Pivoting to the Pacific

China’s growing power in the Pacific has provoked a flurry of action from democratic nations in response, but how do the aid numbers add up? New research from the Lowry Institute makes sense of the data.

ICANN At-Large Advisory Committee elects a new Chair

The new Chair-Elect of ALAC, Maureen Hilyard from the Cook Islands, talks about her selection process and the work of the committee on regional internet issues.

International education is vital to Australia’s Indo-Pacific relationships

International education means a lot more than foreign students merely coming to study in Australia and then leaving with a degree, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has told a meeting at UNSW Sydney.

Ham and eggs: who’s really committed in the Indo-Pacific?

When you cook bacon and eggs, you know the chicken is interested but the pig is committed. The same could be said about the Pacific region. Some nations are committed. Others have an interest, but only in those areas that deliver outcomes to their specific national objectives.

Innovations for Pacific cities of the future

The inaugural Smart City Challenge held in Fiji’s capital city, Suva, on July 28 brought together 60 university students from the Fiji National University and the University of the South Pacific. The winners of the ‘hackathon’ won access to funding and training to develop their solution through the Fiji Government’s Young Entrepreneur Scheme.

Australia in the South Pacific: Growing the yabby’s second claw

Australian engagement with our South Pacific partners is getting a lot of attention, as is Chinese engagement in the region. But there’s a missing link in our attempts to build better relations – the Australian corporate sector’s buy-in to South Pacific economies.

A visit to Namotomoto shows the power of small data

UNSW’s Simone Zarpelon Leao made a valuable discovery while in Fiji for a symposium with Pacific Island communities on sustainable infrastructure and housing maintenance.

Advancing entrepreneurship in Papua New Guinea

One of the members of Pacific Connect Business Network Dialogue, Winifred Kula Amini, talks about the recent launch of the PNG Digital ICT Cluster and an SME Accelerator Program in Port Moresby.

Strengthening Pacific partnerships

The Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop delivered a comprehensive summary of Australia’s step up in engagement in the Pacific to a large audience in Brisbane on 9 July.

Rough ride ahead in Timor-Leste?

More than a month after elections in May, Taur Matan Ruak has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Timor-Leste. But how much policy room will he have to take action on the serious issues facing the country?

Pacific Connect – Digital connectivity and collaborating networks

Digital connectivity is a high priority in Papua New Guinea and the PNG government is working with the private sector to build a modern high capacity fibre-based network throughout the country. Mary Koisen, a member of the inaugural Pacific Connect Business Network Dialogue in Port Moresby, explains some of the challenges involved.

Australia needs to reset its Pacific policy

Australia tends to pay attention to the Pacific when it is perceived as a source of threat, but the quest for better relationships requires a more holistic and sustained approach.