A Story of Resilience & Growth

In the heart of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay region, we, at otherDOTS (formerly Milne Bay SME Inc), continue to build on our story of resilience and growth against all odds. Despite the challenges of isolation and limited resources, our passionate team came together with one clear vision: to uplift our community through innovation, sustainable business practices, and technology. Deeply connected to the land and its people, we transformed local knowledge into powerful market opportunities, overcoming adversity with unwavering determination.

Our evolution is rooted in digital technology and relevant modern solutions that can ensure the preservation of the way of life and traditions of communities. These tools enable us to give a voice to the voiceless and provide visibility to those previously excluded. Through digital platforms and improved Infrastructure, we empower our people to connect with the world, share their stories, and thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

This journey has not only built growing enterprises but has also nurtured a spirit of self-sufficiency and Inclusivity where individuals and families are equipped with the tools to shape their own futures and prosper. Our Impact reflects the power of local wisdom, resourcefulness, and the belief that real change starts from within the community. Today, as we stand ready to scale our impact, we hope to inspire, proving that even in the face of adversity, communities can grow and flourish through collaboration, innovation, and a deep respect for Humanity and the Environment that sustains us.

Our Collective Impact

Our strength is in collaboration, and the results speak for themselves.

Rhona Conn
Chief Executive Officer

A visionary Indigenous entrepreneur from Papua New Guinea with 20+ years of experience in agribusiness, SME development, and rural empowerment.

CEO's Message
For Our People, For Our Future

At otherDOTS, we stand at a pivotal moment—a turning point not just for us, but for generations to come. This is our call to action, our shared duty to transform the Pacific into a region where every person has the chance to dream, thrive, and build a future filled with promise.

Our footprints begin in Milne Bay, my home, where I’ve witnessed both the immense challenges our people face, but more so the incredible resilience they possess. Together, we’ve confronted barriers to education, limited opportunities, and systemic inequalities. Yet through these hardships, I’ve seen a steadfast belief in the power of collaboration and innovation to create lasting change.

Our work starts here and extends across Papua New Guinea—the Big Brother of the Pacific—and then beyond. It’s not just about addressing the struggles we’ve experienced firsthand; it’s about unleashing the untapped potential within our communities. With the right resources, visionary partnerships, and a commitment to act, we can break the cycle of hardship and build pathways toward progress.

At otherDOTS, we are building bridges to equitable opportunities through the power of technology with digital education to underserved communities, creating fair and sustainable trade systems, and empowering people to harness their culture and strength as tools for transformation. This is where the global stage meets the local heart—where partners who believe in our mission help us deliver real, lasting impact.

This is not just a project; it’s a promise to the next generation. To the children of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific: we see you, we hear you, and we are acting for you today. Together—with our communities, our allies, and our shared vision—we are building a legacy of resilience, opportunity, and hope.

It’s time to unite to transform our Region—one province, one community, and one shared dream at a time.

Let’s connect the dots and make every one of them count.

Sincerely,

Rhona , CEO

Team Driving otherDOTS Evolution

We are a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise from fields like strategic management, technology, finance, and agribusiness. From military leadership to global entrepreneurship, and from grassroots community development to cutting-edge digital innovation, our team reflects a rich tapestry of experience. Together, we unite these strengths to craft tailored, impactful solutions that drive sustainable growth and resilience, empowering Pacific communities to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.

LTCOL Terry O’Neill

Head of Humanitarian & Risk

Five decades of military leadership and community service, now focused on fair trade and digital education in the Pacific.

Peter Lazou

Chairman & Head of Investment

A visionary serial entrepreneur with global impact, three exits, and expertise in innovation, venture building, and investment

Ivan Tava

Chief Operations Officer

A senior leader with extensive experience in strategic management, having held key seniors roles at PwC New Zealand and Stats NZ, focusing on community engagement and business strategy across the South Pacific.

Todd Crowley
Advisor

25+ years of experience in strategic engagement and project delivery across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Nikhil Sharma
Chief Financial Officer

Senior Manager with over 35 years of experience in finance and business improvement, specializing in driving operational improvements, implementing strategic changes, and enhancing performance across Asia and the Middle East.

Janno Stern
Chief Technical Officer

20+ years experience in product design and development - building digital (software) and physical (hardware) products that innovate and improve people’s lives.

The Future of OtherDOTS

Our next stage of growth focuses on scaling our impact, expanding partnerships, and driving innovation to deliver sustainable, community-centred solutions on a global scale.

Digital Transformation

Leverage AI to scale logistics, e-commerce, and digital finance, connecting 1M rural users by 2028.

Empowerment Centres & Infrastructure

Establish 50+ hubs to support entrepreneurs and farmers, driving economic inclusivity in Asia-Pacific.

Optimise Supply Chain & Export Capacity

Enhance logistics and biosecurity to enable direct exports to MENA, Australia, and Asia.

Global Brand & Market Expansion

Build global brands for Pacific organic produce (e.g. cocoa, coffee, vanilla, coconut) with D2C e-commerce growth.

EntrepreneurU

Empowering Rural Youth and Communities through Entrepreneurial Education and Community Investment

Idea Incubation and Development: Turning Ideas into Impact

The incubation phase empowers students to ideate, validate, and refine solutions tackling community challenges, fostering ventures that deliver measurable social impact.

Venture Launch and Community Growth: Equipping Students for Impact

Alongside funding and mentorship, we provide comprehensive resources to help students launch and scale their ventures, equipping them to create lasting impact.

Entrepreneurial and Lifelong Learning: A Foundation for Empowerment and Ownership

An entrepreneurial learning program offering rural high school graduates who cannot afford tertiary education or did not secure placement the opportunity to gain essential life and business skills—accessible and completely tuition-free.

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