Conference to Focus on ICT Connectivity in the Pacific

Conference to Focus on ICT Connectivity in the Pacific

ICT connectivity in the Pacific and its link to the region’s economic growth will be the focus of the 2015 Pacific Wave Conference in Auckland during May, (15th May at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland).

Led by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF), the conference will discuss the challenges of poor ICT infrastructure in the Pacific and its impacts on businesses.

“The private sector in the Pacific is struggling to make the most of business opportunities because of poor connectivity,” says PCF Chief Executive, Laulu Mac Leauanae.

“For many it’s a challenge to keep up with business basics such as timely communication with suppliers or carrying out business online. The impetus now is to address this issue.”

The 2015 Pacific Wave Conference continues a regional dialogue on ICT connectivity which began last year at the Private Sector Partnerships Forum in Samoa. Connectivity was seen as a major key to unlocking economic growth and building resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Auckland conference will build on those themes with Kiwi guest speaker Derek Handley, founder of multi-million dollar global mobile marketing company ‘Hyperfactory’; and satellite business and technology expert, Christian Patouraux.

After selling Hyperfactory in 2010 for an undisclosed sum said to be worth millions, Handley founded and helped build multiple international start-up companies including mobile advertising network Snakk Media. In 2013 Handley helped a group of global leaders, including Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Group founder), to create ‘The B Team’ – a not for profit initiative aimed at driving a brighter future of business for the wellbeing of people and the planet.

Patouraux has had a 20 year career as an ICT entrepreneur and engineer and founded Kacific Broadband Satellites in 2013. Patouraux has developed satellite offerings for new markets in Asia Pacific as head of special projects for MEASAT (Malaysian communications satellite operator). He will share his expertise in ICT infrastructure (fibre optics, satellite and mobile technology) and their applications to business.

The conference will be opened and closed by NZ’s Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, Shane Jones.

The Pacific Cooperation Foundation is expecting attendees from throughout the Pacific region including private sector representatives, regional organisations and donors. The conference will also showcase businesses through IT and web-based business opportunities.

Economic sustainability

Three critical elements to enhancing the Pacific’s economic sustainability were highlighted at last year’s Private Sector Partnership Forum in Samoa: greater ICT connectivity, access to markets and finance.

“ICT connectivity is crucial for economic growth because it assures interconnectivity between businesses, and access to buyers and export markets,” says Leauanae.

“It also enables the transfer of data globally and ensures increased accessibility to markets that are critical for the sustainability of businesses operating out of the Pacific.”

Conference at a Glance

The 2015 Pacific Wave Conference will run a concurrent stream to the ICT infrastructure discussions to showcase and profile the opportunities for business through IT and web based business solutions.

Leauanae says delegates can look forward to a great line up of other speakers due to be announced next month with the release of the official programme.

Registrations are now open via the conference website: www.pacificwaveconference.co.nz.

Ends

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