Kina Bank has reinforced its commitment to driving innovation, competition and better customer outcomes in Papua New Guinea’s financial sector as the major sponsor of the Innovation PNG Awards.

Speaking during a Q&A session at the awards event, Kina Bank CEO and Managing Director Ivan Vidovich highlighted the critical link between innovation, fair competition and improved banking services for customers across the country.

“Innovation is not just about technology for its own sake — it’s about delivering better outcomes for customers,” said Mr Vidovich. “When competition is open and fair, it drives banks to improve accessibility, enhance customer experience, and reduce the cost of banking services.”

Mr Vidovich outlined how Kina Bank’s 2030 strategy is anchored in responding to the rapidly evolving financial services landscape, with a strong pipeline of digital and product innovation already delivered.

“Over the past six months, we have launched a new personal online banking platform and mobile app, introduced our corporate bond, and rolled out Pei Beta, our digital wallet,” he said. “We will soon deliver a completely new corporate online banking platform, which will significantly enhance services for businesses of all sizes.”

A key theme of Mr Vidovich’s remarks was the importance of interoperability across payment systems — a global standard that ensures customers can transact seamlessly regardless of their bank.

“Interoperability is fundamental to a well-functioning financial system,” he said. “Customers should have the freedom to transact easily across ATMs, EFTPOS networks and online platforms, and this is enabled through common, internationally recognised standards.”

Mr Vidovich noted that most banks in Papua New Guinea have already adopted secure, schemecompliant payment cards — such as Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay — which support seamless transactions across the banking ecosystem.

“Alignment to these standards strengthens security, enhances convenience, and most importantly, supports a level playing field,” he said. “We believe all participants in the market should operate within consistent frameworks that promote competition and innovation.”

Kina Bank also reaffirmed its focus on delivering practical benefits to customers, including competitive pricing and improved accessibility.

“We are focused on delivery — demonstrating that Kina, as an established full-service bank, is not just an alternative, but a challenger to the status quo in PNG banking,” Mr Vidovich said. “That means pushing harder on the issues that matter to customers – lower transaction fees, seamless interoperability, and real choice in how and where they access their money. We are deliberately setting a high bar, for both ourselves and for the market.”

As a leading supporter of the Innovation PNG Awards, Kina Bank continues to champion initiatives that recognise and promote forward-thinking solutions across industries.

“Innovation is vital to Papua New Guinea’s economic future,” Mr Vidovich added. “We are proud to support platforms like the Innovation PNG Awards that celebrate new ideas and encourage progress across the country.”

Kina Bank CEO & Managing Director Ivan Vidovich speaking during the opening of the Innovation Awards.

Kina Bank has reinforced its commitment to community support and rehabilitation through a donation to the Bomana Correctional Service. Under Kina Bank’s Strongim Komuniti Grant (SKG) program, seven grass cutters and a lawn mower, were officially handed over on Monday, 27 April 2026, aimed at improving cleanliness and upkeep within the prison grounds and surrounding areas. 

The donation was facilitated by Kina Bank Compliance Risk Officer Leonie Gesa, who was a successful recipient of the grant.  

The equipment was received by Chief Superintendent and Commanding Officer of Bomana Correctional Service, Yelly Oiufa, who expressed appreciation for the timely and generous support. 

“We are very grateful to Kina Bank for this donation. We were surprised to receive more than two grass cutters along with the lawn mowers, which was beyond our expectations,” Chief Superintendent Oiufa said. “These tools will greatly assist us in maintaining the cleanliness of the prison and its surrounding environment, while also engaging inmates in productive activities.” 

Ms Gesa, who resides within the Bomana community, identified the need firsthand and successfully applied for the grant to support the correctional facility. 

“Living in the community allowed me to see the real need at Bomana Correctional Service,” Ms Gesa said. “Through the SKG program, I wanted to give back in a small but practical way that supports both the facility and the inmates who use and maintain the grounds every day.” 

The donated equipment will be used to improve general maintenance across the correctional service grounds, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more orderly environment for staff, inmates, and the surrounding community. 

This initiative marks another successful SKG donation, a program introduced in 2023 that empowers Kina Bank staff to lead community-driven projects and make meaningful contributions to the communities they live and work in. 

Leonie Gesa of Kina Bank presenting the items to Bomana Correctional Service Commanding Officer Yellie Oiufa in the presence of Kina team and Bomana CS Officers.

Kina Bank, through its Strongim Komuniti Grant (SKG) program, donated 15 classroom chairs and tables to Evedahana Primary & Junior High School at 9-Mile in Port Moresby, helping address urgent classroom needs at the growing institution. 

With a current student population of 1,523, the school faces a shortage of basic classroom furniture, leaving many students in Grades 7, 8, 9 and 10 sitting on the ground during lessons. The donation aims to improve learning conditions and create a more conducive environment for students. 

The project was initiated and facilitated by Ms. Wendalene Uwefa, Assistant Branch Manager at Kina Bank’s Islander Branch, who identified the need and successfully applied for funding through the employee-driven SKG program. 

“I saw firsthand the challenges the students were facing and knew something had to be done,” said Ms. Uwefa. “I am truly grateful to the SKG program for supporting my application and allowing us to make a small but meaningful difference in improving the learning environment for these students.” 

Evedahana Primary & Junior High School Principal, Mr. Jesse Amani, expressed his appreciation for the timely support saying, “This assistance has come at a time when we really needed it..  

“We sincerely thank Kina Bank for their generosity. Our students can now sit comfortably and focus on their studies, which will positively impact their learning outcomes.” 

The handover was officiated by Mr. Mackhenly Kaiok, Kina Bank Chief of Staff and SKG Chairman, who highlighted the broader impact of the program. 

“Kina Bank is humbled to present these desks and chairs, and we hope they will help students sit properly, write comfortably, and learn effectively,” Mr. Kaiok said. “Since its establishment in 2023, the Strongim Komuniti Grant program has empowered our staff to deliver impactful community projects; from water tanks and solar lighting kits to classroom furniture, medical supplies, gym equipment and more wherever there is genuine need.” 

The SKG program is part of Kina Bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, enabling employees to lead and deliver grassroots initiatives that create lasting, positive change in communities across Papua New Guinea. 

Evedahana Junior High school students with teachers alongside Kina Bank reps during the handing over of tables and chairs.

Kina Bank was pleased to once again support RISE PNG through its recent entrepreneurship workshop, “I Build My Pathway,” held on Saturday, 19 April 2026, at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

This marks the second time Kina Bank has supported RISE PNG, reinforcing its commitment to advancing financial inclusion, financial literacy, and women’s economic empowerment in Papua New Guinea.

RISE PNG is a mentorship and development programme focused on empowering young women through education, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. The programme connects students with mentors and provides practical learning experiences that help build confidence, life skills, and pathways into future careers and business opportunities.

The workshop brought together 40 mentees and 20 mentors, with participating students from Tokarara Secondary School, Marianville Secondary School and Gordon’s Secondary School.

The workshop focused on career exposure and entrepreneurship, introducing participants to a wide range of career opportunities across both conventional and technical or vocational pathways. It also emphasised the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset encouraging the girls to recognise that they can start where they are, with what they have, and begin building toward their aspirations.

A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of the mentees’ entrepreneurial journey. The students were divided into eight groups of five, with each group receiving a K200 business loan from Kina Bank to start and manage their own small businesses through to their graduation in September 2026. This hands-on experience provides valuable real-life application of the skills, lessons, and leadership principles developed throughout their RISE journey.

Kina Bank was represented at the workshop by Martina Toulogu, Head of Operations, who attended as a guest speaker. Ms Toulogu shared her personal career journey and experience within the financial sector, including her pathway to leadership at Kina Bank. Her story inspired strong engagement from participants, many of whom asked questions about career development and opportunities within the financial services industry.

“Kina Bank is proud to support RISE PNG again this year because their work aligns strongly with our values,” said Ivan Vidovich, CEO & Managing Director. “Investing in women and youth creates stronger families, communities, and a stronger economy.”

Founder and Director of RISE PNG Michelle Pillay said, “Kina Bank’s continued partnership and support play a critical role in delivering practical, impactful programmes that equip young women with the confidence and tools to pursue their ambitions”.

Toulogu presenting the RISE PNG mentees with K200 loans during the workshop.

Kina Bank has supported Lakira Primary School in the Southern Highlands Province with the donation of a 5,000-litre water tank under its Strongim Komuniti Grant (SKG) program, improving access to clean and reliable water for students and staff. The project was led by Kina Bank staff member Sylvia Kotapu, who played a key role in coordinating the initiative and ensuring the donation addressed the school’s specific needs.

“As a member of this community, I have personally observed the dedication and resilience of our teachers, as well as the daily hardships faced by both staff and students, particularly in relation to water accessibility,” said Sylvia.

Located in a remote part of the Southern Highlands, Lakira Primary School serves children from surrounding rural communities where access to basic services, including safe water, remains a significant challenge.  

The new water tank will help address daily water shortages, supporting a healthier learning environment and easing the burden on both students and teachers.

Headmaster, Mr. Andrew Ambuya, on behalf of the school, teachers, students, and the wider community, expressed sincere appreciation to Kina Bank for the support.

“This contribution makes a real difference to our school. Access to clean water has always been a challenge, and this support will greatly improve the wellbeing of our students and staff. We are truly grateful to Kina Bank for this assistance,” Mr. Ambuya said.

The water tank was successfully collected and delivered to the school on 11 March 2026, marking an important signpost for the school and surrounding community.

Kina Bank’s Strongim Komuniti Grant program is an internal staff-driven initiative designed to support community-based projects across Papua New Guinea. The program provides an opportunity for Kina Bank employees to give back to their home communities by nominating and leading meaningful projects that address real local needs.

Through the Kina Bank’s SKG program, staff take an active role in identifying priority areas such as education, health, and community development, ensuring that support reaches places where it can have the greatest impact.

Figure 1 Students and teachers of Lakira Primary School posing and using the connected water tank.

Kina Bank has delivered an outstanding performance at the Red Shield Appeal Charity Golf Day, with its two participating teams finishing among the top three in a competitive field of 32 teams representing various organisations.

The charity golf event, held at the Port Moresby Golf Club on Friday 17th April, brought together corporate and community teams in support of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. The tournament was officially teed off by Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.

Kina Bank Team 1 secured second place overall, while Kina Bank Team 2 claimed third place, demonstrating strong teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition against teams from across the business community.

Mr Simon Kepu, General Manager Treasury Sales – Treasury C Wholesale Banking, who represented Kina Bank at the event and presented the cheque of K7,000.00 said the participation reflected the Bank’s commitment to both community support and teamwork.

“We are proud of how our teams performed on the day, finishing among the top 3 teams in a strong field of 32 competitors. More importantly, this event gave us an opportunity to come together with other organisations to support the Salvation Army’s vital work in our communities,” Mr Kepu said.

The event served as a platform not only for friendly competition but also to raise vital funds for the Salvation Army. Proceeds from the day will go towards supporting Salvation Army Safe Houses, which provide critical services including safe accommodation, counselling, food assistance, and support for individuals and families affected by gender-based violence.

Kina Bank remains proud to support initiatives that make a meaningful impact in communities and contribute to important social causes across Papua New Guinea.

Kina Bank Team 1 with Team Marsh.

Kina Bank Teams 1 & 2 with Chairman Ian Clough.