Fiji is making strides in enhancing its digital landscape, as evidenced by the recent presentation of its National Digital Strategy at the “Digital Culture Construction for Belt and Road Countries” seminar held in China this week. This notable seminar, organized by the Chinese Government, facilitates collaboration among representatives from 35 developing countries, focusing on the essential knowledge required for digital advancements.
Albert Wong, an Information Technology specialist from the Suva City Council, represented Fiji at this seminar and provided insights into the nation’s newly launched digital strategy, which aims to tackle challenges like the digital divide and broadband connectivity issues that affect both rural and urban areas. Wong expressed optimism regarding Fiji’s future digital transformation, particularly highlighting the introduction of Google into the local market, which includes plans to establish a data center in Fiji. He believes this will significantly enhance digital interventions for the Pacific region, reinforcing Fiji’s position as a pivotal hub in the area.
Wong’s comments echo the broader aims of Fiji’s National Digital Strategy, which was formally approved by the Cabinet and outlines a coordinated approach to leverage digital technology for sustainable economic growth across various sectors. This strategy marks a commitment to enhance digital infrastructure, expand access to technology, and promote digital literacy, ensuring that all Fijians, from farmers to urban entrepreneurs, can benefit from a digitally inclusive future.
Furthermore, the two-week seminar program provided delegates with the opportunity to visit technology-driven cities in China, showcasing the extent to which artificial intelligence and other technological tools have been integrated into urban development. Wong noted that while Fiji has made significant advancements in digital materials, there still remains a journey toward achieving a fully immersive virtual reality experience.
As Fiji embraces this digital transformation, the collective efforts represented at the seminar underline a hopeful outlook for the nation. By fostering collaborations and capitalizing on innovations, Fiji is poised to create not only a more connected society but also one that is sustainable and equitable, paving the way for a prosperous digital economy in the years to come.
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