TELIKOM, DATEC & CLOUDSIGMA LAUNCHED PNG FIRST CLOUD AI DATA CENTER
CAPTION: State Owned Enterprise Minister William Duma and Telikom, Datec and CloudSigma Executives at the launch.
BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN
PAPUA New Guinea has taken a major step in its digital transformation with the launch of its first Sovereign Cloud AI data center in Port Moresby.
The Platform was launched yesterday at the Hilton in Port Moresby and it is a joint initiative by Telikom PNG, Datec PNG, and CloudSigma.
Speaking at the launch yesterday night State-Owned Enterprises Minister William Duma described the launch as a defining moment for the nation, saying the world’s fastest-growing economies are those that invest decisively in data, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
He stressed that for Papua New Guinea, the question is no longer whether to embrace digital transformation, but how quickly and effectively the country can implement it.
Meanwhile, Telikom Group CEO Amos Tepi explained that the new platform will allow organisations to keep sensitive data within their control while still benefiting from secure and scalable cloud services.
He added that businesses, government agencies and developers will now be able to build and customise AI solutions tailored to their specific needs, supporting innovation across all sectors.
This means government agencies, businesses, and developers can build AI solutions locally, maintain control over data and deploy solutions globally, creating opportunities for innovation while ensuring compliance with national standards.
Acting CEO of Datec PNG Preetam Talukdar, said the initiative sets a new trend for the country, placing Papua New Guinea among the nations building sovereign AI data capabilities.
With that he drew parallels with international examples stating that countries like those in Europe and Estonia have strengthened their digital sovereignty to protect citizens’ data and maintain control over national infrastructure.
He later emphasizes that the platform is designed to support hybrid and on-premise solutions, giving organisations flexibility to manage their sensitive workloads while scaling operations on the cloud.
The Leaders also highlighted that the platform’s role in supporting key national initiatives like digital identity programs, secure e-wallets, digital payment systems and stronger data governance frameworks by enabling local access to advanced AI tools, the centre aims to accelerate technological adoption across industries and prepare the country for the next wave of digital transformation.
Mr Talukdar emphasised that the data centre represents a significant step in capacity building and local expertise.
He said with the collaboration of international partners, the project is designed to transfer knowledge, skills and best practices to Papua New Guineans to ensure that local professionals can operate and innovate using world-class AI infrastructure.
The launch signals a broader vision that Papua New Guinea is taking ownership of its digital future. The sovereign Cloud AI platform will not only strengthen national security and data control but also create a foundation for economic growth, local innovation and global competitiveness.
