‘We are secure’

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Josefa Wivou. Picture: FILE
Josefa Wivou. Picture: FILE

OUTSOURCE Fiji has issued a public assurance that Fiji is and remains a safe and secure outsourcing destination, following mounting concerns after recent data breaches in the outsourcing sector in the Philippines and the high-profile compromise of Qantas customer data in Australia.

In a statement released yesterday, Outsource Fiji executive director Josefa Wivou reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to providing a secure, resilient and future-ready outsourcing ecosystem that prioritises data protection and client confidentiality.

“Fiji may be a smaller outsourcing destination, but we’re focused on doing things right from the start,” Mr Wivou said.

“Our priority has always been to build a trusted industry where data privacy is not just a compliance checkbox but a cultural value.

“That’s why many of our members adopt frameworks and proactively invest in cybersecurity and staff training.”

The Qantas breach compromised personal information belonging to six million Qantas customers and raised concerns among global businesses reliant on offshore service providers. Fiji’s outsourcing sector, according to Mr Wivou, had responded swiftly, “emphasising its own robust governance frameworks, cybersecurity protocols and commitment to international data protection standards.”

“The recent breach in the Philippines is a sobering reminder that data protection must be treated as a frontline issue—not an afterthought. Fiji is already ahead of that curve,” he said.

While the Philippines is among the world’s safest outsourcing destinations, even dubbed the world’s “BPO Capital” by the world’s tech industry, it faces ongoing challenges in protecting sensitive data, with both public and private organisations being target for hackers.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, data protection is no longer a niche concern; it’s the bedrock of sustainable outsourcing,” Mr Wivou said, distancing Fiji from any significant vulnerability.

“We understand that trust is everything in outsourcing. When clients’ offshore services, they are not just seeking efficiency—they’re trusting their partners with customer data, brand reputation and business continuity. Fiji is a destination that takes that trust seriously.

“Fiji’s strength lies in our ability to remain agile, resilient, and responsive to global shifts. We have the advantage of learning from the setbacks of more mature outsourcing markets and avoiding their pitfalls.

“As global clients assess risk in their offshore operations, Fiji is proud to offer a haven for data, innovation and trust,” he said.

Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 25, 2025