Author: TMC Palau

The logo of the Jira app can be seen on the display of a smartphone in Sydney, New South Wales. [Photo Credit: Reuters] The regions risk falling behind on AI adoption unless they are written into Australia’s landmark regulatory framework, an educator warns. Artificial intelligence educator Jess Tresidder has welcomed the prime minister’s national AI framework, but says it suffered a glaring omission. She said he failed mention how the rollout would assist regional communities in incorporating the emergent technology. “We cannot build trust as a society around AI if those already being left behind aren’t part of the foundation…

[Photo: FILE] The Sugar Industry Ministry will strengthen the monitoring of cane access road projects in the coming financial year following concerns over the delivery of works funded through the national budget. Sugar Industry Minister Tomasi Tunabuna stated this while responding to Opposition MP Parveen Bala during the Committee of Supply debate on the 2026/2027 National Budget. Bala raised questions on the effectiveness of the $2 million allocated for cane access roads. “What we have heard during our visit is that the government does its part, that is, for the allocation of funds to do the Cane Access Road. But…

Pacific women are calling for better cancer education and more culturally responsive healthcare, with new research finding major gaps in awareness of gynaecological cancers.This is despite Pacific communities carrying a disproportionate burden of the disease.The University of Otago study surveyed 94 Pacific women from across Aotearoa, to better understand their knowledge of women’s cancers and what they see as priorities for future cancer care and research.University of Otago Associate Professor Gabi DachsSuppliedSenior author Professor Gabi Dachs said findings showed a need for better health education.”We wanted to understand the knowledge base that Pasifika women have about women’s cancers, so gynaecological…

Papua New Guinea is undertaking some of the most significant education reforms since its independence. The introduction of the new 1-6-6 education structure, the abolition of grade 8 and 10 national examinations and the rollout of the Standards-Based Curriculum are all intended to improve access, equity and learning outcomes. These reforms address important structural problems. Yet they raise a broader question that receives far less attention: what kind of citizens is the education system producing? Education policy debates in PNG tend to focus on enrolment, infrastructure, examinations and curriculum content. These are important issues. However, education is not only about…

[Source: File] Discipline and set-piece execution will be critical if the Fiji Water Flying Fijians are to finish their Nations Championship campaign on a high against Scotland this weekend. Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula says Fiji cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that have proven costly against Tier One opposition. “We just have to be focused when we go to these big matches.” The Fiji mentor believes winning key battles at scrum and lineout time, while maintaining discipline throughout the contest, will give his side the best chance of success.Article continues after advertisement “We need to win our set pieces and…

Overview: China’s ballistic missile test over the Pacific has intensified calls for a Pacific-led security agreement, with Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy saying the launch damaged Beijing’s reputation as a regional security partner. Pacific leaders are expected to discuss stronger regional security cooperation at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. By political reporter Holly Tregenza In short:  (ABC- Australia) Pacific Minister Pat Conroy says China’s launch of a nuclear-capable test missile in to the Pacific has damaged its reputation in the region.  He argues the incident has strengthened the case for a regional security agreement.  What’s next? Pacific leaders…

Overview: Palau’s tourism sector is riding a wave of momentum heading into the second half of 2026, with visitor arrivals on pace to hit 80,000 to 85,000 for the year. The Palau Visitors Authority credits a diversified market mix — from surging Asian arrivals to steady North American and European demand — plus expanded airline capacity for the sustained rebound. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 13, 2026)  Palau’s tourism industry is on track for another year of solid recovery, with visitor arrivals expected to climb significantly if current trends hold through the rest of 2026. The Palau Visitors Authority…

The Tongan counter-tenor who won this years Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest says his success is still sinking in.Samuel Mataele won the $50,000 first prize after a spectacular Gala night in Wellington on Saturday in New Zealand’s most prestigious opera competition.Mataele took out New Zealands top opera competition after a full on week of preparations leading into the final – where he and five others sung – accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.”It was intense. It was a week of no rest … when you weren’t singing, your brain was working over time. So it took a lot of…

Overview: Palau’s new embassy in Australia is expected to open by July or August, President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two Pacific partners. The opening will coincide with Ambassador Roland Tangelbad’s presentation of credentials, while preparations are already underway ahead of Whipps’ planned state visit to Australia in October. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Palau’s embassy in Australia is expected to open in July or August, President Surangel Whipps Jr. said last week. “They were saying that sometime in July or August they can open,” Whipps told reporters during…

Overview: Palau is mourning the loss of Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, who died July 10 in Taiwan, just hours before his 57th birthday. Son of the legendary Mau Piailug, Sewralur spent his life carrying forward one of the Pacific’s most treasured traditions — and now leaves that legacy in his son’s hands. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Grandmaster navigator Sesario Sewralur, who carried on his father’s mission to preserve traditional Pacific wayfinding, died July 10 in Taiwan due to heart complications, hours before his 57th birthday, according to a GoFundMe account set up by a student and family…