NASFUND SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS FIRST-EVER NATIONWIDE MEMBER CONFERENCE

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

NATIONAL Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has marked a major milestone in its years of service successfully hosting its first-ever nationwide Member Annual Conference in 2026 yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby.

The inaugural event connected members and employers across the country through live stream and broadcast linking key branches in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo and Mount Hagen.

The conference brought together members on one platform allowing them to engage directly with senior management and gain insights into the Fund’s operations, services and future direction.

Presentations highlighted key operational challenges and solutions. Chief Officer for Member and Employer Services, Anne Wilson from the Lae Branch, emphasized the urgent need to improve member data integrity, revealing that more than 88,000 active accounts recorded new beneficiaries as of December 2025, with many lacking complete personal details.

Employers were urged to adopt a complete-on-day-one approach by ensuring all new employees complete the Member Detail Update Form during onboarding or new employment.

Also presenting General Manager for IT and Innovation Arua Taravatu from the Mount Hagen Branch, highlighted Nasfund’s focus on enhancing member experience through digital innovation, cybersecurity and stronger system enablement to improve access and protect member data.

Meanwhile, General Manager for Risk, Lisa Costigan from the Kokopo Branch, stressed the importance of strong governance and risk management frameworks to safeguard members’ long-term savings and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

The Fund also raised concerns over contribution compliance, noting a 14 percent employer default rate affecting over 400 employers. Delayed remittances were identified as a major risk, impacting members’ retirement savings through lost compound interest, with employers encouraged to communicate early with the Fund where challenges arise.

In closing remarks, Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma said the conference provided a valuable platform to address common concerns in one setting, instead of repeating discussions across different provinces.

The successful conference signals a new era of engagement for Nasfund, strengthening its connection with members nationwide.