Respected Leaders Step Up to Mentor PNG’s Next Generation Through KTF Program

A cohort of highly accomplished leaders from Papua New Guinea and Australia is stepping forward to mentor the country’s next generation, as part of development NGO KTF’s Archer Leadership Development Program.

From international diplomacy and national regulation to banking, law and global resources, this year’s Archer Leaders have been matched with mentors who are not only leaders in their fields - but are shaping them.

A core component of KTF’s flagship leadership program, the mentoring initiative pairs Archer Leaders with senior professionals, offering rare access to experience, networks and guidance at the highest levels.

2026 Archer Leader Gerard Ivalaoa is mentored by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commissioner Dr Ian Oppermann. He said the experience has already been impactful:

“In our first meeting, my mentor, Dr Ian, told me: ‘As the first in your family to reach this level of education, you are proof that boundaries can be broken - and you can go even further.’

He was also the first in his family to attend university, and he didn’t stop at a Bachelor’s - he went on to complete a PhD. That really resonated with me. I’m also the first in my family to attend university, and I hope to pursue postgraduate studies. I’m looking forward to following in his footsteps - breaking down barriers, armed with his knowledge and experience.” 

Salome Kiap, mentored by Manon Dumas, Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to Australia (serving Papua New Guinea), shared: 

“This mentorship has shown me that the qualities I once questioned in myself can actually be strengths. Seeing those same traits reflected in my mentor reassures me that there is space for this kind of leadership at the highest levels.” 

This year’s mentor cohort reflects the strength and diversity of leadership across the region:

• Sir Mahesh Patel OBE, Founder of City Pharmacy Limited Group; paired with Tairah Taiap, UNITECH, Business & Accounting

• Manon Dumas, Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to Australia; paired with Salome Kiap, UPNG, Law

• Eddie Sukanaivalu, Head of Talent & Culture at Kina Bank PNG; paired with Francis Pegu, UNITECH, Applied Mathematics

• Serena Sasingian, FDC Pacific Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute & former CEO of Digicel Foundation PNG; paired with Barbara Sigere, PAU, Chemistry

• Dr Ian Oppermann, Commissioner at the ACCC; paired with Gerard Ivalaoa, UPNG, Computer Science

• Amanda Bridgeman, Director at PNG Independent Commission Against Corruption; paired with Vanessa Boga, UPNG, Law

• Dr Brad Shaw, Director of Education at SDP; paired with Dokta Urame, UNITECH, Civil Engineering

• Melinda Waipo, Senior Financial Accountant at Kina Bank;paired with Colin Moala, PAU, Business

• Matthew Adadikam, Principal of Adadikam Lawyers;paired with Samuel Atasoa, UPNG, Law

• Meghan Toka, Managing Director of Fairfax Consultants;paired with Alisha-Joy Gizoria, UNITECH, Dental Surgery

• Tim Bryson, Head of External Relations (Asia Pacific) at Newmont;

paired with Bonnie Amof, UPNG, Science

• Martha Bentley, KTF Head of Education;

paired with Sophie Taroa, Innovative University of Enga, Primary Teaching

Matthew Adadikam, a former Archer Leader and now Principal of Adadikam Lawyers, said mentoring is an opportunity to give back:

“I’m honoured to come on board as a mentor to the incredible Samuel Atasoa. A decade ago, I was a KTF Archer Leader myself, and life has been generous to me. It feels right to give back - to help others do the same, and to play my part in shaping the next generation of leaders committed to real change.”

Melinda Waipo, Senior Financial Accountant at Kina Bank - a long-time supporter and corporate sponsor - said supporting emerging leaders is both a privilege and an investment in Papua New Guinea’s future:

“It’s a privilege to support these emerging leaders from across PNG as they build the confidence and networks to drive positive social change. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.”

By investing time, knowledge and experience into the next generation, these mentors are helping shape the future of Papua New Guinea. Through guidance, connection and shared knowledge, the Archer Leadership Development Program is equipping young leaders to step forward with confidence and drive meaningful change in their communities.  Alongside these mentors, the investment of the Fred P Archer Trust (via Perpetual Trustees), Kina Bank, and the Canadian Government, through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives make the Archer program possible.

Now in its sixteenth year, the Archer Leadership Development Program selects 12 outstanding final-year tertiary students each year to undertake a transformative 12-month leadership journey. The program combines leadership workshops grounded in the Harvard adaptive leadership model with industry placements, financial support, community projects and an international exchange to Australia - complemented by one-on-one mentoring delivered throughout the year.