The Australian Government has recognised the ingenuity, resilience and contribution of Papua New Guinea’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the annual PNG SME Awards. We congratulate all finalists and winners who are contributing to building a more resilient economy.
Australia supports Papua New Guinea’s MSME sector through initiatives that provide business training, access to finance, and practical support including:
- the largest-ever survey of PNG’s MSME sector, with over 2,600 businesses across 21 provinces sharing insights to inform responsive programs;
- the EmployAbility initiative that places jobseekers with disabilities in roles across Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Human Resource (HR), administration and sign language training; and
- providing support to the Lily Magazine Homemade Business Competition to showcase innovative micro and small businesses.
These efforts align with Papua New Guinea’s Medium Term Development Plan IV, which recognises the importance of SMEs in building a strong and diversified economy.
This year, the PNG SME Awards marked the introduction of the inaugural Yumi Stap Wantaim Award, sponsored by the Australian Government through the PNG–Australia Partnership. The award is designed to celebrate SMEs in Papua New Guinea that demonstrate strong business growth and resilience – in terms of turnover, market share, and profitability – and also exemplify the values of partnership, community engagement, and service. This award comprises a value of PGK15,000: a cash prize of PGK5,000 and PGK10,000 in tailored business development support.
Australian High Commission representative, Acting Minister Counsellor Richelle Turner, presented the award to Chef Nicky Pohonhelan. Mr Pohonhelan is the owner of Nangu Chef Catering and was recognised for his achievement of successfully expanding from a solo operator to a team of five, including three dedicated kitchen hands. Nangu Chef Catering celebrates Papua New Guinean cuisine’s diverse flavours.
In her remarks, Acting Minister Counsellor Richelle Turner spoke to the important role SMEs play and the contribution they make to Papua New Guinea’s economy.
“Papua New Guinea’s small and medium enterprises contribute to a dynamic and inclusive economy by driving innovation and excellence every day. The annual SME Awards night places a spotlight on the contribution businesses of all sizes make,” she said.
In accepting the Yumi Stap Wantaim Award, Mr Pohonhelan, representing Nangu Chef Catering thanked the Australian Government.
“As an SME out there, right now I’m thinking of what kind of stove am I going to get, what kind of oven am I going to get. I appreciate the Australian Government for giving me this opportunity to basically wonder how else I can grow my business, because there has been plans, but the issue was finance,” he said.
The Australian Government remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea’s entrepreneurs and strengthening the SME sector as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
(L-R) Hon Peter Tsiamalili, Jr., Minister of Police and Regional Member for Bougainville, Nicholas Pohonhelan, winner of the inaugural Yumi Stap Wantaim Award, and Acting Minister Counsellor Richelle Turner from the Australian High Commission.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100