The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) was invited as a guest speaker and mentor to deliver an in-person information and awareness session at the inaugural Western Pacific University (WPU) Pitch Competition 2025, on Friday 01st August.
This initiative was part of WPU’s broader goal to integrate sustainable business education and practical entrepreneurial skills for its students under the theme “Eco-Enterprise PNG: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future.”
Mr. Paul Tamate, CEFI Training Officer, who stated that CEFI’s participation was part of the university’s broader goal to integrate sustainable business education with practical entrepreneurial skills. Themed “Eco-Enterprise PNG: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future,”
Participants included 20 students from the CHEFS (Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies) and WPU lecturers and faculty members.
According to Mr. Tamate, the session aimed to build awareness on the critical role of financial literacy in fostering innovative and sustainable business development, particularly within eco-enterprise models relevant to Papua New Guinea.
Topics covered included the concept of financial viability, links between financial literacy and the Sustainable Development Goals, examples of financially viable eco-enterprises, and key steps in building them.
Presenters also shared local case studies such as Abus Na Kumu and Global Products Sourcing & Distribution to illustrate successful approaches. Students engaged in two practical activities creating a simple savings plan and drafting a basic budget to reinforce the role of sound financial management in sustainability.
The session also aligned with WPU’s mentoring themes, covering sustainable business model development, market validation, investment readiness, and networking.
According to CEFI, feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed renewed commitment to saving, interest in investment opportunities, and plans to open personal savings accounts. University staff requested that banks consider installing an ATM or agent banking point on campus to serve both the institution and nearby communities.
CEFI’s engagement at WPU effectively highlighted the relevance of financial literacy to eco-enterprise development and broader sustainable economic growth.
The session strengthened CEFI’s outreach to emerging young entrepreneurs and showcased its role in empowering students with the knowledge and tools to pursue financially sound and sustainable business ventures in PNG.
Ends.
Image caption: Students at Western Pacific University present their group work during the inaugural WPU Pitch Competition 2025. The CEFI was invited as a guest speaker and mentor to deliver an in-person information and awareness session on Friday, 1st August.
