Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has challenged young Samoan girls aspiring for a career in Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) to conquer the impossible.

The challenge was issued by the Deputy Prime Minister during the local celebration of Girls in I.C.T. Day, at the T.A.T.T.E. Building on Thursday.

Fiame was among a host of leading Samoan women invited to address female students from all over the country who took part.

“I firmly believe that you (young Samoan ladies and women) are capable of achieving greatness as the Samoan proverbial saying ‘E au le inailau a tamaitai’, translated simply ‘Women are more than capable of achieving the impossible’,” Fiame said.

“So as a special note for the girls here; I wish you all the best in conquering the impossible should you choose a career path in Information and Communication Technology.”

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Girls in I.C.T. Day encourages and empowers girls and young women to take up careers in the growing field of I.C.T.

“This is the Digital Age, a time in human history where the world is moving away from traditional industry and towards modern societies based on information computerization,” she said.

“The phenomenon of this age is that the digital industry creates a knowledge-based society enclosed by innovation that will contribute to any country’s (including Samoa) social and economic development and sustainability.

“Therefore with the growth in technological trends comes the growth in demand for experts in this field especially female participation.

“Companies all over the world are exercising the importance of female roles in the ICT sector, opening doors to endless possibilities and reaping the benefits towards new innovations.

“With new innovation come new online threats also known as cyber threats. Therefore it is important to realise the need to pursue cyber security fields and become national experts to combat dangers that may arise in the future of our country.”

The annual event is hosted by the Office of the Regulator, in line with international programmes of the International Telecommunications Union.

The commemoration at T.A.T.T.E. on Thursday was the fifth event of its kind in Samoa, with last year’s celebration held in Savai’i.

The Deputy Prime Minister also issued the female students a challenge.

“This year’s Girls in I.C.T. Day, I am urging and inviting you to make a life changing choice here and now to utilise the knowledge that you attain today to seek out opportunities to serve in various capacities in the I.C.T. sector whether it be an engineer, IT, lawyer an economist specialised in the field of I.C.T.; your contribution big or small makes a difference,” she said.

“I commend the foresight of the Principals and Teachers of the schools that accepted the invitation by the Regulator to participate in this year’s event, and I am confident it is not at a loss.

“On that note, today offers you a path to experience and knowledge in the digital society with which creates so many opportunities that will shape our Samoa as a modernised and technological nation.”