Vavine Kila Nadesalingam

Vani K. Nades is the Chief Executive Officer of Emstret Holdings Limited, a leading Papua New Guinean ICT and social impact enterprise committed to expanding digital access and empowering underserved communities. Her leadership is grounded in a personal journey that began in a small village, where limited resources were met with determination, resilience, and a belief in the transformative power of opportunity. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to creating pathways for others—particularly youth, women, and rural communities.

With more than 21 years of experience in the education sector, Vani has been a strong advocate for second‑chance learning, working extensively with disadvantaged and at‑risk youths to help them re‑enter education, build skills, and pursue meaningful futures. This foundation in human development continues to influence her strategic approach to technology, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

As CEO of Emstret Holdings, Vani has led the organisation’s growth into a respected national provider of affordable internet services and digital solutions. Her vision extends beyond connectivity; she is committed to building ecosystems that enable people and businesses to thrive in a digital economy. This vision materialised in the establishment of Emstret Space (E‑Space), one of PNG’s pioneering entrepreneur hubs. E‑Space provides local SMEs and startups with access to mentorship, training, digital tools, and a collaborative environment designed to accelerate business growth and innovation.

Vani’s leadership and advocacy have earned her significant international recognition, including Gold Winner for Women in Tech – Emerging Leader, People’s Choice Winner at the Business Women Changing the World Awards (UK), and the Bizz Excellence Award in Portugal, Europe. These honours reflect her influence as a champion for digital inclusion, women’s leadership, and community‑driven development.

She currently serves on several boards and advisory groups, contributing to national and regional conversations on technology, education, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Her governance work is driven by a commitment to shaping systems that create equitable access to opportunity and long‑term, sustainable change.

From her beginnings as a village child to her role as a globally recognised leader, Vani’s career is defined by purpose, service, and the belief that opportunity when shared has the power to transform communities. Through Emstret, E‑Space, and her broader advocacy, she continues to build pathways for the next generation of Papua New Guinean innovators, leaders, and changemakers.