Monday 7th July 2025, Port Moresby. The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and the Universal Access and Service (UAS) Boards today had the official swearing-in of two distinguished individuals to key leadership roles, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to inclusive and forward-looking ICT governance in Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Brian Riches was formally sworn in today as the new Chairman of the NICTA Board and concurrently assumes the role of Chairman of the UAS Board. Mr. Riches replaces former Chairman Mr. Noel Mobiha, who is a long serving, well known and accomplished member of the PNG ICT community, contribution to the NICTA has been invaluable.

Mr. Riches’ appointment is expected to strengthen the strategic direction of both Boards in advancing digital transformation and equitable access to ICT services across the country.

Joining Mr. Riches on the NICTA Board is Mr. Charles Chew, who has been appointed as the Independent Expert. Mr. Chew was not present today however, will be taking his oath of office later.
Riches and Chew join John Cholai non-executive Member and NICTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Kila Gulo-Vui ( ex-officio), fulfilling the four-member composition of the NICTA Board.

Mr. Jack Tomon was sworn in as the Private Sector Representative on the UAS Board. His appointment reflects the Government’s commitment to fostering public-private collaboration in expanding ICT access to underserved communities.

Tomon from the private sector makes up part of the 5-member composition of the UAS Board. The other members are head of Department of ICT (DICT) (ex-officio), head of National Planning (ex-officio), head of Department of Finance (ex-officio) and the chair of NICTA Board.

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