Duruba has been with the bank for more than 11 years and has been a "passionate advocate of staff development and promoter of the capabilities of our Papua New Guinean staff", BSP said.

BSP said that 55 staff members graduated from various courses, with most awarded Certificate IV in frontline management - an Australian accredited qualification in collaboration with Learning Potential International.

Group retail bank GM Paul Thornton said, BSP regarded skilled and motivated staff as key to addressing today's banking challenges.

"The rapid pace of change in the financial industry and the increasing complexity of the industry, require staff to be exposed to international markets and training programs to upskill and empower them in their roles and career progression.

"Our investment in human resource development is an ongoing program with BSP's graduate development program for new graduates, the leadership development program where we identify emerging leaders and build their capabilities, and our ongoing on-the-job skills development program," he said.

"With the institute, our team leaders are equipped with general supervisory skills and knowledge as part of their on-the-job development. They are also able to specifically focus on work based projects on improving services, processes and communication," Thornton said.

The Institute of Banking and Business Management is the longest established private sector training organisation in PNG and has been one of the country's providers of pragmatic, cost-effective training in administrative, finance, banking, commerce, supervisory and management skills since 1965.