Last week we had the privilege of hosting the 2023 FiberConnect Conference APAC with BICSI South Pacific, which was an enlightening day with presentations spanning various aspects of the Fiber industry.
The event began with Frank Jaffer, Paul Stathis, and Mick Joslin opening proceedings, representing FTTH Council APAC, BICSI South Pacific, and AFCOM Brisbane. Their introductory session was a homage to indigenous culture and heritage, underscoring the importance of recognizing and respecting diversity within the industry.
Yuki Nishiguchi, General Manager at Senko Advanced Components, took us on a journey of Innovation in Creating a Greener Future for All, emphasizing innovative approaches, and Senko’s commitment to sustainability, and helping their customers meet their ESG & CSR goals
Following this, we were treated to an engaging keynote by Associate Professor Simon Smart from the University of Queensland. He tackled the pressing issue of achieving net-zero emissions within our industry, emphasizing the role of sustainable practices, renewable energy, and responsible resource management. Simon Smart’s message was clear: sustainability should be at the core of our operations, and shared what is required for us to get to 2060.
In the second half of the chapter, John Greenhough, Chief Technology Officer at Crown Fibre Holding Limited, shared the invaluable lessons learned from New Zealand’s journey in fiberizing the nation. John’s presentation highlighted the challenges, successes, and key takeaways from New Zealand’s ambitious fiber infrastructure projects, offering valuable insights for regions seeking to embark on similar endeavors.
Kiran Solipuram, Business Development Leader at CIENA, followed with a deep dive into the adaptation of networks to support AI, cloud, and edge technologies. He emphasized the ever-evolving landscape of network infrastructure, highlighting the need for companies to adapt to accommodate these emerging technologies.
Roland Montagne, Principal Analyst FTTH at Broadband Markets, IDATE DigiWorld, provided an overview of the status and prospects of fiber and 5G technologies in the Asia-Pacific region. Understanding the current state and future potential of these technologies is vital for industry stakeholders looking to seize opportunities in emerging markets. Members can gain access to this report.
Brook Dixon, Group CEO of Delos Delta, ignited discussions on Smart City Transformation, underscoring its role in steering us toward a Net Zero future, and specifically what can be done now.
Sothis Palaniyappan, General Manager of Fibre Operations and Access Networks at TPG Telecom, shared insights into the challenges related to construction in delivering technology. Sothis’ presentation underscored the significance of addressing these construction-related challenges for efficient and timely technology deployment and the unique challenges that Australia faces.
We also had the opportunity to learn about Bangladesh’s ambitious plans for shaping its digital infrastructure for the future, thanks to Akter Ul Alam, CIOO of FIBER @ Home Ltd Bangladesh. The session demonstrated how developing countries are actively working on building strong digital infrastructure to support future growth and connectivity.
Vimal Kothandraraman, Head of Fixed Networks Business Centre APAC at Nokia, took the stage to discuss the development of new technologies designed to reduce our industry’s carbon footprint. His presentation was a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Michio Imai, Chief Research Engineer at Kajima Corporation, then discussed the future of infrastructure sensing technology, stressing the importance of enhanced monitoring and maintenance of critical infrastructure to ensure network reliability and integrity.
Craig Scroggie, CEO & Managing Director at Next DC, provided insight into the Acceleration of Mega-Trends within the 4th Industrial Revolution, offering a glimpse into the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
John Siemon, CTO and VP Global Operations at Siemon (USA), addressed the industry’s role in responsible corporate practices, highlighting the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the ICT Industry.
Carl Solder, CTO of Cisco Australia, shared profound insights on Smart Buildings & Sustainability, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between intelligent building solutions and environmental responsibility.
The conference also concluded with thought-provoking discussions on Diversity in our Industry, led by Gillian Mailman (Indigenous Wealth Hub) and Julia Curtain (BICSI South Pacific), about driving the next generation of telecommunications professionals “we don’t need to only open the door, we need to help them through”.
These talks collectively shed light on the telecommunications industry’s efforts to integrate sustainability, adopt cutting-edge technologies, overcome construction challenges, and extend connectivity to regions seeking to shape their digital infrastructure.
Should you have any specific questions or require further details about any of these topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
