Monday, August 29, 2023
Hon Timothy Masiu, Minister for ICT addressing the Pacific Island Telecommunication Association’s 27th Annual General Meeting and Business Forum Expo today at Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby.
The Pacific Island Telecommunication Association’s (PITA) 27th Annual General Meeting and Business Forum Expo commenced today with the gathering of distinguished guests, local and foreign telecom operators, ICT vendors, and esteemed members of the public and private sectors. The event, hosted by Telikom Limited, marks a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s journey towards digital transformation.
Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for ICT, along with the acting Prime Minister, Hon. John Rosso, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop, were present as special guests, emphasizing the importance of the event in driving digital progress in the nation.
During his address, Minister Masiu underscored the remarkable strides Papua New Guinea has made in the realm of digital transformation. He emphasized the need to seize the opportunities presented by the digital age to propel economic development and social progress in the region.
Papua New Guinea has emerged as a leader in digital advancement through the implementation of pivotal policies and initiatives. The PNG Digital Transformation Policy 2020, the Digital Government Act 2022, and the establishment of the National Cyber Security Centre have laid a solid foundation for the country to position itself as a digital hub in the Pacific.
“The world is changing rapidly, and technology is reshaping the way we live, work, and connect with one another,” stated Minister Masiu. “Papua New Guinea, with its unique cultural heritage and vibrant economy, is well-positioned to leverage these advancements and become a digital hub in the Pacific region.”
One of the noteworthy achievements highlighted by Minister Masiu was the successful pilot implementation of the Government Cloud Infrastructure, currently hosting critical services for 27 government agencies by the PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology. Furthermore, the National Cyber Security Centre actively monitors the networks and endpoint devices of an additional 15 government agencies, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.
Looking towards the future, Minister Masiu added that the government through DICT aims to introduce its first-ever Digital ID Wallet within the next three months. Built on a Federated Secure Data Exchange Platform, the Digital ID Wallet is expected to enhance citizen services and drive the digital transformation agenda across both public and private sectors.
The ICT Minister emphasized the significance of collaboration and partnership in achieving digital resilience. The PITA Annual General Meeting and Business Forum Expo serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and the establishment of strategic alliances. Through these collaborations, the challenges can be collectively addressed, opportunities seized, and a path toward a digitally empowered future can be charted.
Minister Masiu concluded by urging participants to prioritize inclusivity and sustainability in the ongoing digital revolution. He emphasized the need to ensure that no one is left behind and encouraged leveraging technology to protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage.
The event hosted by Telikom Limited is expected to be a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders in the ICT sector and propelling PNG, as well as the wider Pacific region, towards a future of limitless possibilities.