Saturday, October 5, 2024
The Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL) and the ICT Ministry hosted an appreciation dinner to honor the Solomon Islands ICT delegation, marking the end of a productive visit aimed at building closer relations in the ICT sector between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
More regional collaboration in driving digital transformation and economic development, was the unofficial theme of the dinner as the high-level delegation from both side expressed the same sentiments.
Deputy Secretary for DICT, Mr. Flierl Shongol, highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving digital transformation goals.
“We have the policy, but partnership is important for digital transformation. Greater collaboration will drive digital transformation by improving efficiency in delivering services, advancing the digital economy, and encouraging greater participation in a digital society. We are also looking at regional collaboration to align and collaborate for regional development,” Mr. Shongol stated.
He further emphasized that despite progress, much work in required for the ideal outcomes.
“We are delivering and driving policy as
well. There’s a lot of work to be done in ICT. We have set the outcome, and we are working.”
Managing Director for Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL), Professor David Kavanamur, highlighted the challenges and progress made through collaboration.
“We have gone through a lot of challenges, but we are collaborating more in the ICT space. This week, we’ve signed an important MoU between the two ministries, fostering closer relations for implementation and monetization,” Professor Kavanamur said.
ICT Minister Hon. Timothy Masiu expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the sector and encouraged the Solomon Islands delegation to apply what
they learned in their country.
“We are moving along smoothly, and I want to thank all the members and organizations in the sector. I urge the Solomon Islands Minister and his delegation to take what you have learned here and improve ICT in your country. We still have challenges to overcome, but with collaboration, we move forward in ICT,” Minister Masiu said.
Minister for Communication and Aviation for the Solomon Islands, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto, shared his reasons for visiting PNG, citing the value of learning from PNG’s experiences in ICT development.
“I came here to learn from PNG and help my people improve their livelihood. There is more we can learn from PNG than from
Australia or New Zealand. I came here with a high-level delegation, and I am happy to be back in PNG after many years,” said Minister Kologeto.
Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Hon. William Duma, appreciated the visit of the Solomon Islands delegation and highlighted the strong ties between the two Melanesian nations.
“We appreciate the Minister for Communication from the Solomon Islands for visiting us. You are in Melanesia, ’em ples blo yu’. Solomon Islands is our closest neighbor, and we are grateful for your visit,”
Minister Duma also in his statement added praise for Minister Masiu’s leadership in the ICT sector.
“I am in Politics for a long time, and Minister Masiu is the best ICT Minister we have so far. He went out of his way to make things happen. He has rejuvenated some failed institutions such as the NBC.”