13/10/2026
NEWLY APPOINTED 7TH IRC COMMISSIONER GENERAL SAM LOI OPENS 12TH PACIFIC MANAGER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN FIRST OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT
Kokopo ENB, Papua New Guinea | 5 October 2026
The newly appointed 7th Commissioner General of the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), Mr. Sam Loi, marked his first official engagement as Commissioner General by officiating at the opening of the 12th Pacific Manager Development Program (PMDP) on Monday, 5 October 2026, at the Gazelle International Hotel in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
The two-week program, running from 5 to 16 October 2026, brings together 27 selected officers from the Internal Revenue Commission and PNG Customs Services, reinforcing both organisations’ commitment to developing capable, accountable and forward-thinking leaders in Papua New Guinea’s revenue and customs administrations.
In his opening keynote address, Commissioner General Loi emphasised the importance of investing in people, strengthening leadership capabilities and ensuring that management development translates into meaningful improvements in organisational performance and public service delivery. He reminded participants that their selection recognised their leadership potential and the confidence placed in them by their divisional heads.
“To the participants, I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. The IRC has over 1,264 staff, but you were chosen to be here. You have been entrusted by your respective divisional heads. Use this trust well, learn from the facilitators, learn from each other, be prepared to challenge your own assumptions, and return to your workplace ready to put the learning into practice,” said Commissioner General Loi.
Mr. Loi highlighted that middle manager play a critical role in bridging the gap between senior management and operational teams, translating organisational strategies into practical actions and ensuring policies are effectively implemented. He stressed that while revenue administrations focus on collection targets, compliance outcomes, productivity and performance, effective leadership must place people at the centre of institutional development.
“Know your numbers, but also know your people,” Mr. Loi urged, encouraging managers to recognise potential, coach their officers, acknowledge good performance and address underperformance fairly and consistently. He emphasised that leadership development is measured not only by the number trained, but by the positive changes they bring to their organisations and the people they develop.
Since its establishment in 2011, PMDP has trained more than 280 middle managers, supervisors and team leaders across the Pacific. Originally developed through the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), the program has evolved into a regional leadership development initiative supporting revenue and customs administrations.
The 12th cohort will undertake management training supported by practical workplace projects, applying learning to improve systems, processes and service delivery. Mr. Loi encouraged participants to view their projects as opportunities to leave a lasting professional legacy through meaningful improvements that continue to benefit their organisations.
Reflecting on the IRC’s transformation into a modern tax administration, Mr. Loi said improvements in systems, technology, compliance and organisational structures must be supported by continued investment in staff capabilities and leadership development. He acknowledged the contribution of the PMDP Secretariat, facilitators, organisers and coordinating team.
“To the facilitators, organisers and coordinating team, thank you for continuing to invest your time in the development of our Pacific managers. To all our participants, I wish you a productive and rewarding program over the next two weeks. Let us continue to build ourselves and our administrations to be professional, capable and accountable, and above all, committed to developing the people entrusted to our leadership when we return to our workplaces, because ultimately, the strength of our institutions is reflected in the strength of the people within them,” Mr. Loi said.
He concluded his address by officially declaring the 12th Pacific Manager Development Program open. The occasion marked a milestone for the Commission’s seventh Commissioner General and reaffirmed the IRC’s commitment to strengthening institutional leadership and developing managers capable of driving meaningful change across Papua New Guinea’s public sector.
The IRC remains committed to building a strong, modern and efficient tax administration through professionalism, accountability, innovation and continuous people development.
Approved for Release
Mr. Sam Loi
Commissioner General
Internal Revenue Commission
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