Fiji is currently facing the added challenge of mass departure of IT experts, causing a significant ‘brain drain’ issue for the country.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Communications and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica during the Australia Information Industry Association (AIIA) conference in Suva yesterday.
Kamikamica said this is a matter of concern for the country as the loss of highly skilled professionals in the IT sector can have serious implications on our economic growth and competitiveness.
He said that Government finding solutions to retain and attract highly skilled professionals in the IT industry in Fiji is a priority.
“To do this, we must create an environment that supports the growth and development of the sector, and provides attractive and competitive opportunities for IT professionals.”
“This means investing in education and training and creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and innovate, so that the IT industry can provide high-quality, high-paying jobs for our citizens.”
Kamikamica highlighted that the new Government will be undertaking a review of our education system and institutions.
He said this will include assessing our capacity to train skills in IT and telecommunications.
“The Fiji Government is currently negotiating the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which has Digital Economy as a vital component of the framework, creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and innovate, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).”
“Under the IPEF Agreement, Fiji Government is keen to enhance and engage with the private sector to encourage STEM type of programmes in Fiji. Samsung is working with the Ministry of Education on this. I would like to invite more companies to collaborate with the Fiji Government,” he added.
