Karo Lelai General Counsel, Petromin PNG Holdings
8 June 2017

How did you come to be in the oil and gas industry?

I joined a law firm that was involved with oil and gas, as soon as I became admitted to the PNG Bar.

Aside from low commodity prices what do you believe is the greatest challenge to our industry’s future growth?

More competition for limited markets.

Where do you see the greatest opportunity in today’s global oil and gas markets and how are you positioned to capture this opportunity?

Greatest opportunity is still in Asia. I am currently in an organisation that will market its product to Asia.

What are the strategic priorities for your company in the next 12 months?

To survive the commodity cycle until such time that the next major mining project goes into construction in PNG.

What are the strategic priorities for your company in the next 12 months?

Our legislation is continually susceptible to legislative changes.

How would you describe your company in one sentence to a new client/partner/investor?

PNG’s National minerals company.

What is your goal in attending this event and what takeaways would you like other attendees to go home with regarding your company and your work both in Asia and further afield?

1. Develop my public speaking skills.

2. Expand my network.

3. Learn more about the industry in Asia-Pacific.

What is your proudest work-related achievement to date?

Lead lawyer for Petromin on the Solwara 1 Deep Sea Mining Project.

What was the wisest advice you received from a mentor?

Thing fast, talk slowly.

What advice would you pass onto a recent graduate wishing to work in oil & gas?

Put your head down and do the hard yards. The money comes later.

Name one interesting fact about you that no one would suspect?

I need a 6 month holiday.

How do you prefer to spend your spare time?

Travelling the world with my family.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Papua New Guinea.

What three items would you take with you to a desert island? (NB: you may not choose a boat, raft, satellite phone or a book on ‘Practical raft-building for Dummies’)

Spoon, coffee, serviette.

About Karo Lelai

Karo Lelai graduated from the University of PNG with a Bachelor of Law in 1997. She received a certificate of training from the Legal Training Institute in 1998. Mrs. Lelai has nine years of commercial law experience with reputable commercial law firm Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers, prior to joining Petromin in early 2008 and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She completed a Masters in Business Administration at the University of PNG in 2012. Mrs. Lelai is also Deputy Chairman of the PNG Athletes Commission and is a Board member of the PNG Sports Federation and Olympic Committee. She is a registered member of the PNG Law Society. Mrs Lelai is a registered professional member of the PNG Institute of Directors.