Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) chief strategic and information officer Seymour Singh is preparing to meet potential bidders at the inaugural Pacific Fiber Conference and Training in Nadi, as WAF plans a major upgrade of its ICT infrastructure. Singh said WAF is issuing fresh tenders this year for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, housing, telecommunication and internet services, telemetry services, and Microsoft licenses, with an expected annual spend of about two to three million dollars. He emphasized that the authority will network with bidders at the event and, once proposals are in, will adopt the market’s best-suited solutions. He also warned that cybersecurity must be a central consideration, noting that WAF should expect cyber hurdles rather than assuming only cyberattacks, and highlighted the conference as an ideal networking opportunity.
The Pacific Fiber Conference and Training in Nadi is being staged as part of Fiji’s broader push to modernize digital infrastructure across the region. Hosted at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island, the two-day event brings together telecom leaders, government representatives, investors, data centre operators and technology providers to discuss fiber and satellite convergence, smart island solutions, and the integration of AI, 5G, cloud computing and cybersecurity. The gathering aligns with Fiji’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2030, which emphasizes building resilient digital infrastructure and ensuring inclusive access to digital services.
The conference also underlines wider regional ambitions to turn the Pacific into a digital hub through public-private collaboration. Government officials stress cybersecurity and capacity-building as essential to sustaining growth as more services move online, with initiatives such as national cybersecurity strategies and a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in focus. Regional developments include investments in low Earth orbit satellite connectivity and new subsea cables intended to strengthen resilience and reach, helping to bring fast, reliable internet to education, health, commerce and disaster response across the islands.
Value-added takeaways from the event point to a sustained effort to blend fiber with satellite and AI-enabled technologies to improve service delivery and disaster resilience, while ensuring that last-mile connectivity benefits underserved communities. High-level participation signals strong government backing for digital transformation and ICT resilience across Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Outlook: The move by WAF to pursue cloud, telemetry, and licensing upgrades through a competitive tender process at a major regional conference reflects Fiji’s broader digital ambitions. If implemented effectively, the ICT upgrade could enhance water distribution monitoring and telemetry, contributing to more reliable service for residents while reinforcing the country’s role as a leader in Pacific digital infrastructure.
Summary: WAF is leveraging the Pacific Fiber Conference to source modern ICT solutions for a significant upgrade, prioritizing cloud, telemetry, licensing, and cybersecurity, in line with Fiji’s national digital goals and regional efforts to expand secure, last-mile connectivity.
Commentary and hope: This collaboration between a public utility and a regional tech-focused forum highlights a practical path to digital resilience in everyday life. By aligning procurement with regional innovation and cybersecurity priorities, Fiji can accelerate improvements in essential services like water, while showcasing the Pacific as a forward-looking digital economy.
Leave a comment