Following its re-registration with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) in 2025, Wahgi Mek Plantations Limited has undergone significant changes in its corporate governance structure. A new Board of Directors has been appointed to lead the company’s revival and strategic direction.
Gabriel Tai is the current Chairman of the Teachers Savings & Loan Society (TISA) in Papua New Guinea. He has played a significant role in the organization’s growth and transformation over the years. Under his leadership, TISA has evolved from a savings and loan society primarily serving teachers to a broader financial institution that empowers all Papua New Guineans. Gabriel Tai has been instrumental in promoting the values of collective savings and unity, which have been foundational to TISA’s success 2. His experience in governance, strategic guidance, and commitment to ethical and transparent business practices make him a strong candidate for a board role. Mr. Tai brings over 40 years of experience in public service, education, and financial governance. He has served as Chairman of the Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA) for more than two decades.
Gabriel Tai is the current Chairman of the Teachers Savings & Loan Society (TISA) in Papua New Guinea. He has played a significant role in the organization’s growth and transformation over the years. Under his leadership, TISA has evolved from a savings and loan society primarily serving teachers to a broader financial institution that empowers all Papua New Guineans. Gabriel Tai has been instrumental in promoting the values of collective savings and unity, which have been foundational to TISA’s success 2. His experience in governance, strategic guidance, and commitment to ethical and transparent business practices make him a strong candidate for a board role. Mr. Tai brings over 40 years of experience in public service, education, and financial governance. He has served as Chairman of the Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA) for more than two decades.
Debbie brings extensive experience in agricultural program management, extension support, and consultancy. Currently, she serves as the Program Manager for the PNG FPDA Sweet Potato Program. She has provided extension support for the ACIAR/UC/UQ/NARI project and consulted on case studies of women farmers in PNG. Debbie has served as an Extension Advisor/Trainer for the Sweetpotato Commercialisation Project and as a Trainer/Administrator for the Kirapim Kaikai na Maket Project. Her volunteer work includes training women and youth for various NGOs. Additionally, she has experience as a Livelihoods Officer and Senior Scientist in natural resource management. Debbie’s diverse background and skills make her a valuable candidate for a board role.
Mr. Paul Mai is a dedicated community leader and landowner representative in Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea. He has been instrumental in efforts to revive the Waghi Mek Plantation, a significant coffee plantation that was once a major economic driver in the region. Despite the closure of Wahgi Mek, Mr. Mai remained an active staff member during its dormant period and is currently the board Chairman, actively working to rejuvenate the company. His leadership and commitment to the community make him a valuable candidate for a board role.
Roy has over 17 years of experience in both government and private sectors, specializing in policy, regulation, financial and economic analysis, business strategy, investments, and energy. He served as an Economist at the Department of Treasury for 4 years, focusing on economic and structural policy. Roy then spent 9 years as an Executive Manager at ICCC, overseeing regulated SOEs. He later joined PNG Power as Senior Manager, handling regulations, commercial, and compliance. Currently, Roy is a Policy and Regulations Advisor for an Australian Government-funded project.
