BY JOSES SAREN
In 2017, when Roylex Sitana arrived in the Philippines on a government scholarship, he witnessed a daily reality that would reshape his future. He saw the resilience of the Filipino people, their relentless struggle for survival, and it instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and humility.
He realized that the modest scholarship allowance he received was more than just for survival; it was a seed of opportunity. Instead of simply spending it, he used it to start a small side-hustle—buying shoes and gadgets, carrying heavy boxes through crowded streets, and making three-hour bus rides home to send the goods back to Solomon Islands for resale. This was the humble beginning of a journey that would lead to the birth of Smart Technology Ltd.
Now, six years later, Smart Technology Ltd has grown into one of Solomon Islands’ leading locally-owned technology and engineering companies. This growth was recently cemented when the company was selected as one of 39 indigenous businesses to sign a Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
This milestone is part of a larger government initiative that has seen 83 companies, both local and foreign, sign contracts to supply goods and services for the 2026 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program, a $250 million investment into rural development.
For Mr. Sitana, the Managing Director, the PSA is more than a contract; it’s a validation of his company’s capability.
“Being selected as one of the indigenous companies under the PSA is a significant milestone for Smart Technology Ltd.
“It reflects confidence in our capability to deliver quality goods and services to communities across Solomon Islands,” he said.
The company’s primary focus under the agreement will be to supply prefabricated housing, solar power systems, and other smart technology solutions that support rural and community development.
This includes renewable energy systems, ICT equipment, and communications solutions required by constituencies nationwide. But the vision extends far beyond simply delivering materials.
Mr. Sitana believes this contract represents a pivotal opportunity to create employment and build a skilled local workforce. The company currently employs 12 staff across its two shops—one at the Solomon Motor (SML) complex at White River, specializing in construction and solar goods, and another at NPF Plaza in Point Cruz, focusing on ICT and electronics. However, this is set to expand significantly.
“We expect this contract to create around 20 to 30 new jobs within the next 12 months, with the potential for more as projects expand,” he said.
The company’s core philosophy is about giving back, a principle honed during those challenging days in the Philippines.
“One of our key priorities is to provide opportunities for school dropouts and unemployed young people,” Mr. Sitana stated.
Smart Technology Ltd plans to train these individuals in practical technical skills such as prefab construction, solar installation, and equipment commissioning before deploying them to project sites across the country.
This approach not only delivers quality infrastructure but also builds a skilled local workforce for the long-term development of Solomon Islands.
The company’s resilience is a testament to its founder’s spirit. In 2020, after returning home and registering Smart Technology, Mr. Sitana opened his first shop in Chinatown, only to see it destroyed in the 2021 civil unrest. He lost everything but refused to give up.
Today, his business is a success story, paying taxes and creating jobs. His journey from a student with a small allowance to a successful business owner is a powerful message for others.
“To every student overseas, don’t waste your opportunity. Start small. Think bigger. What you do with your allowance today could become someone else’s breakthrough tomorrow,” he advised.
Photo credit: Smart Technology Ltd
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