NEW INTAKES SELECTION LIST AVAILABLE - Press Statement DHERST

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) is delighted to provide the complete list of the Grade 12 school leavers who have been selected through the Online Selection System to registered tertiary institutions for the 2018 academic year is listed below. This is the complete list and it is available on the DHERST website.

Check out the latest post on DHERST Selections and Grade 12 results here.

With the inaugural use of the Online Selection System, a total of 12,234 students have been allocated to a study program (47% of the 25,848 who applied).  

All students with a GPA of 2.3 and above that met respective GPA and subject related entry requirements were allocated space within a Higher Education Institution (HEI). First and Second Preferences indicated by the Grade 12 School Leavers were used to allocate a place at a HEI while GPA and subject related entry requirements were used for ranking of the selection list. 

All other Grade 12 School Leavers that selected the option to be considered for alternate offers were allocated space in the program to which they exclusively met the entry requirement and also to which additional space was available.

New intakes from this list will receive admissions offer letter or notice from Universities and their respective tertiary institution. 
We also would like to advise the public that one institution initially provided the DHERST with incorrect student quota. The institution overestimated its own capacity hence it will enroll less students.   

Note that this list is not a Tertiary Education Scholarship Assistance Scheme (TESAS) awards list. The DHERST will inform all TESAS awardees through separate offer letters. Any selected student who does not receive a TESAS offer letter from DHERST should consider himself/herself to be a self-sponsored student.

Any offers given outside of theOnline Selection Systemwill not be considered for national scholarship (TESAS).

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Lenita Mike on the phone 301 2078, email Lenita.Mike@dherst.gov.pg or Shirley Isaiah on 301 2087, email Shirley.Isaiah@dherst.gov.pg.

This selection would not be possible without the commitment of our Universities and other Higher Education Institution as well as the staff at the DHERST and our partner PCG Academia a company that successfully serves higher education sectors in the USA, Canada, Europe and now PNG. I sincerely thank you all for your collaboration and assistance offered.

I would very much appreciate if Universities and other Higher Education Institutions could provide their input by end of March 2018 on how we could further improve on the selection processes and the most important what additional criteria your Institution would like to add to this software. Thus, next year we will provide you with better services. Please forward your input to the Deputy Secretary Operation Mr Steven Matainaho on this email: Steven.Matainaho@dherst.gov.pg or  steven.matainaho@icloud.com

I take this opportunity to wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a fulfilling New Year. May the light of Christmas give you love, peace and happiness. 

God Bless Papua New Guinea!

Pila NININGI 
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology

Petrol Price: 10 Percent Increase Early 2018 to K3.50 Per Litre, Port Moresby

Petrol price has increased by 7.27% in 5 months to December 2017. The increase may have looked small, but it isn't. Here is how much less petrol a customer gets since September 2017 - 2 Litres *less* on a full tank refilled.


At the current trend,  petrol users are likely to pay a 10% increase as early as January 2018. The table shows the price of petrol between September and December from a Service Station in Port Moresby. *Prices are based on actual receipts, dated.

January 2018 petrol price based on the average increase projected


Petrol price was fairly stable in September, but started increasing on the second week of October. 

The bar graph shows the exponential increase of over 7% between September and December 2017 and 9% to January 2018.




In fact, when a consumer refills petrol in December, (and at 7% increase), they get  70 millilitres *less* for every Litre of petrol (bought at K3.432 per Litre) compared to the September and 10th October 2017 price (K3.195 per Litre). That means that:
  • For 10 Litres of petrol, consumers get 700 mL *less*;
  •  A near-full tank of approximately 30 Litres, the customers get 2100 mL *less*, that is 2.1 L less!
By January next year consumers are likely to pay K3.50 per Litre of petrol - the highest petrol price. And, users will realise how less petrol they get. K3.50 is a conservative estimate.

There is a need to find out why the price is increasing and whether the increases (in October, November and December) have been monitored. 

Online Maths Games for Kids and Toddlers

Giving children an early start in education is every parent's wish. Many studies have supported the fact that preparing children early - before they start school - sets the foundation for future success in school.

For keen parents wanting to give their children a better start, there are many educational programs (and smartphone apps) available for free; as well as those that are purchasable. 

But, knowing the right option, age-appropriate for younger children can be a hassle. 

This post identifies one highly recommended learning program for children - Reading Eggs.


Online Maths Games for Kids and Toddlers

The Reading Eggs is a fun-filled educational software for children ages 3 years old to 13 years old. 

Parents of children who've used the software have seen *significant* improvement in their children's ability to read and write and learn about numbers.

Why Reading Eggs?

The Maths Factor is another learning program available, but I am also a fan of the Reading Eggs. One of the best features of Reading Eggs is the *Reward*. 

The Reading Eggs reward system motivates kids to keep exploring and learning.  My kids have used it since they were 3 years old – fantastic learning program, highly recommended. 

Here is a brief citation from Reading Eggs:

“Children love the games, songs, golden eggs and other rewards which, along with feeling proud of their reading, really motivate children to keep exploring and learning.” Reading Egg (accessed 23/11/2017)

Reading Eggs Maths Online Games

Many parents of young children have recommended Reading Eggs. Your children can have fun and learn to read, early, both at home or when you are out and about.

Perhaps giving children the best start early in life is the best thing to do as parents. This paves way for both academic success and success in life - reading is a life skill and every child should know how to read. 

The best way to learn how to read is to learn about LETTER SOUNDS. Find out how you can help your child learn letter sounds as the first of the 5 steps of learning to read by following the link.

Reading Eggs Fun

The 5 points are the main reasons why Reading Eggs is proven to be popular among many parents:
  • 1.  Cater for children ages 3 – 13 years old;  
  • 2. Highly interactive and reward-based – children play, earn points and learn;  
  • 3. Accessible via Personal (Home) Computers and Smartphones;  
  • 4. *Free* online trial permitted - no need to enter bank card details prior to the unlimited free trial; 
  • 5. Over 90% of parents indicated noticeable *improvement* in their children.

Curriculum and Structural Changes: Intensive Early Childhood Education Has Long-lasting Effects on Learning

The education system has undergone several changes. Here are some highlights of the changes in the School Curriculum and School Structure in Papua New Guinea. To clarify, curriculum change would mean the the change from the Standard-Based Education (SBE) to Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and vice versa. Whereas the Structural Change refers to the arrangement (and rearrangement) of Grades composition within the schools. 


Brief

Many students in the 1990s will remember the curriculum change that took place. Talks about the change started in 1993/1994. The actual curriculum shift - from the more established SBE to the troublesome OBE - happened in 1995.

 Twenty-one (21) years later, (and after much criticism of OBE) the curriculum reverted to SBE in 2016. This year, 2017, would be the second year of implementing SBE in classrooms around the country. The interesting observation is that there is *no* information about what actually is transpiring in classrooms. It could imply either all is well or something is seriously not right.

Change as a process

Understandably, change – as a process – needs monitoring and reporting on an on-going basis. After 2 years of SBE many questions needing answers as the country's education system moves into the third year of SBE implementation:

  • How are all the key stakeholders monitoring the progress and reporting? 
  • How are the teachers coping in the classrooms? 
  • Is there any significant transformation happening in classrooms nationwide?

Furthermore, in 2015 the Education Department hinted a change in overall School/Education Structure. And, implied to take effect, in 2016, starting with schools in the main centres (This had not materialised). The image gives details of the structural changes, including the attempt changes: 


1.    Pre-1995 (6-4-2 structure) 

  • 12 years of schooling
  • Primary School Grades 1 – 6 
  • High School Grades 7 – 10
  • National High School Grades 11 – 12
  • Up to 1995 was the era of SBE
2.    1995 and ensuing years (2-6-4 structure) 

  • 12 years of schooling
  • Elementary school Grades 1 – 2
  • Primary School Grades 3 – 8
  • Secondary school Grades 11 – 12
  • The era of OBE curriculum dominated by a slow move from the 6-4-2 structure to 2-6-4 structure

3.    2015 structural change (2-6-6)

  • 14 years of schooling
  •  Early years/pre-school Prep 1 – Prep 2
  • Primary School Grade 1 – 6
  • Secondary School Grades 7 - 12

This was supposed to have taken effect in 2016, but did *not* eventuate. In fact, the change would have completely turned the system upside-down. The pre-primary levels would stay the same. But the primary schools were likely to take in Grades 1 -2 and dissolve Grades 7-8. And, the Secondary Schools would (in turn) have taken in Grades 7-8, hence have Grade 7 - 12 (6 grades altogether!).

4.    2018 - *indication of another* structural change (1-6-6) 

  • 13 years of schooling
  •  Pre-school Prep 1
  • Primary School Grades 1 – 6
  • Secondary School Grades 7 – 12

Indicated recently through the media, this is another changed hinted to have started in 2018. Teachers, especially the Tok Ples Elementary and Grade 7-8 teachers, will be the obvious group caught in the changing structure. 

Foundation years (ages 3, 4, 5 and 6)

It is indicative, in the structural changes, that there are only one or two years at the pre-primary levels. This level of schooling remains a lesser focus area among the on-going educational changes. By this I mean, there is a need for *more* emphasis on *quality* at the early-learning (preparatory) years. For example, the education changes could look at widening the base to 4 years of early learning; or ensure children at these early years are a own group apart; or setting a benchmark where teachers with degree and honours teach the children of ages 3, 4, 5 and 6 years.

The changes cannot ignore the fact that learning taking place at the earlier ages has significant effect on children's cognitive and academic development. A research finding pointed out that:
The early childhood education can have long-lasting effects on the children's cognitive and academic development. (Source: RAND, a renown research organisation )
One impending question is: 
Do the educational changes, such as the structural and curriculum changes, place emphasis on the pre-primary level and early-learning?

The changes in PNG's education structure (and curriculum) are for the good of every child, nonetheless. The challenge, going forward, is to re-evaluate and prioritise the early-learning structure - create a stronger foundation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Investing in Stocks and Shares

In the first post, PNG Insight emphasises the importance of research before investing in stocks and shares. Here is the link to the earlier post 'Why investment must have the right balance of the three starters: Research, Money and Approach'.
Unlock your investment potential

This follow-up post is, basically, a beginner's guide to finding your own way around the stock market by:

  • Investigating the 2 common methods for analysing stocks; 
  • Identifying 8 key stock-picking tactics; 
  • up Stock and Share Account; 
  • Monitoring stocks over time; 
  • Choosing Research that works for you; and
  • Busting 5 stocks and shares investment myths.

The whole bullet point is a process.  It can take years to confidently make the first investment. 

If you think investing in shares is something you can do in the future, you’ve got to start now. Understandably, researching and understanding the market now adds to your knowledge base as a potential investor. As you grow older you become wiser, making the right investment decisions.

Let’s make a start.


1.    Analysing stocks – the key to successful investing

Two *common* methods of analysing stocks are called Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis.

The technical analysis is used where stock researchers use the price, volume, charts and behaviour of a particular stock to understand the overall performance of that stock before (during and after) buying the stock. This method is very technical in nature. Chartists are examples of technical analysts who use charts to identify patterns and trends to *predict* future share price movement.

Fundamental analysts research a company’s cash balance statement, management reputation, global and local economy, commodity prices, and the overall *intrinsic* value of the company. A key indicator many fundamental analysts look for is the company’s cash.

Note: Both Technical and Fundamental analyses can be used together depending on what works for you as an individual investor. 

The minerals and oil & gas exploration companies are the *high* risk investments. Many of the *exploration* companies do not have cash at hand. If you are going to tread there, it is important that you tread carefully. 

2.    Pick stocks for analysis

This step is supposed to come before the Technical and Fundamental Analyses discussed above. It is placed second because you need to know how to analyse stocks and shares before picking them. (No point picking stocks when you do not know how to analyse them)

The 8 ways to select shares before researching are listed in the table (not a complete list): 
Invest on stock and shares
PNG Insight Compilation 14/11/2017 (click on image to enlarge)


Do you have accounts with Nasfund, Kina Bank, BSP or into POM stock exchange? Check out the latest Financial News, Savings and Loans, and Superannuation updates on PNG Insight.

 3. Practice makes perfect: fine-tune your stock picking/research skills


Now that you’ve picked a stock that you *think* (Step 2) to be undervalued and *confirmed* (Step 1) the stock is undervalued in your analysis, it is time to put your stock to the test. This step is crucial to determine whether you can use the research technique employed here on serious investments in the future, or not. It is about finding out what works for you.

One way to do this is to create a Share Account with ASX and build your Watchlist. 

Step 1 – Open an account (free)

Go to MyAsx Registration page and sign up.

Step 2 – Create a Watchlist 

You can add, edit and view your Watchlist. Be realistic about the number of shares you are buying and how much you want to spend. Avoid adding random shares onto your portfolio - only add the stocks you researched. This will make it easy to test (compare) the stocks against your in-depth researches. A good practice.

How to invest in stocks and shares
Source: MyASX.com.au Screenshot 14/11/2017 (click on image to enlarge)
As mentioned earlier, it is important to track the stock you’ve picked and analysed (in Steps 2 & 1, respectively). And, to also find out *if* the research you did was worth replicating when making serious investments in stocks and shares.

Here is an example of a Watchlist. Though the monitory value is virtual (not real money), the other features (volume, chart, prices, announcements…) are live market feeds- delayed by 20 minutes. 
ASX stocks and shares account
Source: MyASX.com.au (click on image to enlarge)

Some people, interested in investing in the share market, thought that you would just sit and monitor the screen and make money. In fact, it is not true.

Myth 1 – You can make lots of money investing in stocks and shares

This is a half-truth. You are likely to lose money investing in stocks and shares. To avoid losing money people either do proper research before investing or pay advisors to guide them when investing.

Myth 2 – You cannot invest in overseas stocks and shares from PNG

You can. If you are serious about investing, BSP Capital and Kina Securities are the local brokers who can help you open a share account and start investing. My top hint is to find out about the recent issue with the foreign currency exchange, brokerage (Buy/Sell) fee, and minimum amount needed to open a Share Account. You can also invest in companies listed on the POM Stock Exchange.

Myth 3 – You should have a Degree in Finance and Accounting or related discipline to invest in stocks and shares

This doesn’t mean you cannot invest in stocks and shares if you know what to do. If you build up a good knowledge base, put them into practice and trust yourself – you can do it too.

Myth 4 – I’ll wait till I save enough money to invest

The best time to start is now. You can open free online accounts and test your findings using real-time data. When you have some money, you’ll know just what to do.

Myth 5 – Anyone can  make money in the stocks and shares market

No. The investors who do thorough research (or choose a brilliant advisor) can earn a decent return on their investment. It is not anyone’s cup of tea. 

I hope this post serves as the *seed* that grows into a big plant. If you have any questions relating to this post, kindly leave a comment below.

Do you have accounts with Nasfund, Kina Bank, BSP or into POM stock exchange? Check out the latest Financial News, Savings and Loans, and Superannuation updates on PNG Insight.



PRODUCTION STARTS 2019: BISMARCK SEA SEAFLOOR EXPERIMENTAL MINING IMPACTS NOT QUANTIFIED YET, MIT STUDY

1. Brief

Image: MIT Environment
Solution Initiative 
Nautilus Minerals is a small cap Canadian company, registered in Brisbane Australia and majority owned by an Oman Group. Described as an *experimental* seafloor mining company, engaging in the exploration and development of Seafloor Massive Sulphide systems in the Bismarck Sea. The company has planned to use remote-controlled heavy machinery and hydraulic pump to mine the minerals, including gold and copper. 


2. Planned Experimental Mining

The latest project update indicated that the planned mining activity will start early 2019. But no definite date was announced. In fact, the company has postponed the start of production from 2017 to 2018 and (in the latest update) to 2019. 

Mike Johnston, Nautilus’ CEO was positive about the seafloor production system: 
"The system remains on track for initial production during the first half of 2019, subject to further financing as indicated previously.” (project update, 10/10/2017)
Nautilus Minerals concept of deep sea mining is not very popular among the people living along the coastal regions of Morobe, Madang, Sepik, Manus, New Ireland and East New Britain. There is also *strong* opposition to the project voiced by prominent locals, Church leaders and national politicians (click here for details).


IMAGE: Nautilus Minerals via  Massachusetts Institute of Technology website 

10 Adventure Activities To Do at the Port Moresby Adventure Park

A day trip to the Port Moresby Adventure Park is an ideal way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with family and friends. The park is also a tourist attraction in the city capital, Port Moresby. The park opens early at around 8.30 am and closes in the evening, at 5.30 pm. 

Other fun places to visit in Port Moresby 

  • Port Moresby Adventure Park
  • Sunset Lodge
  • Loloata Island Resort
  • Koitaki Country Club
  • Varirata Natioanl Park
  • Kokoda Track Memorial
  • Bomana War Cemetry
  • Tutu Beach

Just to clarify any confusion about the two parks in Port Moresby: the Nature Park is the one past the University of Papua New Guinea. It is within the city precincts. The Port Moresby Adventure Park is located opposite the Pacific Adventist University entrance. About 30 minutes drive from the city, along the road to Sogeri.

General entry to the park is free. That means that you can go in without paying and wander about but only pay (refer to fees below) if you are going to part-take in the park's organised activities. 

The Adventure Park has many fun things-to-do for both young and old. You can easily spend the whole day at the park and do all or some of your preferred activities.

Here are the top 10 fun activities to do at the park. A couple of the activities are free. But you must pay to do others.

1. Party or Barbecue: 

At the cost of K60, visitors can use the bbq hut (haus wind) for the whole day. The visitors are required to pay the fee at the entrance before proceeding to choose a hut. The image shows an area without the shelter - the actual hut is visible at the far end. There is no shortage of huts all around the park.

Source: Adventure Park PNG, Facebook

2. Wander through the Orchid Garden and Birds' Sanctuary 

 It only costs K5 per person to go in. The Orchid Garden has been one of the best-kept orchid gardens in PNG. There is a chance to also hear the Kumul (Bird of Paradise) singing as you wander through this beautiful garden.

Image: FIFA Women's World Cup

3. Children's Waterslides 

The waterslide is fun. It costs K20 per head. Always do the other activities before this one. Once the kids get-the-hang of it, there is no moving away until it's time to go home. Top tip: always take swimmers or shorts to be in the swing of excitement with the kids. 


4. Go Paddling on the Paddle Boats 

It costs K10 per person for 30 minutes. Another fun activity the kids would love. Top tip: take some bread crumbs for the kids to feed and attract the fish to your boat as you paddle along.


5. Merry-Go-Around/Carousel 

At K5 per person, this is sure to put smiles on the children's faces.


Kids are Loving it - Pee Wee Fishing at Royal Papua Yacht Club First Saturday Every Month

Pee Wee Fishing at the Royal Papua Yacht Club (RPYC) is a lot of fun for both children and parents. The kids and parents fun event is held on the first Saturday of every month. Fishing usually starts at 2.00 PM and lasts for 2 hours. 

You can find out about the event at the Yacht Club Facebook page. They usually create an 'event' for the Pee Wee Fishing on their page, so keep an eye out for it or message RPYC before hand.

View from the jetty
A fantastic group of volunteers dedicated their first Saturday of every month to organising this event. The event is made possible by 10 corporate sponsors and runs from February to November. Children are free to get a helping of snacks during fishing. Prizes are also given out after the fishing.

The prizes are awarded to the top three children. So kids and parents, make sure you catch the biggest fish or the most fish on the day. Small-talk on the jetty has it that stingrays, baramundis and crabs have been caught there, as well as fish pulled out of the water in numbers. 
There were also sightings of a 'big' sea snake just around the rockery recently :). You never know what you can catch at the RPYC Pee Wee Fishing event. Sunscreen, hat and water are a must to take with you. 


If you are a parent looking for somewhere to take the children out or kids wanting to have fun, this would one day of the month you wouldn't want to miss. Thank you and hope this helps to get the kids outdoor. 


Sponsors 2017

Fishing rods provided - you can also bring yours
Nov 11th 2017...not the 4th


Leave a comment below if you find this useful. You can also join PNG Insight () for more parents and kids things-to-do around Port Moresby.

Examinations 2017 Results: Education Department Acknowledged 28 Schools out of 301 Grade 10 and 164 Grade 12 Schools

Re-posted​

THE Education Department has recognised 28 high and secondary schools in the country who have put in a lot of effort to improve their academic performance.

Secretary Dr Uke Kombra presented the Best Academic Performing School and the Most Improved School awards to the schools based on the grade 10 and grade 12 examination results.

The top 10 academic performing schools for grade 10 are:
  1. Oksapmin High School in West Sepik, 
  2. St Charles Lwanga High (NCD), 
  3. Gordon Secondary School (NCD), 
  4. Cameron Secondary School (Milne Bay), 
  5. Jubilee Catholic Secondary (NCD), 
  6. Manus Secondary (Manus), 
  7. Busu Secondary (Morobe), 
  8. Mercy Secondary (East Sepik),
  9. Mt Hagen Secondary (WHP) and
  10. *not indicated from the source.


The five most improved schools for grade 10 are:

  1. Kompiam High School (Enga), 
  2. Sacred Heart Tapini Secondary (Central), 
  3. Misima High (Milne Bay), 
  4. Kiriwina High (Milne Bay) and 
  5. Yano High (Central).
The 10 Academic Performing schools for grade 12 are: 
  1. Port Moresby National High (NCD), 
  2. Marianville Secondary (NCD), 
  3. Kerevat National High (ENB), 
  4. Wawin National High (Morobe), 
  5. Sogeri National High (Central), 
  6. Aiyura National High (EHP), 
  7. Cameron Secondary (Milne Bay), 
  8. St Ignatius Secondary (West Sepik), 
  9. Passam National High (ESP), and 
  10. Mt Hagen Secondary (WHP).

The five most improved schools for grade 12 are:
  1. Utmei Secondary (ENB), 
  2. Busu Secondary (Morobe), 
  3. Ecom Secondary (Manus), 
  4. Manggai Secondary (New Ireland) and 
  5. Buin Secondary (AROB).
We want to recognise those schools which are making more effort to make a difference in the students’ life and academic life, so we want to reinforce schools to put in more effort towards students’ education” Kombra said.
“Out of the 301 high and secondary schools that sat for the grade 10 national examinations and 164 secondary schools that sat for the grade 12 exams, we know there are many challenges that are affecting schools in their own contexts.”

Digicel vs Telikom PNG and bMobile: 5 Low-Cost Data Bundles and Packaged Plans You Should Know

This post compares the low-cost data bundles and packaged plans (data, voice calls and SMS) from the three telecommunication companies (telcos) in PNG: bmobile-Vodafone, Digicel PNG, and Telikom PNG. As a matter of discloser, the post is solely an independent review; focusing on disseminating consumer information. It is an unbiased analysis based on personal experience, research and customer care enquiries. Any errors are subjected to correction. So, do leave a comment below.

Placing value on the low-cost data bundles and plans

One factor needed considering when analysing low-cost products is money. On one hand, the telcos want to make more money. On the other hand, they know that they don’t make enough money with the low-cost products. 

The dilemma here is that most customers, especially the rural population and low to middle-income earners, prefer the cheaper data bundles (and plans) to the expensive ones. That is why low-cost products are the most popular products. However, the three telcos will have to sell more of the low-cost products in less time to make enough money, a balancing act.


Data Bundles – K3, K5 and K10

Identifying the value in the data bundles is fairly easy. Yet many customers failed to use the low-cost data bundle because they do not know it exists. In fact, there is a better data bundle on offer.

From the table, Telikom PNG came out on top. Telikom PNG offers a whopping 100 MB for 5 days at only K3.00. Furthermore, the 200 MB for 3 days and 400 MB for 14 days are *3 times more data* compared to what Digicel PNG and bmobile-Vodafone are offering. This is an unbeatable value at the moment! 


 Telikom PNG offers more data 

Data, Voice Calls and SMS Plans - K3, K5 and K7

Subscribing to a plan is the best way to get value for money. Ideally, you get all the three bundles (data, voice call and SMS) in a plan when you buy a subscription.

One way to untangle the value is to compare the popular – most often used - plans. Examples of the plans can be found in Digicel PNG 1Tok Combo (*675#) or bmobile-Vodafone Moa Pack (*777#) or Telikom PNG passes (*777#). Below is the comparison of the three telcos 1-day and 1-week plans, the popular plans.


Click on the image to enlarge

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