As Papua New Guinea continues to advance its digital transformation agenda, the PNG-Australia Partnership is strengthening cyber safety and digital resilience for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women-led businesses, informal entrepreneurs, and youth across the country.
Supported by the Australian Government and delivered by Macquarie University’s Cyber Safety Academy and local stakeholders, the PNG Cyber Defender Program provided in-person cyber safety training across Port Moresby, Lae and Kimbe, reaching hundreds of participants from diverse business and community backgrounds.
The training equipped local businesses and individuals with practical skills to identify and manage online risks including scam awareness, password protection, account security, safe use of digital platforms, and protecting online financial transactions.
This initiative supports PNG’s broader digital transformation priorities by enabling safe participation in the digital economy, strengthening trust in online services and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The program also highlighted the importance of collaboration between local partners, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and business support organisations in extending the reach of cyber safety training and improving access for participants.
Mr Matt Burnshby, Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie University Cyber Skills Academy, said that the training was about bringing the right people together.
“This work in PNG reinforced that when the right partners come together, we can make cyber safety real, useful and empowering for the people and businesses who need it most,” he said.
As PNG’s digital economy grows, strengthening cyber resilience remains critical to unlocking opportunities in entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and broader economic participation.
The program was delivered in partnership with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Women’s Business Resource Centerer, SME Corporation, Kimbe Market Authority and Kimbe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mobiliszation partners also included MiBank, PNG Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurs Connect and local community leaders and informal networks.
Australia is proud to support PNG in building a connected and resilient digital future, ensuring that business and communities can participate in the global digital economy.
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Matt Burnshby, CEO of Macquarie University Cyber Skills Academy, leads a cyber safety training session in Kimbe, supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100