Innovative technology has shifted business operations from traditional to modern methods. In an interview with PNG Business News, Remington Group CEO Navin Raju shared his vision and stressed the necessity of adapting to these changes.
The Remington Group Board of Directors recently appointed Raju as the new CEO, recognizing his extensive experience in leadership and business development. Prior to this role, he was CEO of CPL Group PNG and held other senior positions in various companies, including Heli Nuigini Limited.
The Remington Group, formerly a key typewriter distributor in the Pacific and now a leading printer distributor in Papua New Guinea, faces new challenges. Raju mentions that the brand had an early presence in the Fiji Islands, as noted by his father.
"It began with typewriters, and Remington was a significant business across the Pacific. My 80-year-old father noted that Remington sold typewriters in Fiji when he was young," he said.
The Remington brand has been supplying products to PNG since 1948 and has continuously adapted its business model to keep pace with technological advancements and changing times.
"The essence of our business has remained consistent, but we are now facing a pivotal moment. Our line of business is likely to decline as society increasingly adopts paperless solutions and e-commerce."
He stressed that Remington Group must adapt to changing market dynamics. "We aim to find new products and services that match our current offerings. My goal is to grow the business while contributing to the country's growth for the next many more years."
“We aim to be leaders in the print and ICT sectors as technology evolves,” Raju said.
The Remington Group is the preeminent provider of business solutions, print technology, and related services in Papua New Guinea. With an unwavering commitment to quality and local talent development, Remington has been a pivotal entity in PNG’s business sector for 76 years.
Since its inception, the Group has cultivated a comprehensive portfolio, encompassing Remington Technology, FX Business Centre PNG, Premier Business Solutions PNG, and BizPrint PNG. Its extensive national presence extends beyond Port Moresby to several key provinces, including Lae, Madang, Kokopo, Wewak, Goroka, and Mt. Hagen.
Remington’s print technology solutions furnish businesses, government offices, and organizations within PNG with superior operational platforms in business services, document solutions, and commercial printing.
During the interview, Raju detailed his journey to PNG. Originally from Fiji and having grown up in New Zealand, he arrived on a three-year contract in 2010 and has since made PNG his home over the past 14 years.
"My family and I have grown fond of this place. We feel integrated into the country and are committed to PNG," he stated.
He emphasizing the cultural nuances in business settings. Drawing from his Fijian background, he remarked, "I understand Melanesian culture and the challenges that young Papua New Guineans face in the workforce."
He stressed the importance of practical exposure, saying: "While theoretical knowledge is essential, providing practical experiences and exposure is crucial for success."
Raju described the working environment in PNG as dynamic, with daily challenges emerging regularly. "It is vital to understand the social circumstances of employees; often, a missed day of work stems from deeper underlying issues impacting their lives," he concluded.
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Raju emphasized the importance of having Papua New Guineans in management, advocating for their promotion to senior roles with the right skills. As he shared his past experiences, he noted the need for qualified candidates to prevent mismanagement.
Despite challenges like corruption, fraud, crime, and poor infrastructure in PNG, Raju remains hopeful about nurturing local talent.
“We need to invest in education and provide exposure to prepare Papua New Guineans that can effectively take on leadership roles.”
“Exposure is crucial. People may have the theoretical knowledge, but we must provide them with the practical experiences necessary to succeed,” he asserted.
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On the economic front, Raju articulated concerns regarding the business sector, particularly with respect to the availability of foreign exchange.
“Our overheads are considerably affected by the forex situation, making it challenging for us to maintain competitiveness,” he explained. He urged for enhanced government support to improve the operational environment for businesses.
As Remington Group continues to adapt to market demands, Mr. Raju stressed the need for forming partnerships that prioritize local printing over international production.
“We must deliver the right products at competitive prices to remain viable. Increasing business volume is crucial for achieving cost efficiency,” Raju said as he reaffirmed his vision, which now forms the cornerstone of the Remington Group's objectives.
“We have been a part of PNG’s growth for the past 76 years, and this company remains committed to contributing to the nation's development for many more years. We aim to be integral to the print and ICT environment, furthering the advancement of modern technology."
“Our vision is to become a leader in this domain as we pursue our business endeavors. This new vision reflects our ambition to lead and contribute to the country's growth in this sector,” he added.
PNG Business News congratulates CEO Navin Raju on his new role and expresses gratitude to the Remington Group for their ongoing dedication to providing quality services.
