Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) has completed its fourth Director Development Program, equipping 17 middle management personnel from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) with skills to strengthen governance in their current roles and prepare for potential future board appointments.

The three-day program was held from 28 to 30 September 2026 at the Aviat Club in Port Moresby. KCH Managing Director Professor David Kavanamur presented certificates to participants at its conclusion.

Delivered by the PNG Institute of Directors (PNGID), with support from the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (ADB-PSDI), the program brought together 10 men and seven women nominated by PNG Ports, PNG DataCo, MVIL, Air Niugini, Kumul Agriculture and PNG Power.

Professor Kavanamur said the participants formed part of a growing pool of prospective directors whose skills, experience and merit could contribute to SOE boards.

“You are here because your organisations see in you the judgement, integrity and potential to take on greater responsibility,” he said.

Established in 2021, the program was designed to strengthen governance capability and increase women’s representation on SOE boards. The first three cohorts trained 65 women, several of whom have since served as directors.

The fourth cohort included male participants for the first time, extending the initiative’s reach among SOE personnel.

Participants explored directors’ duties, the respective roles of boards and management, strategy, financial oversight, risk, accountability and effective boardroom conduct. A case study on the final day provided an opportunity to apply their learning to the complex governance environment in which KCH and SOEs operate.

Professor Kavanamur encouraged participants to put their learning into practice immediately.

“Use these skills now, instead of waiting for a Board appointment. In your current roles, you can ask better questions, use resources responsibly, raise concerns early and make decisions with integrity,” he said.

“You can also share what you learn here with your colleagues. That is how this program begins to strengthen governance across our SOEs.”

He thanked PNGID and ADB-PSDI for their continued support and acknowledged the participating SOEs for enabling their staff to attend.