Palau president proposes digital payment system, but lawmakers raise concerns

Surangel Whipps Jr. KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — A new bill introduced by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. seeks to create a government-backed digital payment system in Palau, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive credit card networks and...

Palau, the remote Pacific idyll that habours big ambitions

In American Caesar, his epic biography of General MacArthur, who commanded the USA’s Pacific campaign in the Second World War, William Manchester points out that among many challenges that the US troops faced besides the enemy – earthquakes,...

Small island nations provide big environmental solutions but need finance partners (commentary)

Small island nations offer the world powerful environmental solutions — from “blue” climate finance innovations to marine conservation — but they need the international community to match their ambition with fairness and support. Antigua and...

Investing in Palau’s clean energy transition

The Albanese Government is supporting Palau’s renewable energy transition by investing a further $16.4 million to upgrade the country’s electricity network infrastructure. The upgrade will provide improved network reliability while increasing the...

Whipps opens 4th Taiwan-Palau Trade and Cultural Show, touting 41% Trade growth

KOROR, Palau (July 12, 2025) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. officially opened the fourth Taiwan-Palau Trade and Cultural Show on July 11, alongside Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Jessica C. Lee, in a ceremony attended by government officials,...

PPR associates awarded all-expenses-paid trip to Tokyo by Tokyu Land Corporation

Koror, Palau – [July 13, 2025] – Palau Pacific Resort, renowned for its world-class hospitality and proudly known as “Like No Other Island Dream,” is delighted to announce that three outstanding team members have been honored with a prestigious...

China's aircraft carriers push into waters long dominated by US

As China girds for a deepening global rivalry with the United States, Beijing is testing how far its navy can operate from home, and how well its warships can work together on the open seas. In recent exercises involving two aircraft carriers,...

Strengthening Taiwan-Palau Friendship: Trade and Culture Expo Ignites Island Carnival Spirit

Chinese ships seen as PH, US hold joint drills off Zambales

ZAMBALES, Philippines–Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessels were sighted even before the start of the maritime drills between the Philippines and the United States in the waters of Zambales on Wednesday. The...

Palau president on Pacific Mini Games: 'It is all about...lifting each other up'

President Whipps presenting a medal at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Plaau. 1 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau Hosting the 2025 Pacific Mini Games is a significant undertaking - particularly for a small,...

Australia Commits $16.4 Million to Boost Palau’s Renewable Energy Project

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang (edited: 7/14/2025) KOROR, Palau (July 10, 2025) — Australia has pledged $16.4 million to support the next phase of Palau’s transition to renewable energy, with funds designated to secure a battery energy storage...

Australian support enhances connectivity for Palau’s Bureau of Public Safety

During the current deployment of the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) to Palau to support the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, PPSG officers worked closely with the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) and made use of its radio infrastructure. To support...

Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games sets a zero tolerance standard against abuse and harassment  

In a milestone for sport in the region, safeguarding is being integrated into every aspect of a Pacific Games for the first time, from pre-Games training to on-ground support during the event. This year’s Pacific Mini Games in Palau feature close...

Seen but never welcomed, the Bajau Laut of Semporna continue to lose out in tourism boom

SEMPORNA, July 17 — On the sparkling waters off Sabah’s east coast, tourism is thriving as nearly 2,000 mostly Chinese tourists and divers flock to the picturesque islands around Semporna every day for the insta-worthy white sand beaches, water...

Jazz greats are lighting up Valencia this summer as Palau Festival returns

SOME of the biggest names in international jazz have descended on Valencia this summer for the 28th edition of the city’s celebrated Palau de la Música Jazz Festival. Running from June 12 to July 27, the festival features a world-class lineup...

29 Taiwanese firms join 2025 Taiwan-Palau Expo to boost trade, cultural ties

Koror, Palau – A Taiwan – Palau Trade and Cultural Show will be held from July 11-13 at Surangel & Son’s super center. The Trade & Cultural Show will present 29 Taiwanese companies aiming to promote bilateral economic cooperation such as...

Homegrown Business Boom

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau – A new food wagon called Prime Grub opened on Wednesday July 2nd located at the small open lot next to WCTC’s Kwik Mart in Topside. According to one of the workers Ysikl Yano it is 100% local business...

FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania Conference 1, Stop 5: Palau Claim Another Win in Thrilling Overtime Final

KOROR (Palau) - Stop 5 of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League – Oceania, Conference 1 was packed with excitement, through both the pool games and the finals match-ups. There were overtime games, comeback victories, statement wins and impressive...

NBS Samoa Weightlifting Team earn 28 of Samoa’s 59 Total Medals in Palau

The NBS Samoa Weightlifting team have ended the Pacific Mini Games 2025 in Palau with another epic performance. Tha National Bank of Samoa Weightlifters earned 28 of Samoa’s 59 total medal tally at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau which is the best...

Palau, Japan, Taiwan partner to develop pollution-free salt industry, wellness tourism

MELEKEOK, Palau (June 26, 2025) — A delegation of Japanese and Taiwanese entrepreneurs is partnering with Palau to develop a pollution-free salt industry and promote sustainable wellness tourism, following the signing of a memorandum of...