In a world rapidly shaped by digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI), one of the region’s most experienced digital transformation strategists says Pacific governments must move boldly, but carefully to embrace the promises of new technologies.
KV Soon, entrepreneur and co-founder of Spirit of Endeavour, recently spoke with The Fiji Times about his work across Asia and the Pacific, including his leadership role in the Fiji Digital Government Transformation Program.
With 30 years of experience at the intersection of technology and operations, Soon brings both historical perspective and strategic clarity to the conversation around AI and digital governance.
“Governments don’t adopt digital tools for fun,” he said.
“They do it to solve real problems, to improve the wellbeing of citizens, drive economic equity, and ensure sustainability.”
From E-commerce to E-governance
Soon’s journey began in 1998, co-founding Asia’s first e-commerce company during a time when few understood what online transactions even meant.
“That transition, from hype to real transactions, taught me a lot about digital ecosystems.
“And today, we’re seeing the same trajectory with AI.”
E-governance, he explained, is simply the adoption of digital technologies by governments to deliver better services.
But it’s more than just convenience, it’s about redesigning systems for transparency, accountability, and impact.
“In Fiji, just a few years ago, people had to travel long distances with physical documents to register a business.
“Today, the entire process can be completed online.”
The promises and pitfalls of AI
Soon believes AI offers tremendous potential in public services, especially in education, healthcare, and disaster response.
However, he draws a sharp line between the hype, the promise, and the current reality of AI.
“The hype says AI will be smarter than humans. The promise is that it can streamline services and transform sectors. The reality? We’re still building the infrastructure and rules needed to get there.”
Governments, he argued, must act both as facilitators and regulators.
They must support innovation and investment in digital tools while ensuring strong protections for users and citizens, particularly around data privacy and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity — an urgent priority
Following recent cyberattacks in the region, including the ransomware attack on Tonga’s Ministry of Health, Soon emphasised the need for Pacific nations to take cybersecurity seriously.
“You must develop infrastructure, services, and cybersecurity together. You can’t wait. Digital threats don’t respect borders, Tonga and Fiji are as close as any nation in cyberspace.”
He urged stronger national data privacy laws to protect sensitive information and prevent misuse, citing European GDPR rules and China’s strict data frameworks as global examples.
“The Pacific needs to catch up and think ahead.”
Balancing growth and protection
Soon also warned against rushing into AI development without proper governance.
“Governments shouldn’t try to build their own AI overnight. Instead, they should understand the space, protect citizens’ rights, and create policies that ensure fairness.”
He gave the example of AI scraping songs or personal photos online without consent.
“That’s someone’s intellectual property. It’s being used, monetised, and sold back without permission. Regulation must evolve.”
Fiji’s advantage
For countries like Fiji, Soon believes starting from a lower digital base may actually be an advantage.
“You’re not locked into legacy systems. You can leapfrog. But the key is doing it in tandem, infrastructure, services, inclusion, and cybersecurity must grow together.”
Soon stressed that e-governance is not just about modernising processes, but more about making governments more transparent, more efficient, and more equitable.
And in that mission, he says, Fiji is “on the right track”.