BENJAMIN RALAI: ATHLETE, STUDENT,AND ACCIDENTAL FASHION MODEL
Port Moresby, PNG – March 22, 2025 – At just 21 years old and standing tall at 182 cm, Benjamin Ralai is a young man with a passion for sports and fitness. Hailing from Irupara Village in Central Province, with roots in Daru, Western Province, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, Benjamin's unique background shapes his perspective on life and fuels his dreams for the future.
As the second youngest of nine siblings—four girls and five boys, including himself—Benjamin's upbringing has been grounded in family values. His father, who passed away three years ago, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire him. His mother, a housewife, remains in the village, supporting her children as they strive to create better futures.
Benjamin is currently a student at FODE Institution in the National Capital District (NCD), balancing his academic pursuits with a deep commitment to rugby. He plays for the Jaggarnotz Rugby Union team, dedicating himself to training and improving his skills on the field. Beyond rugby, Benjamin’s love for fitness extends to working out at the gym, jogging, and staying active whenever he has free time. He also enjoys fishing in the coastal waters of his village during the holidays—a connection to his roots and a way to relax and recharge.
Unbeknownst to him, earlier this year, Benjamin was spotted by Bridgette Kassman of PNG Fashion Week at Vision City. After hearing about the event and receiving encouragement from Bridgette, who emphasized the incredible opportunity to represent PNG in the fashion world, Benjamin was inspired to pursue this new path.
PNG Fashion Week is known for its commitment to discovering and nurturing new talent, offering opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams in the fashion industry. The event prides itself on providing a platform for aspiring models and designers to shine and make their mark on the global stage.
Although initially skeptical, Benjamin's family soon rallied behind him, encouraging him to seize the opportunity—especially given his tall stature, which they believed made him a natural fit for the fashion industry.
“I see myself in five years representing PNG not only in sports but maybe also in fashion. The opportunities that PNG Fashion Week offers are incredible, and I want to be part of it. It’s a dream to combine both my passion for sports and this new pathway,” says Benjamin, whose journey is just beginning.
As a young man with big ambitions, Benjamin’s story reflects the drive and resilience of many youth in Papua New Guinea. He continues to juggle his education, athletic career, and aspirations in the fashion world, all while staying grounded in the values of family and community.