KCH strengthens Governance capability through training

Middle management personnel from State-Owned Enterprises with their certificates after the three-day program with skills to strengthen governance and prepare for potential future board roles in Port Moresby recently *(Supplied)*

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 and prepare 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 28 to 30 September 2026 at the Aviat Club in Port Moresby.

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.

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.

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.

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