The Pacific Islands are embracing a new era of digital transformation, with connectivity, sustainability, and innovation at the forefront. At the 29th Annual Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) Business Forum & Expo held at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara from April 28 to May 2, Huawei’s Denny Deng, President of the Carrier Business Group for Asia Pacific, delivered a keynote address charting the path forward.
In his keynote, titled “Strengthening Digital Sovereignty and Connectivity through Sustainable ICT Innovation,” Deng emphasized the critical role of carriers in shaping the Pacific’s digital economy. With rapid advancements across the region, he underlined how carriers can empower digital growth through what he defined as three core values: Connection Value, Industry Value, and Era Value.
Connection Value, he said, is about building a fully interconnected ecosystem – linking people, homes, and IoT infrastructure. With 4G penetration still on the rise, there remains significant opportunity to close coverage gaps and expand digital access. Industry Value focuses on how ICT accelerates economic development by creating a collaborative, digitally enabled business environment. Finally, Era Value highlights how AI and intelligent technologies can address the region’s unique challenges, including geographical remoteness, disaster vulnerability, and infrastructure limitations.
“Carriers must be the driving force behind inclusive digital growth. By bridging connectivity gaps, they don’t just connect communities they unlock economic potential across the Pacific,” Deng said.
The Pacific Islands are already showing strong momentum. With GDP growth trending upward and digital service adoption surging, the region is poised for continued success. Deng noted that while progress has been made, the next leap forward depends on strategic investment in digital infrastructure and innovation.
During his address, Deng expressed Huawei’s gratitude to its partners across the region for their ongoing trust and collaboration. He reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable ICT solutions tailored to the needs of Pacific Island nations.
A global leader in digital technologies, Huawei continues to prioritize research and development. In 2024, the company further ramped up its R&D efforts to empower carriers with intelligent tools and platforms that enhance network performance and operational efficiency. Sustainability also remains a cornerstone of Huawei’s vision, with green ICT solutions designed to reduce carbon footprints while meeting growing connectivity demands.
Deng also highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence, describing it as the engine for future innovation in sectors such as healthcare, education, governance, and content creation. From smart applications to automation and real-time analytics, AI technologies will elevate the Pacific’s competitiveness on a global stage provided the region continues to invest in the right digital infrastructure.
“The digital economy is unlocking new possibilities across industries, enhancing the experience for consumers (2C), businesses (2B), and households (2H),” Deng explained. “At the heart of this transformation lies connectivity. With the right tools, we can elevate productivity, efficiency, and resilience across the Pacific.”
As the Pacific Islands enter a crucial phase in their digital journey, Huawei stands ready to partner with stakeholders to deliver future-ready solutions. Deng closed his keynote with a resonant call to action:
“In Pacific, For Pacific. Together, We Transform. Together, We Lead Digital Economy Growth.”
