The National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day, hosted in Luganville on May 15–16, 2015, officially concluded with high praise for the organizers and growing momentum for an even larger event in 2016.

This year marked the first time the event was held in Luganville, and it resonated strongly with the public. A member of the audience described it as “the beginning of everything — from business and education to family life.” Hon. MP Alfred Maoh of the Santo Rural Constituency echoed this sentiment, stating: “ICT is synonymous with quality development, and we are already seeing the future through technology.”

Organized by the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR) and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the Prime Minister’s Office, the event carried the theme “Drivers for Innovation” in celebration of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 150th anniversary.

The event drew hundreds of participants from across Sanma Province. They interacted with ICT experts, explored new technologies and applications, engaged in hands-on internet and laptop sessions, and attended discussion panels that covered a wide range of topics — from agriculture, education, health, tourism, and youth, to disability inclusion, consumer rights, cyber laws, cultural impacts, and technological challenges.

For two days at Unity Park, the event attracted students, teachers, civil servants, institutional representatives, unemployed youth, women, parents, and visitors from East Santo and nearby Malo Island. Booths were active with questions, demonstrations, and interactions throughout.

“I saw a group of old men gathered around a tablet under a burao tree browsing the internet. Meanwhile, countless youths accessed high-speed internet provided by telcos — a real indication of the impact ICT Day has had,” said John Jack, Public Relations Officer from OGCIO.

Luganville IT entrepreneur Neil Netaf, who also has extensive experience in trade and agriculture, applauded the event’s success and said it marks the beginning of broader digital transformation in Sanma Province. He particularly emphasized the potential of ICT in agriculture — a point also underscored by students from the Vanuatu Agriculture College who created banners promoting “ICT in Agriculture.”

The most prominent banner of the parade boldly displayed the message “ICT in Agriculture.” According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB), 75% of Vanuatu’s population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture — highlighting the importance of digital innovation in this sector.

This week also made history as the first Web 2.0 and Social Media training was conducted at the Vanuatu Agriculture College in Luganville by CTA and partners. Additionally, an award-winning blogger and NZ Herald travel columnist provided training to local tour operators on digital marketing and social media.

Meanwhile, in Port Vila, the Pacific ICT Conference took place at the Warwick Le Lagon Resort, all in celebration of ITU’s 150th anniversary.

Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) seized the moment to launch Luganville’s first-ever fiber-optic link. TVL also showcased smartphones, offered promotional sales of residential devices, introduced their Flybox indoor unit, and provided free Wi-Fi around their booth and La Place.

Rival telco Digicel also made a strong showing with product displays, ICT Day promotions, and high-speed internet access for the public, which drew significant interest to their booth.

The event ended on a light-hearted note with a comedy performance by the Monkey Boys crew, featuring social media personalities Saksak and Pedro (Reynold). The crowd — including families sprawled on the grass — laughed along to their relatable sketches, many of which humorously highlighted the misuse and quirks of mobile phone culture in Vanuatu.

Saksak, also a member of the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF), used the platform to call attention to issues like youths making prank calls and invading others’ privacy via mobile technology — behavior he deemed unacceptable.

Musical performances added flavor to the event, with singer Apia (noted for his Michael Bolton-like voice and cousin to renowned artist Zaddock) captivating the crowd. He was joined by Huarere Band’s Kevin, solo entertainer Rolland Tugu, and others throughout the day.

The event wasn’t just limited to on-site attendees — it was broadcast live on Radio FM 107 and followed widely on social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook groups like ICT In Vanuatu and Yumi Toktok Stret.

Speaking on behalf of Luganville’s public, Neil Netaf extended sincere thanks to TRR and OGCIO for organizing such a successful event. He also revealed that planning for the 2016 ICT Day has already begun, advocating for more activities and greater community participation in future editions.

John Jack of OGCIO stated, “After this year’s success, lessons learned from this first-time event in Luganville will help us deliver an even better ICT Day in 2016, and TRR’s local champions will be right here to help.”

The event organizers thanked all contributors — from booth participants and stagehands to media teams, sponsors, local authorities, and the enthusiastic public — for making the National ICT Day 2015 a milestone worth remembering.

Indeed, this year’s ICT Day has made history in more ways than one — and left Luganville with inspiration and hope for a connected future.