Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea (BCPNG), in partnership with BSP Financial Group, SBS Tech, BPC Banking Technologies, and Duco Consultancy, hosted the 7th Futures Forum today at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby.
The event marked a major progress in PNG’s digital transformation journey, bringing together government leaders, investors, and technology experts to chart the country’s digital future.
Discussions focused on PNG’s progress in digital transformation and the strategic pathways ahead. The forum highlighted the country’s active engagement with global technology trends, including artificial intelligence, drone innovation, cybersecurity, and critical mineral supply chains. These themes underscored PNG’s growing relevance in the regional and global digital economy.
Government officials shared updates on key initiatives such as the SevisPNG e-government platform, which integrates digital IDs, online services, and secure digital payments. Infrastructure development was also a central topic, with plans for micro data centers aimed at supporting digital services and reducing operational costs. Speakers emphasized the importance of affordable, regionally tailored ICT infrastructure to drive inclusive growth across both public and private sectors.
Cybersecurity featured prominently amid rising threats to national institutions. Experts called for smarter, proactive security solutions, including early integration of safeguards in system design and better management of digital identities. These efforts are critical to protecting PNG’s digital assets and ensuring public trust in emerging technologies.
The forum also explored PNG’s strategic position in global supply chains for critical minerals—essential for technologies such as batteries and semiconductors. This opportunity places PNG at the forefront of the global energy transition and opens new avenues for economic development.
Partnering organizations reaffirmed their commitment to building a vibrant digital economy and a smart, inclusive government. Discussions emphasized that successful digital transformation requires whole-of-government coordination and active collaboration across all sectors.