000-volunteer reserve according to Al Jazeera.

The pathway into Australia's military is larger than the force PNG is building at home.

PNG's Department of Foreign Affairs describes the arrangement as a recruitment and employment pathway rather than integration of uniformed personnel. School leavers in both countries can apply to the other's defence force.

Retired Major General Jerry Singirok, a former PNG Defence Force commander, told ABC Pacific Beat that Australia sees China as a potential threat but that China is not PNG's enemy. He has questioned whether adopting Australian military doctrine would be unconstitutional under PNG law, according to Global Security Review.

The Chinese embassy in Port Moresby urged PNG to properly handle issues bearing on its sovereignty, RNZ reported.

Marape says the treaty strengthens PNG's security capabilities while maintaining national sovereignty and independence, RNZ reported.

Read more of such detailed analaysis at exepreneur.com

Papua New Guinea's government has promoted its 2026 National Budget as a "Record K30.9 Billion Budget," with Prime Minis...
29/07/2026

Papua New Guinea's government has promoted its 2026 National Budget as a "Record K30.9 Billion Budget," with Prime Minister James Marape calling it a "turning point for national stability, security and economic growth" and a 'people-centred budget'.

Weeks later, a cluster of maritime accidents across the country's island and coastal provinces has exposed how little of that record spending appears to reach the agency responsible for keeping people alive at sea.

Papua New Guinea recorded a string of maritime tragedies across its island and coastal provinces in the second half of July, spanning the Islands region, New Ireland, and the Momase coast.

The pattern exposes NMSA's lack of capacity to enforce the country's own maritime safety laws.

The circumstances varied: rough seas and overloaded small craft among them. Local officials in more than one province pointed to the same underlying issue. Existing safety regulations, including requirements for GPS devices and life jackets, are not being consistently enforced.

NMSA has acknowledged that dozens of approved staff positions sit vacant, a gap that limits its ability to carry out regional enforcement and inspection work across PNG's maritime provinces. The authority's search and rescue capability also relies heavily on partnership arrangements with other agencies, arrangements that have reportedly remained unfinalized rather than backed by NMSA's own dedicated assets.

Government officials have also directed NMSA toward generating more of its own revenue rather than relying solely on national budget support. Th

At the provincial level, one maritime province went without enforcing a national small craft safety law for well over a decade, despite holding one of the country's higher accident rates. Enforcement began only after that province funded its own registration board through local fees, not through NMSA's national budget.

Sea accidents and more deaths are expected due to the elninio having impact on sea causing strong currents and high waves across maritime provinces in PNG.

Taiwan only buys 6 percent of Papua New Guinea's LNG exports. That's a small enough share for Taiwan's other suppliers, ...
27/07/2026

Taiwan only buys 6 percent of Papua New Guinea's LNG exports. That's a small enough share for Taiwan's other suppliers, Australia, Qatar, and the United States, to absorb without missing a beat.

When Port Moresby ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan's representative office on 16 July, the decision cost almost nothing on the trade ledger.

The real money sits with China. Trade between the two countries hit $4.4 billion in 2024, running a surplus in Beijing's favor.

The closure landed within a week of the Pukpuk Treaty, PNG's first mutual defense pact with Australia, coming into legal effect, and ten days after Fiji signed its own security deal with Canberra. Two Pacific nations moved fast to reassure Beijing right after signing with the West.

PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko called it routine one-China policy. Taiwan called it unconsulted and vowed to keep the office open. Taiwan's own foreign minister went further, alleging without evidence that China had given Tkatchenko direct benefits ahead of the move. Beijing said it "highly appreciates" the decision. Washington called it Beijing's intimidation campaign.

A week before the closure, Tkatchenko was publicly slamming a Chinese missile test near Tuvalu and Solomon Islands. Then he closed a fellow democracy's office to please the same government he'd just criticized.

Full investigative breakdown on www.exepreneur.com. The trade math, the treaty timing, and every side's quotes, on the record.

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