The inauguration of KPMG’s AI Hub in Garden City, Suva, represents a pivotal advancement in professional technology services for Fiji and the South Pacific. This initiative, an extension of KPMG Enterprise’s Fiji Dynamix based in Nadi, is designed to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the firm’s operations and client services.
KPMG Australia’s chief digital officer, John Munnelly, and KPMG Fiji’s managing partner, Lisa Apted, discussed the Hub’s purpose and varied functions. They articulated a vision to not only innovate within KPMG but also to empower local talent and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
Mr. Munnelly emphasized the Hub’s ambitious strategy surrounding AI, stating that KPMG aims to embed AI into all facets of the organization to maintain leadership in technological transformation. This encompasses developing solutions to enhance productivity and streamline operations internally before extending these innovations to clients across various sectors, including education, health, and finance.
Ms. Apted described the AI Hub as groundbreaking, providing Fijian staff the opportunity to pioneer the development of AI programs. She remarked on the focus of building skills not just to benefit KPMG but also to uplift the local workforce and enable them to interact with advanced technology.
Mr. Munnelly further indicated that the AI Hub is set to handle around 80 use cases in the upcoming months, encompassing tools for research assistance and automated proposal writing. He described the pursuit of innovative solutions as ongoing.
A significant development within the Hub includes the inauguration of Kim Chat, KPMG’s own version of ChatGPT, aimed at enhancing information retrieval and knowledge sharing within the company. Both executives recognized the importance of local talent, noting the enthusiasm and innovation within Fiji as key factors in their recruitment efforts for the AI Hub.
Ms. Apted expressed her excitement about the opportunities the Hub will create for young Fijians and the anticipated team expansion, highlighting significant career development prospects for new graduates in related fields.
Collaboration stands at the core of KPMG’s AI Hub strategy, with active plans to engage local universities to facilitate pathways into the tech industry. Mr. Munnelly underscored the necessity of partnerships, particularly those focused on encouraging women’s participation in technology roles. KPMG plans to develop 130 AI-related training courses for its employees, with a commitment to integrating ethical considerations throughout the AI development process.
Mr. Munnelly acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the need for ongoing training as technology progresses. He stressed that the rapid evolution of AI necessitates continuous learning, viewing this as essential for the team’s success. KPMG has established a governance framework to ensure that all AI tools meet ethical standards before development.
Regarding success measurement, Mr. Munnelly indicated that KPMG utilizes metrics based on digital full-time equivalents (FTEs), which evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of AI tools. The Hub is projected to generate approximately 125 digital FTEs this year, with plans for future growth.
Looking forward, both Mr. Munnelly and Ms. Apted are optimistic about the Hub’s future. They believe the local talent is promising and express a commitment to nurturing this potential. The foundation laid in Fiji could lead to further expansion as the demand for AI solutions increases. Ms. Apted sees the Hub as a transformative force not only for KPMG but also for the technological landscape of Fiji, referring to it as a game changer for the local economy and its people.