The Pacific’s capacity to protect its digital infrastructure and participate in the growing digital economy will depend on a workforce equipped with practical technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity skills.
The University of the South Pacific (USP), Cisco and Telecom Fiji have commissioned a new Digital Skills Hub at USP’s Laucala Campus in Suva, creating a regional platform for industry-aligned digital training and collaboration.
Supported by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, the facility is designed to provide university students, small-business operators and community organisations with hands-on training in AI, cloud networking and cybersecurity.
The initiative also extends learning opportunities beyond Fiji, with Cisco Webex smart boards, collaboration kits and hybrid learning endpoints being deployed at USP campuses in Samoa and Vanuatu. These facilities will support distance learners to participate in synchronised, lab-based digital instruction.
Delivering the keynote address, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Business Development, the Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, highlighted the facility’s role as vital economic infrastructure.
“I want to say something about who walks through the doors of this Hub. Women make up only about a quarter of the cybersecurity workforce across Asia-Pacific. Persons with disabilities are under-represented as well. Young people in our rural, outer island and maritime communities are too often far from opportunity. Our strategies are clear that we must bridge, not widen, the digital divide. The National Digital Strategy aims to reach 250,000 people, including the elderly, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities, with digital literacy and training,” Honourable Kamikamica said.
“So, I ask the leadership of this Hub to open the doors wide. Let a girl from Rotuma, a young man from Taveuni, a mother returning to study, and a worker from the outer islands all find a place here. Our talent is spread across every island. Our training must reach it.”
The Digital Skills Hub features an advanced, AI-ready cybersecurity operations lab, a design-thinking ideation studio, and interactive Webex collaboration suites. It
The facility delivers globally recognised credentials, including:
- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) pathways in Networking, Cybersecurity, and IT
- Specialised, industry-standard cybersecurity diplomas
- Digital literacy, e-commerce, and cyber hygiene clinics for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
Jessica McFadden, Cisco Managing Director New Zealand, Pacific Islands and NSW, emphasised the long-term value of the project.
Inside USP’s new Digital Skills Hub, a modern training room features Cisco technology, large digital screens and collaborative learning facilities.
USP’s new Digital Skills Hub features a modern collaborative learning space with digital technology, colourful seating and Cisco Networking Academy facilities.
“The technology in this facility is truly state-of-the-art.But, technology is only as powerful as the hands that guide it. By bringing these systems into a learning environment, we are providing USP students, and the wider community, hands-on experience with the same intelligent, self-defending systems that secure the world’s leading enterprises and communities.”
“There is currently a global gap of 4 million cybersecurity professionals. Today, we are helping to close that gap. With the support of the Cisco Networking Academy—which has served over 9,400 students in Fiji since its inception—this hub provides a clear pathway to industry-recognised certifications.”
USP Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council and the Interim Management Group (IMG), Right Honourable Siosiua Utoikamanu, reaffirmed the university’s mandate.
USP Pro-Chancellor Siosiua Utoikamanu delivers a speech at the Digital Skills Hub opening ceremony.
“As a regional university, USP is committed to ensuring our member countries actively drive the digital economy rather than remain passive consumers.”
“The Digital Skills Hub brings academic syllabi into direct alignment with enterprise practice. Operating alongside our responsibilities as Chair of the CROP ICT Working Group, this collaboration ensures our students whether in Fiji, Samoa, or Vanuatu gain verified, employer-ready competencies.”
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Peter Roberts, commended the partnership and noted its synergy with regional development assistance:
“This initiative exemplifies how development partners, academic institutions, and industry leaders like Cisco and Telecom Fiji can work together to equip the Pacific’s next generation with future-ready skills.”
Telecom Fiji Limited said the partnership would connect investment in digital infrastructure with workforce development.
“Telecom Fiji is proud to partner with USP and Cisco on this transformative initiative. As our industry evolves, investment in network infrastructure must go hand in hand with investment in our people. Through practical apprenticeships, graduate trainee schemes, and hands-on operational exposure, we are creating direct pathways from academic study into mission-critical engineering careers to secure and innovate for our communities.”
Guests at the official opening of the Digital Skills Hub.
For students, the Hub offers access to facilities and technologies that can strengthen practical skills and prepare them for employment in the region’s evolving digital sector.
Joseph Ah Sam, a Diploma in Networking and Cyberoperations student, said the facility would help students build confidence and gain experience with industry technologies. “Studying Networking and Cyberoperations has shown me how important digital security is to the future of our region. Access to facilities like the Digital Skills Hub gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in industry today. It builds our confidence, strengthens our practical skills, and prepares us for careers where we can help protect and support the Pacific’s growing digital economy.”
