Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source:

REMARKS by H.E. Fei Mingxing at Alo Paopao Academy (April 19 2025)

Reverend Tuia Peseta,

Hon Minister of Sports and Recreation Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell,

Hon Tuuu Anasii Leota,

President Schuster of Alo Paopao Academy,

Parents, boys and girls and friends,

My colleagues and I are very pleased to join you on the beautiful beach on such a lovely day. First of all, my arm congratulations on the opening of Le Miti Aito International 2025. We are proud to be associated with the return of the international solo paddling competition and the official launch of the Village and Va’a Scholarship Program.

Seeing so many young faces today, I cannot help quoting Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China: “The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours. You young people, full of vigor and vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning. Our hope is placed on you.” This has inspired generations and generations of young Chinese. I hope it could

be inspirational to our young Samoans too.

Actually, young people have been the backbone for China-Samoa relations. The first Chinese arrived in Samoa was a young sailor in 1876. Early 1900s, thousands young Chinese laborers were employed by owners of coconut plantations in Samoa.

Some of them stayed and married with local girls. That is why 20% Samoan population could trace their roots to China and our relations runs deep and sound.

In 1975, Samoa and China established diplomatic ties. Since then, our young people of both countries have been builders of our close relations. In 2024 for example, more than 20 young Samoans went to China for study under the Chinese government scholarship scheme; most of 110 plus officials and professionals who traveled to China for training are young men and women.

In Samoa, all Chinese medical specialists working in the national hospital are young ones. So are teachers of the Confucius Institute in NUS and most of SCATAP experts.

This year, while celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of our diplomatic ties, we count on our young Samoan and Chinese people, to bring our two countries closer and more benefits to our two peoples. President Xi Jinping said, “I care about young people wherever I go.”

This is why since my arrival in Samoa early last year, I have been trying my best to work with the Samoan government and institutions, to help young people in Samoa whenever possible. The sports is strength of individuals and the nation. The youth is the wealth of the community and the country.

When young people are more capable, our countries have better hope, and China-Samoa relations are more promising. I wish Alo Paopao Academy and the Siumu community as well as wider regions of Samoa good luck.

I wish you all a nice day.

Thank you.

Fa’afetai!谢谢！

May 22, 2025

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Sports and Recreation Hon. Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell (Saturday 19 April 2025)

Lau susuga Taitai o le Sauniga

Your Excellencies and Esteemed Guests

Your Excellency Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Samoa

Your Excellency Will Robinson, Australian High Commissioner

Your Excellency Si’alei Van Toor, New Zealand High Commissioner

Esteemed village leaders of Siumu, Maninoa, and A’aga Ulugia Jay Schuster and the Alo Paopao Committee Distinguished paddlers, supporters, families, and guests

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

Ua motu i le vasa le su’igaula nai le papa. O loo ua musa foi i Foga’a le Sanalaala. O Talaleomalie le alo o le Tuiatua, ae ta’alo i le vai le ataata o le tama o Samoanagalo.

E matagofie, ē latou te aumaia le Talalelei ma le finagalo o le Atua, e le tau faailo ina foi le lupe ua mua, auā ua mua mea i Matautu Sa, ua motu i le lagi ona vi’i, auā ua lele malie le siufofoga o le Auauna a le Atua i lenei taeao fou. Viia le Atua soifua.

Talitonu ua fa’afofoga le lagi i talosaga molia ma ua nofo fale foi ia Satuiama’a le feau mo tatou i lenei aso. Malō le folau i lagimā. Ae manatu ona o lo o filogia la tatou mafutaga, o le a faaaoga ai le gagana faafaigofie mo a tatou Malō.

It is with great honor that we convene today to formally inaugurate the Le Miti Aito International 2025. More significantly, we embark on a new journey of community, culture, and opportunity for our youth through the establishmentof the Miti Va’a Scholarship Fund.

This event, which originated in 2016 as Le Aito Samoa in collaboration with Tahiti’s Te Aito Race, returns today with profound significance, reborn as Le Miti Aito International in tribute to the late Miti Cheung Fuk.

Miti was not merely a business leader; she was a mother who transformed adversity into hope. When her son faced challenges in his youth, she recognized the ocean as his sanctuary and source of strength.

Her decision to uplift him and others in similar circumstances led to her support of paddling programs for over two decades. Her benevolence extended beyond her own child, reaching every young individual in need of guidance and belonging.

Her compassion for children, her vision for community, and her unwavering support of paddling are the reasons we honour her name today. This race perpetuates her spirit.

In furtherance of her legacy, we are proud to introduce the Miti Va’a Scholarship Fund, commencing here in the District of Siumu. Forty young paddlers from the villages of Siumu, Maninoa, and A’aga will receive comprehensive scholarships covering: School fees, Uniforms, Equipment and; Training

This marks only the beginning, with plans to expand to Apia and Vaiala, and eventually across Samoa. This initiative transcends paddling; it is about cultivating confident leaders, reconnecting with our heritage, and fortifying our villages through teamwork, resilience, and identity.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is dedicated to elevating sports and recreational activities of all types, recognizing their pivotal role in the development of our people and our nation. This program and the scholarships offered align with the Ministry’s goals and objectives by fostering personal growth, community engagement, and national pride through sports.

I am therefore especially delighted to witness this important milestone in your journey. We have already witnessed the potential of this program, as it has nurtured paddlers who achieved bronze and silver medals at the 2023 World Distance Championships held here in Samoa.

Today, we are privileged to welcome World Champion Anne Cairns and Carl Barnes, both exemplary role models for our youth.

To our partners, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for supporting the growth of this program. To Ulugia Jay Ah Fook Schuster, we thank you for your leadership in paddling since 1987.

To all our paddlers today, race with heart, race with courage, and race with pride in your culture.

With that, I hereby officially declare Le Miti Aito International 2025 open and launch the Village and Va’a Scholarship Program.

Fa’afetai tele lava.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

May 22, 2025

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio [25th April 2025]

Rev Mariota Siaea

Afioga ile Ao Mamalu ole Malo ma lau Masiofo

Your Excellencies High Commissioners of Australia and New

Zealand

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Every year at the break of dawn of 25 April, we come to

remember the sacrifices made by the hundreds of thousands of

New Zealanders, Australians and nationals of Pacific Island

countries including Samoa who fought in WW1, WW2 and other

subsequent conflicts.

Today we are all united in remembrance of their fight for our

freedom, independence and for our future as peaceful

communities. Let us not forget those who answered bravely the

call of their country and then fall in its name. We wear on our

hearts the poppy of remembrance.

In many ways, the ANZAC ideals go far deeper than war; it is

what makes one a patriot of one’s country. Despite the

devastation of war, we have learnt lessons from it. Our

knowledge of war defines who we are and where we draw our

boundaries. Even though many of us have not experienced war

first hand, we all understand the horror it results in.

Our hopes and prayers are that we will not experience watching

our children go to destinies unknown in this restless world we

no longer understand.

But for today and forever, let us never forget those who had

made the greatest contribution to ensure our security.

We will remember.

End

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)

May 22, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 25 April 2025] – The University of the South Pacific (USP) Samoa Campus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Forestry Division, is thrilled to announce a special event promoting environmental sustainability. On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, from 8 AM to 1 PM, the USP Samoa Campus will host a Pop-up Market dedicated to bringing the community together and supporting the MNRE’s 3 Million Tree Campaign.

This family-friendly event invites community members to bring the family to the campus and will have the opportunity to receive free tree seedlings as part of the campaign efforts to encourage tree planting across Samoa.

The USP Pop-up Market promises a vibrant atmosphere with an array of attractions including fresh vegetables, root plants, fresh flowers, kombucha drinks, BBQ food stalls, and handmade crafts by local artisans. Additionally, there will be fun activities for children like a bouncy castle and more.

Visitors can also look forward to a variety of delicious food from Vanuatu and Fiji, locally made and freshly baked goodies, fresh local produce, and an array of pre-loved clothing and household goods.

Event Details:

 Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025

 Time: 8 AM – 1 PM

 Location: USP Samoa Campus Front Lawn

Join us at this special event where you can enjoy a delightful family day while contributing positively towards our environment by planting trees!

For further inquiries: Contact: Ronna Lee Email: ronna.lee@usp.ac.fj

END.

SOURCE – The University of the South Pacific – Samoa Campus, Apia and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

May 22, 2025

Source:

REMARKS by the Ambassador Fei Mingxing [24 April 2025]

Hon. Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, Minister of Sports and Recreation,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Talofa lava! I am delighted to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Auxiliary Works of the Ninth-Phase China Aid Samoa Apia Comprehensive Sports Venues Technical Assistance Project today. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to expressappreciation for your long-term support for China-Samoa relations!

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Samoa. Over the past half century, upholding the principle of mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation, China and Samoa have maintained traditional friendship, close economic and trade exchanges, and fruitful cooperation in various fields, which have delivered tangible benefits to our two peoples. In addition to the Apia Park stadium project, training sessions of Samoan althlets in China, and recent badmington day and table tenis day and others, the Samoa Aquatic Center is a historic witnesses of the friendship and cooperation between China and Samoa.

Since the Samoa Aquatic Center was put into use in 2006, China has sent 9 batches of 29 technical experts to Samoa to provide maintenance support. It has been 20 years. As an important public sports facility, it has promoted the fitness and public health development of Samoa communities. During this period, large-scale events such as the 2006 “Miss South Pacific Pageant” and the 2007 South Pacific Games were held here, which exerted the economic effect of the events and promoted international exchanges.

The purpose of this auxiliary project is to ensure the continued safe use of the Aquatic Center. I hope that the construction teams of both sides will work closely together to ensure the high standards and high quality of the project construction, and train on site as many as possible Samoan workers, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Samoa.

Looking into the future, China will further its joint efforts with with Samoa, actively expand practical cooperation in various fields including sports, fully implement the outcome of Hon Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s visit to China last November, continuously deepeningthe comprehensive strategic partnership towardthe closer China-Samoa community with a shared future.

I wish China-Samoa cooperation in sports sector fruitful, and prosperity for China and Samoa and our two peoples!

Fa’afetai!

Now, I announce the Hilary construction of the Ninth-Phase China Aid Samoa Apia Comprehensive Sports Venues Project started.

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

May 22, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – 24 April 2025] – The Samoa U17 women’s team continues to write history by becoming the first-ever Pacific Island team to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious Dallas Cup in the United States.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Juan Chang Urrea, the first Pacific Island team to participate in the Dallas Cup delivered a historic performance by winning their pool and advancing through the quarter-finals to secure a top 4 finish in one of the most competitive youth football tournaments in the world.

The Dallas Cup appearance was part of Samoa’s preparation for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco in October, after they became the first Samoan football team to qualify for a FIFA tournament when they finished second in the OFC U16 championship.

“This level of preparation is unheard of in the Pacific Islands,” says coach Chang Urrea.

“We are all working together in the Federation to give our team the best preparation possible to make our country and the Oceania Region proud at the World Cup.”

With the support of FIFA Forward Operational funding and OFC, the federation created a detailed plan to prepare the players, scattered across Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Football Federation Samoa (FFS) earlier this year had gathered the team in California for a training camp and coach Urrea says that this time together was already bearing fruit during the Dallas Cup.

In front of huge crowds of US-based Samoan fans who had travelled from different states, the team opened their campaign with a dominant 7-1 win against DKSC, before shocking the Spanish professionals from Villareal with a 2-0 victory.

A 2-2 hard-fought draw against the strong local Dallas Texans completed an unbeaten run and top spot in Pool A.

The fairytale continued in the quarter-finals where the DKSC ECNL team was dispatched 2-0 to set up an intimidating semi-final clash with the FC Dallas.

The academy team from the host city’s professional club proved to be as good as their reputation and despite valiant Samoan resistance, FC Dallas ran out comfortable 5-0 winners to advance to the final.

The stand-out player at the tournament for Samoa was top goal scorer Makea Leonard who bagged 5 goals in 5 games.

Chang Urrea says the wins, but especially the semi-final loss, will provide essential experience against elite opposition and showcased the continued evolution of the team’s style, resilience, and confidence.

“We are incredibly proud of how far these girls have come. This wasn’t just a tournament – it was a major stepping stone toward our World Cup ambitions,” says Chang Urrea.

“Placing in the top 4 of this prestigious tournament is an indication that we are on the right track to compete in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in October this year.”

The team will have their final training camp in June in the United States, before they plan to organise two friendly international matches on their way to Morocco once the World Cup draw has been completed.

END.

SOURCE – Samoa Football

May 22, 2025

Source:

By: Asuisui Fofoa Matafeo

Samoas’ presence and visibility is on the global stage at Osaka Japan World Expo 2025.

Capitalizing on the international stage to profile Samoa’s export commodities and goods complemented by Samoa’s revere tourism profile in bids to attract more visitors to Samoa, the Expo held every five years was officially opened on April 12th 2025.

Her Excellency (H.E) Fa’alava’au Perina Sila Tualaulelei, Ambassador of Samoa to Japan led Samoa contingent at the official opening ceremonies.

She was accompanied by Paul Oteta Ane, Representative of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representative from Government Press Secretariat and Savali Newspaper Principal Videographer and Filming, Asuisui Fofoa Matafeo.

Samoa’s delegation also joined their global counterparts in commemorating the beginning of Expo activities, signaling Samoa’s readiness to share its distinctive culture, innovations, and future-focused vision with the world.

Samoa’s exports and profile will remain on display at her pavilion showcasing handicrafts, clothing, food, and much more providing a wider platform for Samoa’s products to be noticed on the world stage.

With millions in attendance, the Expo reaffirms unity and portray a future society through the ideas of life, world and the future.

Osaka previously hosted a World Expo in 1970 that attracted 64 million visitors.

The Expo is for 6 months and will close this October.

Photos: Asuisui Fofoa Matafeo (Savali Newspaper)

May 22, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) in Chongqing today (May 22) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to Mainland enterprises to further enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and Chongqing.

     Organised by the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, the WCIFIT is an important platform for trade co-operation and investment promotion in the western region of the Mainland. This year, Hong Kong is the guest city of honour of the WCIFIT at which a Hong Kong Pavilion is set up to promote Hong Kong’s strengths and showcase its role as an effective and premium trade and business platform for Mainland enterprises to go global. The Special Event on Chongqing-Hong Kong Co-operation in Modern Service Industry themed “Channelling Global Business through Hong Kong” was also held to foster co-operation and exchanges between the two places in different areas of the modern service industry.

     Addressing the opening ceremony this morning, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong and Chongqing have long maintained close ties, with both places playing their unique roles in the nation’s development. Chongqing serves as an important link between the Belt and Road and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and is a highly opened-up inland area, while Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of having strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, and is the country’s southern gateway and a key platform connecting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with international markets. Since the establishment of the Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference mechanism in 2023, Hong Kong and Chongqing have been actively promoting co-operation on different fronts to leverage the complementarity of the two places and achieve mutual benefits, jointly contributing to the high-quality development of the country and creating unlimited opportunities for enterprises in both places.

     Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is the connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy, actively serving as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” and as a two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global and for attracting overseas enterprises. He looked forward to more Chongqing enterprises coming to Hong Kong for further development.

     The Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Yuan Jiajun, and Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the CPC and the Mayor of Chongqing, Mr Hu Henghua, also attended the opening ceremony.

     Mr Yau then toured the Hong Kong Pavilion, which covers 600 square metres and showcases Hong Kong’s strengths in areas such as finance, shipping and innovation and technology, as well as the development and achievements of co-operation between Hong Kong and Chongqing.

     Speaking at the Special Event jointly organised by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) this afternoon, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has a mature modern service industry system, while Chongqing is a major economic centre in the western region of the country with a strong manufacturing base and actively promoting the development of the producer services sector, demonstrating strong complementarity with Hong Kong. He added that Hong Kong and Chongqing present enormous potential for co-operation in the services sector. Hong Kong can provide solid support for Chongqing’s development of modern services, while Chongqing’s sizeable market and industrial base offer extensive room for development of Hong Kong enterprises.

     The Special Event brought together government officials, enterprises and experts in the services sector of the two places, as well as a representative from the HKTDC to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities, the development of Chongqing’s modern producer services sector, and the unlimited business opportunities under Hong Kong-Chongqing co-operation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho introduced the potential and opportunities of Hong Kong’s housing technology development during her visit to Paris, France yesterday.

Ms Ho first visited the Innovation Hub of Schneider Electric to learn how the company applies the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics to promote building energy efficiency retrofits and achieve smart energy management and net-zero power generation.

With a Housing Department delegation, Ms Ho introduced to them the experience of applying innovative technologies in public housing development in Hong Kong and shared how the Housing Authority promotes and advances the development of innovative technologies at the planning and design, construction and inspection stages of works, and fosters optimisation and upgrading of the construction sector.

In the afternoon, Ms Ho went to the headquarters of Saint-Gobain Group, visiting its iconic Saint-Gobain Tower and its research centre in Paris to learn more about their research, development and production process of green building materials for lowering costs, saving energy and reducing carbon emissions while enhancing indoor comfort.

The housing chief also attended a dinner with representatives of the Business Environment Council and the largest employers’ association in France, Mouvement des Entreprises de France.

They exchanged views on the application of construction technology by frontline staff and the development of smart cities, as well as shared experiences on promoting occupational safety and sustainable development in the two places.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 22) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for April 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 2.0% in April 2025 over the same month a year earlier, larger than the corresponding increase (1.4%) in March 2025. The larger increase was mainly attributable to the lower ceiling of rates concession in April 2025 when compared with the same month last year. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in April 2025 was 1.3%, also larger than that in March 2025 (1.0%). The larger increase was mainly due to the increases in the charges for package tours as well as inbound and outbound transport fares.  

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending April 2025 was -0.1%, and that for the 3-month period ending March 2025 was 0.0%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.0%.