The AI Hackathon 2025 kicked off at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, bringing together industry leaders, students, and innovators who are eager to shape Fiji’s digital future. This event, organized in collaboration with well-known companies such as Honeywell Aerospace, Tata Consultancy Services, and Pacific Technologies, seeks to challenge young talent to address real-world problems through the lens of artificial intelligence.
Kamal Chetty, the chief executive officer of Investment Fiji, underscored the importance of global companies partnering with local talent. “Fiji has a place in the future of global innovation,” he remarked, praising the hackathon’s emphasis on developing practical AI solutions for key sectors, including aviation, tourism, and agriculture. Chetty encouraged participants to view the hackathon as more than just a competition; it represents a significant opportunity for meaningful career development.
“Your role is to build something useful that could scale, create jobs, or even evolve into a startup,” he urged. He emphasized that world-class innovation does not solely arise from larger countries but can originate from people who are curious and disciplined and willing to tackle real issues right from Fiji.
Nazia Taylor, IT senior director at Honeywell Aerospace, also inspired the participants, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from their experiences. She highlighted that the hackathon should focus on problem-solving rather than merely competing for speed or aesthetics in coding. “Today is the beginning of a story we are writing together,” she stated, urging attendees to think critically, collaborate, and innovate.
As the hackathon commenced, participants were filled with optimism and a strong commitment to creating a brighter digital future for both Fiji and the wider Pacific region. The event symbolizes a crucial step toward establishing Fiji as a center of ICT and AI innovation, showcasing the potential of local talent to contribute significantly on a global scale.
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