19th November, 2019 Local participants from line ministries, Non-government organizations and businesses are participating in a two-day Pacific Connect Network Dialogue facilitated by the International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP) from Australia in collaboration with the Ministry of MEIDECC and ICT Females in Tonga at MEIDECC’s Conference Room, 19th – 20th November, 2019.
The dialogue was opened this afternoon by the Chief Executive Officer for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u with the aim to deepen connections through professional development activities, networking events and dialogue discussions between Tonga, Australia and across the Pacific.
In his remarks he said, “The Tongan Government through the Ministry of MEIDECC identified ICT as an engine for growth in a national ICT vision and strategy which focuses on Education, Health, Environment sustainability and Industry Growth. MEIDECC then known as the Ministry of Information and Communications worked heavily to get faster internet connection to the outside world. And that succeeded when the fibre cable was launched in 2013.”
“Along with Cyber security and E-Government, one of the biggest push are new technologies, therefore we try to foster and enable an environment for emerging technologies. Emerging Technologies include a variety of technologies such as educational technology, finance emerging tech, nano tech, bio tech, robotics, Artificial Intelligence and many more.”
The Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and some Financial applications are a few of the new technologies whose development, practical applications and prominent use are still largely unknown in Tonga.
“The one-day workshop on Blockchain was essential to emerging ICT leaders to see how we can expand opportunities in Tonga. Blockchain is one of the new emerging technologies that hasn’t really developed in Tonga.”
He told the gatherings it is sad that we are unable to commence with Blockchain to give participants an introduction of this technology, due to our facilitator being stuck in Kiribati.
“Luckily there’s a backup plan, and I hope that this dialogue will assist participants to identify practical projects to take forward. Ideas for potential projects include establishing a digital market, innovations in local manufacturing, capacity building workshops, media literacy, cyber security and financial literacy.”
“Financial literacy enables and facilitates the transition from cash to digital money payments in a way that advances financial inclusion and financial transparency. Such innovations with the availability of technology will help build a stronger robust Tongan ICT environment and upgrading knowledge for a more digital future.”
Mr. Ma’u also expressed his sincere gratitude to the ICDP of Australia for hosting this event and for providing such opportunity for Tonga.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.