Q&A:

Super CEO Paul Sayer

Q: Nambawan Super has played a major role in driving domestic investment recently. Can you describe your investment strategies?

A: We continue to invest in PNG and we’re currently holding a fair proportion of our money in cash while we continue to look for opportunities. There are certainly opportunities within the country, but we’re also in a growth phase of the fund, so we’re also looking internationally.

Q: Things are quiet on the Port Moresby stock exchange, so is it really unlisted opportunities you’re looking for? Can you nominate some successful investments made by the fund?

A: We look for any investment opportunities that match our risk and return criteria. These may include family businesses at a significant stage of growth. Where a business has outgrown its family ownership model and is ready to expand we can play the role of a private equity or venture capitalist. We can also support those businesses with stronger governance and a wider shareholding that provides returns to all Papua New Guineans. We hold a large proportion of Paradise Foods. We also have other investments, such as SP Brewery.

Q: What about your property portfolio?

A: We’ve built the new Deloitte Haus in Port Moresby. It will be part of a complex of three buildings, including the Nambawan Plaza. The other two buildings will include residences. We are building them in a joint venture with Lamana Development.

Q: What other initiatives are you looking at?

A: One of the things we’re focused on is the post-retirement stage for our members. We’re looking to provide an income stream rather than giving them a lump sum that they will need to manage through their retirement. One of the challenges for us is to encourage members to let us invest that lump sum so they can continue to access the power of our investment skills. ■