PIP Fellowship Report – PacINET 2007

Edwin Liava’a
7 September, 2007

Abstract:

This report comprises what I have learned during my PIP fellowship to attend
PacINET 2007 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, how I will share the knowledge
learned and any suggestions that can improve the PIP program.

Introduction:

PacINET 2007 proved to be a great success, not only because it is the biggest
annual conference for ICT Specialists and Practitioners of the region but for
collaboration between Internet users and Internet service providers.
Themes and topics covered at PacINET 2007 includes e-Health Initiatives in the
Pacific, Building Connected Communities, An Open Source World, e-
Government and the Pacific, Internet: Safety and Security, ICT in Education, the
VoIP (R)Evolution, IPv6, Women in Technology and New Media.
Guest speakers at PacINET 2007 included John Crain, ICANN CTO, Dr Jimmie
Rogers, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Latif
Ladid - President, IPv6 Forum and Karen Rose, Internet Society Director of
Education and Programs. Dr Vinton G. Cerf , considered one of the fathers of the
Internet and Vice President at Google, had also prepared a keynote message to
participants via video.

What I have learned:

In spite of all the themes and topics covered during the conference, I believe all
these know-how’s and new technologies will not be fully utilized unless there is
internet broadband connection available to all islands in the region. In my
humble opinion, it is like us having the latest Mercedes Benz but the road is only
a trail.

How will I share the knowledge learned:

I will share the experience and knowledge acquired from the conference via
teaching of ICT courses and workshops at the Tonga Institute of Higher
Education, discussion forums and by word of mouth.

Suggestions that can improve the PIP program:

I was really happy with the PIP program. Just an apology going out to Mr. Don
Hollander, sorry for not making it to the PIP participant’s lunch. I was occupied
with logistics during the conference that I missed the bus, but there is always
next time.