SCPNG and CEFI Extends the Young Minds Savings Campaign to Kerema, Gulf Province.

The Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNGSCPNG Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea) and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) proudly launched the Young Minds Savings Campaign in Kerema District.

The campaign marked the first of its kind in the district and province, bringing together key financial industry stakeholders and regulators to jointly drive awareness on financial literacy: savings and investment. The awareness is in line with the National Government’s policy on promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment for all Papua New Guineans.

Participating Financial Institutions and Regulators

• Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI)

• Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNG)

• Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG)

• Bank South Pacific (BSP)

• MiBank

• Mama Bank – Kerema

• Nambawan Super

• Nambawan Savings & Loans Society

The campaign took place from October 8th to 10th, 2025, across six (6) schools in Kerema District. It began with Ilakaraeta Primary School and Sikalu in Kerema town, continued at Malalaua Secondary School and Karea Primary in Malalaua, and concluded at Kerema Secondary School and Epo Uriri Primary in Kerema town.

Over the course of the three days, more than 3,000 students actively participated, engaging in discussions around savings, investments, and the broader financial ecosystem.

Mr. Danny Koka, NFIS Manager for Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement, emphasized the critical role of the Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNG) in shaping future market participants through the Young Minds Savings Campaign (YMSC).

“After you save, you can always invest. SCPNG are here to guide you at this early stage. You are the lucky generation in the Gulf Province. For the last 50 years, there has been little change, but now you have this information. Take it and be the change for the next 50 years.” — Mr. Danny Koka

Mr. Sarufa Ako, Kerema District Development Administrator, stated that such a campaign was a first-time event in the district and urged students to use the opportunity to learn about savings and investments and become the change for Gulf Province.

Esther Alia, Market Data Officer at SCPNG, broke down the concept of capital markets in a way that resonated with students, connecting everyday saving habits to long-term financial empowerment.

“Capital Market is a tool that can change our country, and it starts from you,” said Esther Alia, Market Data Officer at SCPNG.

“Capital markets give people the chance to invest in businesses, earn returns, and build wealth. When more people participate, companies grow, jobs are created, and the economy becomes stronger. You are the future investors of Papua New Guinea.”

Despite the economic activity in the province, many residents have operated without structured savings or investment practices. The Young Minds Savings Campaign aims to shift that narrative by empowering the next generation with financial knowledge and tools to manage, save, and grow their money wisely.

Apart from banks facilitating the opening of students’ savings accounts, representatives from all participating agencies played a vital role in explaining their services and the broader money cycle — from earning and saving to investing and spending during the campaign.

Meanwhile, SCPNG arranged an informative session for teachers and staff introducing the regulatory role of the Securities Commission, while also promoting investment awareness and educating participants about investment scams.

The campaign has sparked interest from Kerema District and Gulf Provincial leaders for more targeted investor education and financial literacy programs in the future.

GO TO THE LINK TO WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1itlkECyTL5dgQh-f2LcuU9uulzBNu40g/view?usp=drivesdk