The Government of PNG is following the footsteps of many other APEC members to embrace digital transformation to accelerate digital economy.
Recently at the PNG government announced the development of a new National ICT Roadmap and current projects under the Universal Access Service Program aimed at empowering rural and isolated communities at the Papua New Guinea Digital Economy Forum 2018, held at Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby.
This is the start of PNG’s Digital journey and will be the foundation upon building a Digital Nation.
The PNG Digital Economy Forum 2018 was initiated by Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Energy, organized by National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and in association with Huawei PNG.
“Positioning PNG on the global stage largely depends on our ability to adapt to new conditions. Inadequate access to the latest technology, sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure, low computer literacy as well as numerous cultural and socio-economic factors are just some of the challenges that we now face. On the other hand, with a clear policy and specific plans and objectives, it is possible to "skip" a few steps and effectively respond to the demands of the global market.
That is why today we will be making some announcements around our future National ICT Roadmap and Universal Access Regime to support increased network coverage and provide improved internet access,” said Charles Abel, Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea in his opening speech.
The ministry has announced the development of a National ICT Roadmap, this initiative will lead to establishing a solid ICT development policy and the important approaches for respective department and authorities to develop ICT for the following five years.
“ICT is an engine to transform PNG and it is certain that ICT investment will benefit in the GDP growth of a country from the numerous examples in our neighboring countries. The ICT Roadmap emphasizes six key pillar that needed to be addressed in equipping the key public sector driver of the ICT Sector and its policies, namely Digital Infrastructure, Digital Government, Digital Services, Digital Skills, Digital Business Environment and Digital Safety. Our Digital future will improve industries and enable them to sell goods and services globally, provide much needed rural coverage to connect citizens and businesses. We will also be able to build an educated and digitally literate society for our next generation,” said Sam Basil, Minister of Communications, Information Technology and Energy at the forum.
Besides, there is also an announcement of the progress of the Universal Access Program by NICTA, in regards to amplifying coverage of national broadband network.
According to Charles Punaha, Chief Executive Officer of NICTA, “In order to achieve an outstanding digital transformation, we must first ensure our broadband coverage is widely covers not only the urban area, but also the suburban and rural region in all provinces. The Universal Access Service Regime is aimed to build a full coverage for the nation. Secondly, we will have to make sure our professionals are equipped with ICT skillsets.”
Meantime, during the forum, NICTA and Huawei PNG sealed a Memorandum of Understanding to promoting the development of ICT industry in PNG and provide training to ICT personal.
“Huawei PNG is collaborating with NICTA to fund a scholarship in founding a group of young ICT professionals. We will also conduct training, internship and even job opportunities to well-performed students from universities and institutions in PNG. This is part of Huawei’s Corporate Responsibility program. Huawei is honor to be part of this initiative and we aim to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world,” said Jacky Xu, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei PNG.
Participants discovered the latest technologies at the PNG ICT Expo 2018, which is ran concurrently with the PNG Digital Economy Forum 2018 from the 17th to the 18th of May.
Partners included Huawei, Digicel PNG, Digitec PNG, Telikom PNG, Remington Technology, Fuji Xerox Business Centre, Data Solutions PNG, Agri-Tech Organics PNG, DALCO, DataCo and Bmobile Vodafone.
More excitingly, Huawei also took the opportunity to launch its latest flagship device, the highly-anticipated HUAWEI P20 series which includes the HUAWEI P20 and the HUAWEI P20 Pro at the forum.
The HUAWEI P20 Pro features the world’s first Leica triple lens camera and the HUAWEI P20 offers a new Leica dual lens. Both devices offer artificial intelligence powered technology and beautiful design.