Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchai, Assistant Professor in the Department of Information & Communication Technologies at the Asian Institute of Technology and co-founder of AI Brain Lab, delivered key insights on emerging AI & blockchain technologies at the Workshop on Digital Transformation for the Pacific. Held in Suva, Fiji, from February 12-14, 2025, this high-impact event was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the Government of Fiji, with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) and the Joint SDG Fund. The workshop aimed to accelerate digital transformation across Pacific nations by aligning national strategies with global best practices.

With digital transformation a top priority for Pacific nations, the workshop aligned with global and regional frameworks, including the ITU Strategic Plan, the Pacific ICT Ministerial 2023 Lagatoi Declaration, and the UN SDCF Pacific 2024. Discussions focused on national digital strategies, ITU digital government initiatives like GovStack, cybersecurity as well as emerging technologies such as AI and IOT.

Photo courtesy: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The three-day workshop served as a platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together academia, government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the region’s evolving ICT needs. A key highlight was the presentation of a comprehensive study on telecommunications and ICT infrastructure, offering data-driven insights to guide future policies. Discussions at the workshop also contributed to preparations for the upcoming World Telecommunication Development Conference in 2025.

Ms. Atsuko Okuda, ITU Regional Director. 
Photo courtesy: Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications. Fiji

​​While addressing the attendees at the workshop, the ITU Regional Director, Ms. Atsuko Okuda spoke on how the Pacific is witnessing transformative digital change. She stated that this workshop is an opportunity to take stock of our achievements, address persistent challenges, and chart the way forward—ensuring that no one in the Pacific is left behind in this digital era.

Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchai, ITU Workshop, Fiji

Dr. Chaklam was a featured speaker in the session titled “Deploying Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation,” where he provided valuable perspectives on the strategic application of AI, blockchain, and digital identities to drive sustainable progress. Emphasizing the ethical and responsible use of technology, he outlined practical approaches for risk management, satellite imagery applications, usage of agent-based AI, and the potential of digital twins to enhance decision-making processes.

“The adoption of AI and blockchain must be accompanied by robust management frameworks to ensure transparency, security, and long-term benefits for society,” Dr. Chaklam stated during his address. His session resonated with attendees by showcasing real-world use cases, illustrating how these technologies can be harnessed for public sector innovation and infrastructure development.

A key takeaway from the workshop was the importance of a whole-of-government approach to digital governance, where seamless coordination between government agencies ensures inclusive digitalization. Participants exchanged best practices, formed new strategic alliances, and explored policy frameworks that will shape the region’s digital transformation roadmap. The momentum generated from these discussions is expected to drive further initiatives, reinforcing the Pacific’s commitment to a digitally resilient and inclusive future.