Brian Quigley, Google’s Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure and Chairman of the Pacific Connect Initiative, is currently visiting Fiji. He is set to be a featured speaker at the upcoming Prime Minister’s International Business Awards (PMIBA), where he will emphasize the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the future.
This event, organized by Investment Fiji, highlights a significant moment for the country’s international business community. Investment Fiji has confirmed that Quigley will discuss why he believes AI is poised to be a game-changer in various sectors.
Google is leading a significant investment of US$1 billion to enhance connectivity between the US mainland and Japan. This initiative includes two new undersea telecommunications cables, Honomoana and Tabua, which aim to connect Pacific island nations, like Fiji, to the global internet infrastructure, including links to Australia and the US mainland.
Earlier this year, Google formed a partnership with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) during the inaugural Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Investor Forum in Singapore. This agreement marks an expansion of Google’s commitments to Fiji under the Pacific Connect initiative.
The collaboration is expected to focus on several key areas:
1. **Pacific Connectivity**: This effort involves investments in submarine cables to improve internet access, resilience, and reliability for Pacific Island countries.
2. **Green ICT Capabilities in Fiji**: Google and FNPF plan to establish a green ICT park, which will serve as a hub for the FinTel Pacific Connect Internet Exchange. This facility will facilitate connections for submarine cables linking Fiji to Japan, Australia, Chile, and the US, alongside enhancing data center capacities.
3. **Fostering a Data-Driven Ecosystem**: Both parties recognize the importance of data as a strategic resource for economic development. They express their commitment to facilitate access to data center resources for the people of Fiji and other Pacific nations, partnering with local governments to support this initiative.
This collaboration between Google and Fiji signals a positive development for the region, promising enhanced technological infrastructure and the potential for economic growth driven by innovative data solutions.
In summary, Brian Quigley’s visit and the ongoing efforts between Google and the FNPF illustrate a commitment to advancing digital connectivity and technological capabilities in the Pacific, fostering a brighter future for the region’s economy.
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