Full Name:
Sir Mick Nades (Manickam Nadesalingam)
Designation:
Founder, IBSUniversity; Founder, Nadesalingam Foundation for Education
Self-Introduction:
I am Sir Mick Nades (Manickam Nadesalingam), a lifelong advocate of education, service, and community development. Born in Sri Lanka in 1946, my journey began with a government scholarship that shaped my belief in the power of education. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ceylon, I pursued professional qualifications in accounting and marketing in the United Kingdom, eventually becoming a Fellow of leading institutions including CIMA, CIM, and CPA (Australia and PNG). My career spanned industries from banking to mining, including my role as Financial Controller at OK Tedi Mining (1982–1986).
In 1986, I established Nades & Associates and later pioneered IBSUniversity and IBS College of TVET, expanding higher education opportunities in Papua New Guinea. I have proudly contributed to sports, community causes, and the accounting profession, as well as served for 29 years as Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Belgium. Honoured with knighthood and global awards, I remain committed to empowering people through education, sport, and service, living my purpose of “Enriching Lives Through Learning.”
Full Name:
Mr. Rio Fiocco
Designation:
President, Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce & Industry (POMCCI)
Self-Introduction:
I am Mr. Rio Fiocco, a professional lawyer and the current President of the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce & Industry (POMCCI). My career began as a solicitor in Brisbane, where I was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in 1986. The following year, I was admitted as a lawyer of the National Court of Justice in Papua New Guinea, where I have since built a diverse career in law and public service.
I have been a proud member of the Queensland Law Society since 1986 and the PNG Law Society since 1987. Beyond the legal profession, I actively contribute to national development and community engagement. I serve as Vice Chairman of Cricket PNG, represent Papua New Guinea as an alternate member of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), and occasionally lecture at the Legal Training Institute to help shape the next generation of legal professionals.
With a strong commitment to developing PNG’s human resources and promoting Port Moresby as a safe, livable city, I continue to dedicate my efforts toward strengthening business, community, and national growth.
Full Name:
Dr. Ponnusamy Manohar
Designation:
Deputy Executive Dean – School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP), University of Papua New Guinea
Self-Introduction:
I am Dr. Ponnusamy Manohar, currently serving as the Deputy Executive Dean at the School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP), University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). With over 27 years of academic and administrative experience, I have dedicated my career to advancing higher education and contributing to the nation’s development through teaching, research, and leadership.
My academic qualifications include a PhD in Management from UPNG (2020), a Master of Business Administration from Southern Cross University, Australia, a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours, and a Higher Diploma in Software Engineering from Sri Lanka. These qualifications, combined with my professional expertise, allow me to integrate scholarship, digital learning, and organizational advancement to support the growth of tertiary education in PNG.
Beyond academia, I serve as an active panel member of the Quality Assurance Division under the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, and hold directorships in both government and private organizations. I am also a member of CPA Australia, CPA PNG, and CIPFA UK, reflecting my strong background in accounting and public finance. My work continues to focus on strengthening human resource development and aligning education with PNG’s broader national objectives
Full Name:
Mr. Peter John Aitsi, MBE
Designation:
Chairman, MiBank PNG; Group CEO (former), Credit Corporation; Country Manager (former), Newcrest Mining PNG
Self-Introduction:
I am Mr. Peter John Aitsi, MBE, a Papua New Guinean business and community leader with more than 30 years of professional experience spanning mining, finance, media, and governance. In 2004, I was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of my contributions to the media and broadcasting sectors, as well as my voluntary service to community organisations across Papua New Guinea.
My career has seen me hold senior leadership roles in major institutions, including serving as Country Manager for Newcrest Mining in PNG and as Group CEO of Credit Corporation. I currently chair several influential organisations such as MiBank PNG, the PNG Property Developers Association, and PNGFM Ltd, and sit on the board of Steamships Trading Company.
Beyond the corporate sphere, I have played an active role in civic development through Transparency International PNG, the Kokoda Track Foundation, and other community-focused initiatives. I am passionate about ethical governance, press freedom, and leadership development, and remain committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. My values of integrity and vision continue to guide my service to both business and community in Papua New Guinea.
Full Name:
Mr. Mark Jungan
Designation:
Former Partner, Nades & Associates; Trustee
Self-Introduction:
I am Mr. Mark Jungan, a former partner in Nades & Associates and a lifelong supporter of initiatives that strengthen education and community in Papua New Guinea. From the early days of this mission, I have been privileged to walk alongside its growth, offering counsel, loyalty, and encouragement. Having worked closely with the foundation’s origin and development, I carry a deep understanding of its values and aspirations.
My professional journey in accounting and business has always been guided by humility, integrity, and the belief that education is the greatest tool for empowerment. Over the years, I have witnessed how access to learning transforms lives, families, and communities, and this conviction has fueled my continued involvement.
As a Trustee, I remain committed to upholding the vision of expanding educational opportunities in Papua New Guinea. By combining professional insight with personal dedication, I aim to contribute meaningfully to sustaining the legacy of service, mentorship, and nation-building that this foundation represents.
Full Name:
Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam
Designation:
Vice Chancellor, IBSUniversity; Secretary, Nadesalingam Foundation for Education
Self-Introduction:
I am Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, currently serving as Vice Chancellor of IBSUniversity and Secretary of the Nadesalingam Foundation for Education. My association with IBSUniversity began in 2015 when I joined as Head of Research, a role that allowed me to strengthen the university’s academic foundation. I later served as Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics) before being entrusted with the role of Vice Chancellor, where I continue to guide the institution in delivering world-class education and fostering impactful research.
Throughout my journey, I have combined academic leadership with a commitment to advancing higher education in Papua New Guinea. I believe strongly in the transformative power of research and learning to drive social progress and economic development.
Beyond academia, my role with the Nadesalingam Foundation for Education reflects my passion for widening access to quality education. Through strategic insight, governance, and a spirit of service, I am committed to ensuring that the Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact on communities and learners across PNG and beyond.