The Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) has completed its fourth Director Development Program, training 17 State-Owned Enterprise personnel to strengthen governance skills and prepare them for potential future board roles.
KCH Managing Director Professor David Kavanamur presented certificates to participants at the conclusion of the three-day program, held from September 28 to 30, 2026, at the Aviat Club in Port Moresby.
Related news: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/40652/kch-strengthens-governance-capability-through-training
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 in a statement last Thursday, October 1, 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.
This year’s fourth cohort included male participants for the first time, extending the initiative to develop governance capability among SOE personnel.
The program covered 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 enabled participants to apply their learning to the complex governance environment in which KCH and SOEs operate.
Professor Kavanamur encouraged participants to apply their learning immediately in their current roles.
“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.