Brian Quigley, Google’s Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure and Chairman of the Pacific Connect Initiative, has arrived in Fiji. He is set to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Prime Minister’s International Business Awards (PMIBA), taking place tomorrow evening, as confirmed by Investment Fiji, the event’s organizer.
During his address, Quigley will discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, emphasizing his belief that AI represents a significant advancement for the future.
Google is spearheading a substantial initiative, investing approximately $1 billion to enhance connectivity between the US mainland and Japan. As part of this effort, the Pacific Connect Initiative aims to link Pacific island nations through two new undersea telecommunications cables—Honomoana and Tabua. The latter will connect Fiji to both Australia and the United States.
Earlier this year, Google forged a partnership with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) during the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Inaugural Investor Forum in Singapore. This partnership aims to expand the Pacific Connect Initiative’s scope within Fiji.
The collaboration will focus on several critical areas, including:
– **Pacific Connectivity:** The Pacific Connect initiative, aided by global partners, will invest in submarine cables to improve the internet’s accessibility, resilience, and reliability throughout Pacific nations.
– **Green ICT Capabilities in Fiji:** Together, Google and FNPF will work on establishing a green ICT park in Fiji. This facility will feature the FinTel Pacific Connect Internet Exchange and the termination of submarine cables that link Japan, Australia, Chile, and the US, complementing data center capacity.
– **Fostering a Data-Driven Ecosystem:** Both organizations recognize the value of data as a key asset for economic growth and innovation. They are committed to supporting Fijians and other Pacific Islanders’ access to data center capabilities, working in collaboration with local governments.
This initiative marks a significant step towards boosting Fiji’s technological landscape and connecting it more effectively to larger global networks. The commitment to green ICT also emphasizes a future-oriented approach to technology that is sustainable and beneficial for the environment.
In summary, Quigley’s visit underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in the Pacific, inspiring further innovation and growth in the region, while also addressing environmental concerns through sustainable practices. As these initiatives progress, they hold the potential to foster a vibrant, interconnected tech ecosystem in Fiji and beyond.
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