ICT Professionals Meet to Talk About the Future of Technology in Solomon Islands

As originally published on Solomon Times

Over 100 ICT professionals from across Honiara took part in a forum and networking event on the future of technology in Solomon Islands.

Jointly organised by the IT Society of Solomon Islands(ITSSI) and the Women in IT Solomon Islands(WITSI), the event was supported by Australia’s Cyber Cooperation Program as part of its work to strengthen the local ICT community.

Providing the opening speech, Gordon Denty, IT Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Education and Human Resources of Solomon Islands, and Vice President of ITSSI spoke on the topic of what will come next for the country’s ICT sector. The second speaker, Suzanne Orudiana, IT Manager at the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund, and Interim Treasurer of WITSI shared her ICT career journey, encouraging more Solomon Islanders, especially women, to consider studying and working in the sector.

The speeches were followed by a panel discussion with representatives of a diverse cross-section of Solomon Island’s ICT industry. Panellists included Alice Alisae Aote’e, IT Coordinator at the Solomon Water and the Interim President of WITSI; Smith Iniakwala, Director of Solomon Islands Government ICT Support Unit; Watson Anikwai, Systems Analyst at the Solomon Islands National University; and Elizabeth Sodu, Project Manager at ANZ goMoney Solomon Islands. The interactive discussion focused on opportunities for inclusiveness in technology and how Solomon Islands can best use its human resources to make the most of its digital opportunities.

The networking event brought together professionals from the private sector, government and civil society which was a timely opportunity to discuss how the Coral Sea Cable will revolutionise connectivity in the country.

The event was supported by Australia’s Cyber Cooperation Program which works across the Indo-Pacific to improve regional cyber resilience and supports Australia’s commitment to deliver on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which recognises the vital role of digital technologies to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. With assistance from the Program the ACS is working with ITSSI and WITSI to strengthen their organisational capacity and be the voice of the country’s ICT community.