Malabolo Cakes and Pastries shine at 2024 PNG SME Awards

A small business based in Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville received two prestigious awards during the 2024 PNG SME Awards Gala Dinner recently in Port Moresby.

Malabolo Cakes and Pastries, owned by Samantha Miriori, was a proud recipient of the Bakery Delights Baker Mama and UNDP Bougainville Business Beacon Award.

Miriori who was accompanied by her supportive partner, Jawa Baramun, to the event celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation in Papua New Guinea’s SME sector, said that receiving two awards in the 2024 PNG SME Awards was the best experience of her life.

She encouraged all SMEs, especially local businesswomen in Bougainville to work together to support the economic independence of Bougainville and its aspirations for independence.

“My cake business has helped men and women who need financial support to care for their families and assist others with school intuition,” she told NBC News.

“I also help women in the baking business by helping them getting their supplies and encouraging them in what they do.

“Malabolo cakes and pastries have inspired other bakers to see that limited supplies don’t stop them from creating high-quality products and contributing to economic growth in Bougainville.

“I believe entrepreneurs in Bougainville can work together for a better economic future”.

Samantha started her baking business as a hobby to help her family financially without realizing it would grow and gain recognition in the SME sector.

She learned the art of baking from her late mother, who taught her the basics since her early childhood.

The business has flourished in Buka, establishing itself as one of the prominent baking companies.

Samantha was grateful to everyone who has supported her passion, especially her late mother, whom she believes would be very proud of her achievement.

“I thank God for protecting and guiding me in life, and also my mother, who had the biggest influence on me, she would have been proud to see how far I’ve come.

“Sadly, she passed away on February 27th this year. I want to acknowledge the UN for playing a significant role in keeping me safe and allowing me to grow around my family. Thank you, today, I’m able to empower women and inspire many others in Bougainville”.