Chris Anders of ECOM PNG (Monpi Coffee Exports) will be retiring at the end of this month after many dedicated years with Monpi and in Papua New Guinea. What was meant to be a short stint for experience at the age of 25 turned into a lifelong adventure– one that kept him here until retirement (40-plus years in PNG and 20 years with Monpi). 

Chris began his journey in PNG in the automotive industry before making the leap into coffee with Monpi. Over the years, he worked his way up to become the country manager, leading the company through its fair share of ups and downs. As we all know, PNG is a place where the unexpected is expected every day, and Chris handled it all with resilience and determination. His leadership extended beyond Monpi– he served as the Head of the Chamber of Commerce in Goroka for many years, working closely with the local community. His genuine commitment to the people of PNG earned him not just professional success but also deep trust and respect from colleagues, suppliers, and the wider community. In fact, many of our suppliers continued to work with Monpi simply because they valued Chris and his integrity. 

Chris also played a significant role in building the Monpi team, recruiting many of our colleagues who have stayed with him to this day. Personally, when I first arrived in PNG as a trainee in 2011, Chris took me under his wing for two years, for which I am truly grateful. He has always led by example– he was the first to arrive at the office every morning, often unlocking the doors at 7:30 AM. I once doubted this legendary early-bird habit until a former colleague of his from the automotive industry challenged me to check for myself. Sure enough, the next morning, Chris was already there opening the office. When I tried again the following day, he had somehow managed to get there even earlier– at 7 AM! 

Now, as he heads into retirement, Chris plans to return to Brisbane to spend quality time with his wife, kids, mother, and siblings. A passionate fisherman, he would often make six-hour drives to Lae on weekends just to cast a line. Some say he single-handedly reduced the fish population in PNG– so it looks like Australia’s marine life is about to face the same fate! 😉 

On behalf of all of us at Monpi/ECOM, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris for his years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and hope he enjoys every moment of this next chapter. 

- Gana Hottengada

Kawacom Uganda Receives Employer Compliance Award

The National Social Security Fund office held its 6th Eastern region employer meeting on the 11th April 2025 at Mbale Resort Hotel in Mbale City. This meeting was in line with their commitment to improve transparency and accountability to all its members. During the meeting, Kawacom was honored to receive the Employer Compliance Award 2025 in recognition of its outstanding commitment to compliance and employee welfare.

This prestigious award reflects Kawacom's dedication to upholding the highest standards in regulatory adherence and ethical employment practices. Kawacom continues to foster a workplace culture rooted in responsibility, transparency, and respect. This achievement not only underscores the company's leadership in compliance within the industry but also strengthens its reputation as a trusted and exemplary employer. Moving forward, Kawacom remains committed to sustaining these high standards, ensuring continued growth and excellence in all its operations.