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Sir Henry ToRobert was instrumental in the establishment of Bankers’ College and fostered its growth for many years whilst Chairman of the Board. We are grateful to Sir Henry for providing the following reflections.

The concept of a Papua New Guinea Bankers’ College was first mooted by my colleagues in the Papua New Guinea Division of the Reserve Bank of Australia. It gained support and momentum and with the agreement of the commercial banks then operating in PNG a pilot course was conducted at the old Cooperative College at Konedobu in September 1965. Mr. John Phillips was the Principal Course Director.

Other Directors were Ronald Stewart (RBA, POM Branch), Ken Marshall (Commonwealth), Kendal Smith (BNSW) and Neil Still (ANZ). On holidays from my studies at the University of Sydney, and on attachment to the Reserve Bank PNG Division, I came to Port Moresby to lecture on Economics at the course.

All the banks in PNG including the Reserve Bank of Australia were branches of Australian organizations. The banking system was a mere microcosm of the Australian systems.  Nevertheless the architects of Bankers College were very much forward looking in their resolve to establish a training institution for indigenous bank officers to augment on the job training and other HR developments. Such an institution would focus on providing knowledge on common areas of interest such as the PNG economy and basic accounting. It would also provide students with knowledge on other areas of commerce that bank staff  would not previously have been exposed to.

Bankers College courses were properly structured and formalized after the establishment of the Bank of Papua New Guinea. It was initially located in temporary premises in down town Port Moresby and then six mile. I recall that Mr. John Wicks was one of the early Principals. As Governor of Bank of Papua New Guinea I became the first Chairman of the Board which initially  was composed of the Chief Executives of the banks. In time the banks were represented on the Board by members of their executive teams.

The College has grown extensively over the last 30 to 40 years to become a robust institution. As shown elsewhere in this supplement, statistics on students, the information on courses and the resources, including professional staff  utilized in the running of the institution bear  this out.  The change in name to the IBBM on the 23 April 1998 reflected the major diversification of training activities from just banking to all aspects of business, finance and Management. It has now become PNG’s premiere institution offering professional commercial training.

I was honoured and very privileged to have played a significant part in the establishment,  operations and nurturing of the IBBM. I congratulate the Institute on its Fourtieth Anniversary and I join the Member Banks, Corporate Members, the Board, the Executive Director  and staff in celebrating this great milestone.

Congratulations and Best Wishes for the next 40.

Sir Henry ToRobert, KBE

Reflections from one of the Longest serving Staff - Mr. Peter Tinimbu - Accounts

Before the Banks bought the current premises, it was the Outrigger Motel owned by Mr.Jim Fox who then sold it to Manus Provincial Government. They decided to sell it and the Institute bought it from Manus Provincial Government in 1981 and immediately started to build additional classrooms and other required facilities to cater for the course participants. In 1982 the name was known as Bankers College because it only provided courses for bank members. Course duration of that time from 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks respectively.

During my employment here I've seen many changes until recently when the name changed to Papua New Guinea Institute of Banking & Business Management to offer Courses to non bankers as well.

From 1980 to 2005 I can say that, this Institution is moving from strength to strength. I see the future of PNGIBBM very promising for the benefit of course participants and country as a whole.

Before joining the PNGIBBM I was employed as a dental technician with Health department. I graduated from POM Dental College in 1976 with a Diploma as dental technician. I enjoy working at the institute because of the flexibility in terms of employment and the convivial environment.

Lastly I would like to convey my appreciation to current CEO (Ray Cark) for the face lift of surrounding you see today.

Thank you for the privilege to let me share my view and thoughts on the outlook of this Institution.

Peter Tinimbu

Growing Old with the Institute - Mrs. Ligouri Morea - Executive Secretary

In 1978 I started with what was first known as Papua New Guinea Banker's College which was situated opposite Crown Plaza. There was no accommodation for students and the banks had to sort out accommodation for their staff who were traveling in from other provinces. During that time we were using typewriters, there were no computers.

The teaching staff included the Principal - Mr. Peter Davis & Assistant Principal - Mr. Roland Agembo. We also had visiting lecturers from commercial banks to deliver specialized courses.

In 1981 the College was then moved to its present location where it is today, now known as the Papua New Guinea Institute of Banking and Business Management.

Over the past years, there has been a lot of major changes to the college. The number of academic and administrative staff has increased, accommodation provided for the students and the facilities at the college have improved.

I like the environment & the company of all staff, students and clients.

Ligouri Morea.

I have enjoyed working with PNGIBBM since 1985
and over 20 years have seen a lot of changes.
I was recently appointed as Facilities Supervisor and I am grateful to the Institute for
Sponsoring me in completing the Diploma in Management course.
Receiving my certificate on graduation day will be a proud achievement.

Ricky Hailode.

From the Publications "Engine Room" Section – Mr. Joe Aribi

Looking back in time, 24years seems only like yesterday.
It was the 5th of October, 1981 the day I gained employment with Bankers’ College at the age of twenty. Working as general office assistant kept me busy. Some time later I was transferred to the printing section to carry out all printing duties, there I remained.

In about the same year we gradually moved from the old College (Opposite Crown Plaza) to what was the Outrigger Motel, Vanama Crescent, Konedobu, our current location.
Transforming the Motel into a college of learning was a huge task. All hands were required on deck. Working alongside the contractors was a learning experience; we all had to put in our share of work…hard work. I can now proudly say I had a hand in building this place to what it is…PNG’s nambawan Training Provider.

As the years rolled by the Institute kept improving in all areas, growing from strength to strength, keeping up with the modern trend. Staff training was high on the agenda. Trainers were sent overseas, administration staffs were locally trained. I was sent to a couple of technical workshops and courses in and around town. IBBM continues to develop staff qualities by including them in the Business Management Course Programs.

Today all departments are supervised and managed by highly skilled officers.
My responsibilities are making sure all course and marketing material is prepared and ready for daily activities and maintaining all office and information technology equipment.

My wife and children have also been very supportive throughout this journey.
I can see myself serving the Institute some ten years more or maybe less…who knows?
Only time will tell.

Joe Aribi.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Ms. Rosetta Marum was awarded a "Banker of the Decade Certificate" from

Mr. Aho Baliki, General Manager of BSP, as Mr. Ray Clark looks on.