Introduction Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCH) is a state-owned enterprise that manages the non-petroleum and non-mining assets of the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG). KCH was established in 2002 under the Kumul Consolidated Holdings Act 2002 (as amended) and acts as a trustee for the long-term asset and liability management of the government1. KCH has a portfolio of nine subsidiaries operating in various sectors such as agriculture, aviation, banking and financial services, insurance, maritime infrastructure, power, post and logistics, telecommunications, and water and sanitation2. KCH also oversees infrastructure projects throughout PNG such as hydroelectric power facilities, metropolitan sewerage systems, property and port developments2. KCH’s vision is to lead progressive transformation across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises to generate strong economic and social returns for the people of PNG1.
Achievements and Strengths KCH has achieved several milestones and demonstrated its strengths in managing its assets and investments. Some of the notable achievements and strengths are:
- KCH has improved the financial performance and service delivery of its subsidiaries through effective governance, oversight, and strategic guidance. For example, PNG Power Ltd (PPL), one of KCH’s subsidiaries, reported a net profit after tax of PGK 28.8 million in 2022, compared to a net loss of PGK 59.4 million in 20213. PPL also increased its electricity access rate from 13% in 2019 to 18% in 2022, exceeding its target of 15%3.
- KCH has invested in strategically important sectors that provide strategic and financial benefits to the state and the people of PNG. For example, KCH acquired a 51% stake in Bmobile Ltd, a telecommunications company, in 2019, with the aim of enhancing competition, innovation, and affordability in the sector4. KCH also invested in Kumul Agriculture Ltd (KAL), a joint venture with Innovative Agro Industry Ltd, to develop agro-industrial parks that will create employment opportunities, increase food security, and boost rural development5.
- KCH has led corporate and sectoral restructuring initiatives that have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations and service delivery. For example, KCH initiated the merger of Telikom PNG Ltd and DataCo Ltd, two of its telecommunications subsidiaries, to form Kumul Telikom Holdings Ltd (KTHL) in 2018, with the aim of reducing duplication, increasing economies of scale, and enhancing customer satisfaction6. KCH also restructured the National Airports Corporation (NAC), another subsidiary, to separate its regulatory functions from its operational functions, to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices7.
Comparison with Other Employers KCH is one of the largest employers in PNG, with over 10,000 employees across its subsidiaries. KCH offers competitive remuneration packages, career development opportunities, training programs, and employee welfare schemes to attract and retain talent. KCH also promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, with a gender balance policy that aims to achieve at least 30% female representation at all levels by 2025.
Compared to other employers in PNG in the same line of business, KCH has some advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages are:
- KCH has a diversified portfolio of businesses that operate in different sectors and markets, which reduces its exposure to risks and uncertainties.
- KCH has access to government support and funding for its projects and investments, which enhances its financial stability and growth potential.
- KCH has a strong brand reputation and recognition as a state-owned enterprise that contributes to the national development goals and vision.
Some of the disadvantages are:
- KCH faces political interference and pressure from various stakeholders, which may affect its decision-making process and autonomy.
- KCH operates in a highly regulated environment that imposes compliance requirements and obligations on its businesses.
- KCH competes with private sector players that may have more flexibility, innovation, and efficiency in their operations.
Compared to other employers in the world similar to KCH, such as sovereign wealth funds or state-owned investment companies, KCH has some similarities and differences. Some of the similarities are:
- Both types of entities manage public assets and liabilities on behalf of their respective governments.
- Both types of entities have dual objectives of generating financial returns and achieving social outcomes for their beneficiaries.
- Both types of entities have governance structures that involve board oversight, management accountability, and stakeholder engagement.
Some of the differences are:
- KCH focuses on non-petroleum and non-mining assets only, while other entities may have a broader scope of investments that include natural resources or other sectors.
- KCH operates mainly within PNG or the South Pacific region only, while other entities may have a global presence or exposure to international markets.
- KCH has a relatively young history and experience in managing its assets and investments, while other entities may have a longer track record and expertise in their fields.
How Wantokjobs.com Can Help Wantokjobs.com is a leading online job portal that connects employers and job seekers in PNG and the South Pacific. Wantokjobs.com can assist KCH with its recruitment needs by providing the following features and benefits:
- Wantokjobs.com has a large and diverse pool of candidates that are looking for jobs in various sectors and locations. KCH can access this pool by posting its job vacancies on Wantokjobs.com and reaching out to potential applicants.
- Wantokjobs.com has a user-friendly and mobile-responsive website that allows employers and job seekers to easily navigate and interact with each other. KCH can create an employer profile on Wantokjobs.com and showcase its brand, vision, values, and achievements to attract talent.
- Wantokjobs.com has a range of tools and resources that can help employers and job seekers with their recruitment process. KCH can use these tools and resources to create job descriptions, screen resumes, conduct interviews, and manage feedback.
Conclusion KCH is a state-owned enterprise that manages the non-petroleum and non-mining assets of the government of PNG. KCH has achieved several milestones and demonstrated its strengths in managing its assets and investments. KCH is one of the largest employers in PNG, offering competitive remuneration packages, career development opportunities, training programs, and employee welfare schemes to its staff. KCH also promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, with a gender balance policy that aims to achieve at least 30% female representation at all levels by 2025. KCH faces some challenges and opportunities in comparison with other employers in PNG and the world, such as political interference, regulatory compliance, market competition, innovation, and efficiency. Wantokjobs.com can assist KCH with its recruitment needs by providing a large and diverse pool of candidates, a user-friendly and mobile-responsive website, and a range of tools and resources. If you are interested in working for KCH or learning more about its businesses, visit its official website1 or follow its social media pages . You can also find the latest job vacancies from KCH on Wantokjobs.com. Join KCH today and be part of its vision to lead progressive transformation across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises to generate strong economic and social returns for the people of PNG.
References 1: https://www.kch.com.pg/ 2: https://www.kch.com.pg/about-us/ 3: https://www.pngpower.com.pg/index.php/news/2023/png-power-announces-profit-for-2022 4: https://www.thenational.com.pg/kch-acquires-51pc-stake-in-bmobile/ 5: https://postcourier.com.pg/kumul-agriculture-limited-launched/ 6: https://www.looppng.com/business/telikom-and-dataco-merge-72833 7: https://www.thenational.com.pg/nac-restructured/ : https://www.kch.com.pg/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kumul-Consolidated-Holdings-Limited-Annual-Report-2018.pdf : https://www.kch.com.pg/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kumul-Consolidated-Holdings-Limited-Gender-Balance-Policy.pdf : https://www.facebook.com/KumulConsolidatedHoldingsLimited/ : https://twitter.com/kchpng : https://www.pngworkforce.com/jobs/view-latest-jobs?search=kumul+consolidated+holdings+limited