The Board Chair of DATEC (Fiji) PTE Limited, Mr Isikeli Tikoduadua,

The CEO of DATEC (Fiji) PTE Limited, Mr Satyen Singh,

Renowned Global Technology Vendors,

Esteemed Delegates from Fiji and across the Pacific,

Business Leaders in ICT and Invited Guests,

Members of the Media,

Bula Vinaka and good morning. It is a pleasure to join you all for the second “Fiji Tech Summit”. On behalf of the Fiji Government and the people of Fiji, I would like to welcome you to Fiji.

At the outset, I would like to acknowledge DATEC (Fiji) PTE Limited for organising this event – giving attention to this year’s theme which is “Connecting Pacific”. As digital leaders, everyone present here today plays a crucial role in planning and shaping the future in this dynamic field of technology for the “Pacific People”.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Summit is a unique opportunity for you to exchange knowledge and collaborate amongst yourselves. As we stand at the peak of technological advancements, planning becomes not just a strategic choice but a necessity. The future of ICT holds both unprecedented opportunities and challenges, and it is through thoughtful planning that we can navigate these waters successfully.

So, over the course of these two days, you have within reach solutions to better plan the transformation journey for your respective organisations and your customers, be well informed on the tech trends and have a modern and secure ICT infrastructure.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

When I received the formal invitation to officiate at this event, I accepted not only as your line Minister, but also as a technology enthusiast, above all, because this year’s theme is so relevant in today’s interconnected world. Indeed, the Coalition Government will stay the course with our digital transformation as a matter of absolute necessity for the progressive attainment of the sustainable development goals. And I’d like to share about the developments that we are undertaking.

Technology spurs various sectors, and sectors such as communication, education, healthcare and commerce would not be accessible in remote communities if not for the transformative role of technology – a true catalyst for socio-economic growth and development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Fiji is one of the key Pacific Island countries spearheading digital transformation in the region, and as industry stalwarts, you already may be aware of the recent “South Pacific Connect Initiative” announced by Google for a new submarine cable which will connect Fiji through a second Cable Landing Station in Viti Levu to both Australia and the USA.

Connecting our most remote communities to digital technologies remains a priority and in addition to our Universal Service programme in partnership with the telecommunications sector, we are currently partnering with the UN and ITU on the Smart Islands Project and the pilot site that has been selected is Rotuma Island. Once we successfully complete that project, we can then use this as a model for other remote sites in Fiji.

Fiji is also currently processing the licence for Starlink which is a leading Satellite broadband provider and when operational, will have 100 percent internet coverage throughout Fiji. This will be a huge win for our Outsourcing industry, placing us as a top destination for those looking at outsourcing to Fiji whilst at the same time investing in our ICT sector.

With the objective to continue to have key Government services available online and accessible to the public anywhere at any time, – we are implementing the businessNOW programme which aims to bring “Starting a Business and Obtaining Construction ” permits processes across 16 agencies fully online. This builds from the work that my Ministry has completed with digitalising the registrar of companies services and the births, deaths and marriages services.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With these commitments of your Government, we must continue to remain close to the opportunities and challenges that come with the rapid advancements in technology. Firstly, we must acknowledge the rapid pace of technological innovation, for example artificial intelligence, technology in particular the ICT landscape is witnessing breakthroughs that were once considered a fantasy about the future. And for that reason, planning for the future in ICT means staying abreast of these advancements, anticipating their impact, and leveraging them to drive positive change.

One crucial aspect of planning is cybersecurity. As our dependence on digital systems grows, so does the need to fortify our defenses against cyber threats, so a well-thought-out and actionable security strategy is paramount to safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the seamless functioning of ICT infrastructure. Coupled with this, you have an important role in safeguarding the integrity of the supply chain.

Having spent most of my professional career as a Chartered Accountant and a Banker, I know too well the importance of planning for the future, which involves investing in the workforce. So, the ICT professionals of tomorrow need to be equipped with a diverse skill set that goes beyond traditional coding. Soft skills such as adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving are becoming increasingly important. Planning for the future means fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and skill development.

Furthermore, environmental sustainability must be at the forefront of ICT planning. As we witness the environmental impact of technology, it becomes imperative to adopt eco-friendly practices in our ICT strategies such as energy-efficient data centers, responsible disposal of electronic waste, and the development of green technologies. By doing so, we not only ensure the success of our respective organisations but also contribute to a future where technology serves as a force for positive transformation. So, let us plan wisely, adapt boldly, and embark on this journey into the future of Information Technology with confidence and purpose.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a lead-in to this event, I had time to canvass the communique around the “Fiji Tech Summit” on Social Media – and it was brought to my attention that the event has 13 female team members from 10 vendors, 1 female panelist, 12 females as part of events management from DATEC and 36 female delegates – these numbers need to be urgently bolstered, sharing our vision for an ICT space that invites innovation, information-sharing and above all inclusivity and empowerment!

We must ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in all sectors. This is a key priority of the Coalition Government.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last but not the least, STEM innovations have wide-reaching impacts, and having diverse voices at the table ensures that the benefits are shared equitably among different demographics and gaps are holistically addressed. In essence, having women in STEM is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic advantage for progress and innovation on a global scale. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2050, 75 percent of all jobs will be related to STEM areas. We need all hands on deck to meet this demand!

Coming back to today’s event, ladies and gentlemen, I encourage you all to use this opportunity to collaborate and build your network throughout the Summit. Our coming together is about the “Pacific People”. Let’s continue to build partnerships that can drive sustainable tech innovation and regional growth as we take the lead in “Connecting the Pacific”.

I look forward to the outcomes of the Fiji Tech Summit 2023 and the positive impact it will have on the South Pacific Region.

Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.