IPAM SUPPORTS, WOMEN IN INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SOLOMON ISLANDS [WITSI], TO DELIVER CYBERQUEST 2026 TRAINING, FOR YOUNG FEMALES

What is Cyberquest? CyberQuest is an awareness, training and discussion program designed to empower Form seven and university and tertiary female students enrolled in Information Systems and Computer Science, while also engaging ICT professionals, in critical discussions on digital security and resilience. This program is supported by SIG ICT Services, APNIC and other partners. WITSI stated that with sponsors and partners, they are building a stronger pathway together, for women in ICT in the Solomon Islands.

IPAM Support and training

IPAM is always supportive of capacity building in ICT, and thus provides the ICT training facility for the first, of the two days of CyberQuest 2026 training and discussion sessions. The IPAM Director delivered a warm welcome, and emphasised the institution’s role in capacity building, thus enabling it to graciously host the training organised by WITSI. The main facilitator was, Adli Wahid from Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). In its accolade, WITSI leaders are excited about the growing collaboration with IPAM and the impact this can create together for girls and women in ICT. They truly appreciate the partnership and look forward to many more opportunities to work together in building an ICT-conscious society.

The Cyber Quest 2026, which was opened on the 5^th of May, 2026, is the first of its kind in the country. Seventeen (17) participants attended, this includes, form seven (7) students from Betikama, KGVI, Honiara High School, Saint Nicholas, ICT interns and ICT students from USP and SINU.

The WITSI team and the participants stated that the CyberQuest training is more than just an event, it is the beginning of something bigger. Apart from the trainings and critical discussions, activities also include; competitions, collaborations and challenges in which the participants won a number of prizes. They are excited about what’s ahead and look forward to seeing more collaborations and competitions across the Pacific in the near future.

The program ended in Heritage Park where it focused on ICT Professionals Security Summit. This includes insights by Adli Wahid and stakeholders in the Solomon Islands. It ended with exercises that pushed participants to think deeply and critically on security, communications and resilience as a local cyber community. IPAM is glad to have supported this capacity building exercise for Women and young girls, in the ICT sector.

Aldi Wahid of APNIC assisting participants

WITSI President, Letitia Masaea and IPAM Director Solomon Manea

Aldi Wahid of APNIC, IPAM Director, WITSI Member Hemaima Moveni & WITSI Vice President, Julia Anisi (back) at the opening of the program

IPAM Management