Ten telecommunications and cybersecurity professionals from the Ministry of MEIDECC, Tonga Communications Corporation, Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT), and other organisations have completed a five-day study tour in Australia, aimed at strengthening Tonga’s digital infrastructure and cyber resilience.
The delegation engaged with key Australian agencies, including the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). These interactions provided insights into regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and consumer protection strategies.
The tour also featured a special TWICT x WICT meeting, fostering connections between Pacific and Australian women in the ICT sector. This initiative highlights the importance of inclusive participation in shaping the digital future.
TWICT highlighted the tour’s emphasis on enhancing digital literacy, advocating for robust policies, and building cyber resilience across all levels—from telecommunications providers to individual users. The organisation stated, “From policy to infrastructure, from consumer protection to cyber safety – this tour was a crash course in what a secure, inclusive digital future can look like.”
As Tonga continues to develop its communications sector, such international collaborations are key in ensuring the nation remains competitive, efficient, and secure in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
