Category: MIL-OSI

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KEYNOTE by the Hon. Minister of Statistics, Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai

Lau susuga Reverend Ma’auga Motu,

Afioga, Honorable Deputy Prime Minister(s),

Afioga Honorable Ministers of Cabinet,

Associate Ministers,

Members of the Diplomatic Core,

Heads of Government Ministers and Corporations,

Members of the Business Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

TALOFA LAVA, FAAMALO LE SOIFUA.

It is my great pleasure to give the keynote address for this very important occasion, to commemorate and celebrate the 2025 World Statistics Day.

As we are all well aware, statistical information as a public good has been and will always be key to any successful development of policy and planning across all aspects of governance. Its significant role in providing evidence-based decision making, on all levels of development cannot be understated.

Today’s occasion marks the fourth celebration of the World Statistics Day, since the first event on the 20th October 2010. The theme for today is “Driving change with quality statistics for everyone”. It highlights the vital role of quality and trusted data and statistics in navigating today’s complex environment. High-quality statistics empower citizens, policymakers, business and the community to make informed decisions, and shining light on challenges that might otherwise remain unseen, while supporting the Government’s mission to leave no one behind.

In today’s world, high-quality statistics are more important than ever before. Statistics are more than numbers – they are the foundation for informed decisions, effective policy, and sustainable development. Therefore, quality data and statistics must be accessible to everyone, and not just experts, Government and institutions. It is our belief that when quality and reliable data reach communities in every segment of the society, they empower informed decisions at all levels.

Today’s program showcase how statistical systems are developing to meet today’s challenges. We have different stalls outside showcasing different types of statistics by domain. A display of new digital system and infrastructures that fosters and facilitates the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistics, including the development of our Samoa National Identification. Furthermore, today’s event is also intended to foster strong collaboration amongst stakeholders and inspire the next generation of statistics and data professionals.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Statistics has been one of the Samoan government’s priorities over many years, and will continue to do so in the future. The Government, in partnership with development partners and international agencies, invested a great deal in the development of statistics, and has been part of its reform program agenda for the past years. As a result, Samoa has made significant progress over the years and performs comparatively well in terms of the production and dissemination of social, economic, monetary, environment and sector statistics. Samoa is considered one of the leaders in the Asia-Pacific Region in promoting and developing statistical capacity, adopting new methods, compliance with international standards, all while keeping developments within the Samoan context.

This is evident in Samoa’s compliance to the Enhanced General Data Dissemination Standard, a data quality assessment framework monitored by the International Monetary Fund and other international agencies, and the successful completion of Samoa’s 3rd Voluntary National Review report for the SDG 2030, marking a few important milestones in its journey of development.

On the domestic front, statistics have been made available on a timely basis, on various platforms including social media, and on different subject matters ranging from social, economic, monetary, environment as well as sector statistics. These have been key in the development of policies and plans, as well as monitoring progress made on development projects at the national and sector levels.

However, in any phase of development, there are always challenges that tend to hamper progress, and Samoa is not immune to these. The travel and SOE restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic imposed significant challenges on socio-economic developments in our country, with the economic hardships of that time underscoring a greater need for social protection.

As a result, there was huge pressure on statistical methods and procedures, the statistics and ICT infrastructures, and subsequently, the institutional arrangements and organizational structure in which the Bureau and the statistical system operate. This was on top of the increasing demand on indicators and the greater need for more dis-aggregated statistics imposed by the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, as well as the increased importance of the need for good governance, transparency and accountability.

All these challenges underpin the drive to improve relevance, data quality, reliability and timeliness of statistics for decision making. The challenge was enormous and have exceeded the production capacity of the statistical system.

Therefore, as we celebrate the many achievements we made over the years in statistics development, today, let us also be reminded that uncertainties and risks remain to be in the horizon. In that regard, we should be alert and cooperate in building a statistical system that provides quality and trusted statistics, to inform policy and decision making for the benefit of all citizens of Samoa.

As Minister for Statistics, I would like to acknowledge the continuous support from all our donor partners, who have actively been part of the statistical developments in one way or another. We look forward to working with you all in the future, in developing a stronger and more resilient statistical system, that provides trusted and valued statistics as foundation for evidence policy and decision making for the benefit of Samoa.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me congratulate you all for your many roles and contributions to statistics development in Samoa. I also extend a word of thanks to the Statistics Advisory Board for their guidance and support in this very important work.

Last but not least, I acknowledge with great appreciation the staff and management of the Bureau of Statistics for their commitment and dedication in the coordination of the statistical system, as well as leading the statistics production and dissemination in Samoa. You have set the data standards in our region and may you all continue to rise above any challenges that may come your way. May God guide and strengthen your passion and commitment in developing resilient statistical systems as part of Samoa’s economic journey.

Finally, let me re-emphasize the importance of the theme for today’s World Statistics Day that is “Driving change with quality statistics for everyone”. I encourage everyone to be part of the change in the development of our economy and society, through quality and trusted data as the foundation of effective decision and policy making. With that I extend to you all a “Happy World Statistics Day”.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

October 27, 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE, 23 October 2025] – We are delighted to share that the Department of Media and Communication, under the Faculty of Arts at the National University of Samoa (NUS), has received a generous donation of professional media equipment from BBC Media Action on the 17th July 2025. This vital contribution is set to significantly enhance the learning environment for students enrolled in the Media and Journalism program, providing them with access to essential tools that will bolster their educational experience and better prepare them for real-world media careers.

The donation package includes a variety of industry-standard items such as professional-grade video cameras, spare batteries, camera lights, memory cards, high-quality headphones, sturdy tripods, and cable reels. These resources are critical for hands-on training and will be integrated into both classroom lessons and fieldwork assignments. The practical exposure student’s gain by working with this equipment will allow them to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world media production skills.

With these new tools at their disposal, students will be able to:

• Produce high-quality video and audio content, elevating the standards of their coursework and projects.

• Engage in immersive field reporting, capturing stories from diverse communities and issues across Samoa.

• Develop multimedia storytelling skills that combine visuals, sound, and narrative, essential for modern journalism.

• Familiarize themselves with professional workflows and technical requirements that mirror those used in leading media organizations worldwide.

Saui’a Dr. Louise Matai’a Milo, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the donation: “This contribution addresses a long-standing need within our Faculty. Many of our students have faced challenges in accessing appropriate equipment for their assignments and practical learning. Thanks to BBC Media Action, we can now provide a more comprehensive, hands-on education that equips our students with the skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive media landscape.”

The students have also voiced their enthusiasm and appreciation for the enhanced resources: “It’s exciting to finally have access to the type of equipment we’ve only studied in theory,” said Tiitii Afia Tiitii, a third-year Journalism major. “Having professional cameras and other gear will transform how we approach our assignments and prepare us more effectively for careers in media.”

The Media and Journalism Programme lecturer, Yumi Talaave also expressed her appreciation for the donation given to the Faculty.

“We are incredibly grateful to BBC Media Action for their generous donation of professional media equipment to our Department of Media and Communication. This support is invaluable in enhancing the practical learning opportunities available to our students. Access to industry-standard tools is essential for preparing our future journalists to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Thanks to BBC Media Action, our students can now gain hands-on experience with equipment that reflects what they will encounter in the field, giving them a competitive edge as they transition into their careers. This partnership not only strengthens our academic program but also reinforces our shared commitment to building a vibrant, skilled media community in Samoa.

On behalf of the faculty and students, I extend our heartfelt thanks for this impactful contribution and look forward to continuing collaboration in the future.”

This donation aligns with BBC Media Action’s ongoing global commitment to fostering media development, education, and capacity building. By investing in future media professionals, they help ensure that the next generation of journalists and communicators are not only knowledgeable but also proficient in using the tools and techniques necessary for impactful storytelling and responsible journalism.

The Faculty of Arts extends its sincere thanks to BBC Media Action for this generous support. The partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in strengthening media education and empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the development of media in Samoa and beyond. Both institutions look forward to continued engagement aimed at nurturing talent and innovation in the field of media and communication.

END.

ThThe National University of Samoa

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Meeting between the Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters.

19 October 2025 – Samoa Consulate General Mangere Auckland

[Press Release]-The bilateral meeting was requested by Rt Hon Winston Peters and organized by the Samoa High Commission in Wellington to utilize the opportunity of meeting with the Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa while in New Zealand.

The meeting focused on priority issues raised by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa pertaining to the wellbeing of Samoan people in Samoa as well as the diaspora under the aegis of the Treaty of Friendship.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of the District Development Program to provide meaningful opportunities for the Samoan people to ensure ownership and determination of their sustainable development pathways.

Discussions pointed to ways to facilitate travel by way of easier and least cost visa processing for short term visitations, the vision for sustainable worker schemes and scope for benefits for Samoans now eligible for NZ citizenship.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa also requested the help of NZ through ways to curb drug trafficking at the borders and at entry points into the country, as well as enhanced capacity building for border control authorities.

A request was also raised to look at ways by which visiting medical experts schemes can provide treatment in country thus cutting down on costs for overseas medical treatment.

Acknowledgement was also made of the compensation funds provided for the Safata district as a result of the Manawanui sinking.

In response Rt Hon Winston Peters acknowledged the challenges faced by Samoa and indicated his further review of existing practices and identify areas where NZ can further assist bilaterally or through regional programs.

The meeting was attended by senior advisers to Minister Peters Mr Michael Appleton and Mr Jon Johansson and Consul General Auckland Afemata Palusalue Lemalu and Vice Consul Dorothy Ah Ching.

October 27, 2025

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SAMOA CONSULTAE GENERAL AUCKLAND. 23rd October 2025.

[PRESS RELEASE]- Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Hon Sharren Miriam Haskel for bilateral discussions over dinner in the Samoa Consulate General in Mangere Auckland, Thursday night 23 October.

The visit to the Pacific by the Deputy Foreign Minister was to acknowledge and personally thank the ‘friends of Israel’ in the Pacific region for their support during these challenging times with the continuing situation in Gaza.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa reaffirmed the shared values between the two countries of faith, culture, traditions and history which Israeli people remain committed to preserving.

Deputy Minister Haskell acknowledged with appreciation Samoa’s friendship and support of the Samoan people, and that the shared respect for the land of Israel forms a special bond between the two countries. The declaration of support for Israel remains firm and that Samoa is looking at potential representation in Israel.

The visa waiver between the two countries was highlighted as well as the opportunities for capacity building in Israel in the fields of agricultural research, innovation such as its drip irrigation system and advanced technological tools for greater agricultural production.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa raised potential areas for Israeli assistance in tackling illicit drug trafficking and ways to address border security concerns.

As a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa was invited to visit Israel in the not too distant future; likewise Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel was invited to attend the next Independence celebrations for Samoa.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE -[Photos Contributed]

October 27, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Fire Services Department (FSD) today (October 27) announced the special operations deployment for hill fires during the Chung Yeung Festival. It also urged members of the public to avoid leaving ignition sources when paying tribute to ancestors at graveyards or visiting the countryside to prevent hill fires.

The FSD is fully prepared and launched the special operations deployment, including setting up a High Command in the past weekend to strengthen co-ordination and the capability to respond to hill fires among operational units. Additionally, through flexible allocation of internal resources, extra frontline staff and fire services appliances were deployed to handle emergencies.

The FSD identified eight hill fire hotspots in North District in the New Territories after assessment. Over 200 additional frontline staff from the FSD and the Civil Aid Service were deployed to form patrol teams to patrol these hotspots. The teams served to remind the public to be cautious with fire, and to quickly extinguish initial fires to prevent the spread of hill fires where feasible.

Meanwhile, the FSD actively collaborated with the community on fire prevention publicity. With the strengthened ties with the District Fire Safety Committees through the FSD Community Collaboration Network, and in collaboration with the FSD Community Emergency Responder Honorary Presidents’ Association and FSD Community Emergency Responders, the department disseminated fire safety messages to the public at various graveyards and rural areas over the past weekend.

In terms of technology application, apart from using drones equipped with loudspeakers to broadcast fire prevention messages at graveyards, the FSD also utilised two low-altitude economy Regulatory Sandbox projects for the first time. The department deployed a 30-kilogram payload capacity drone to transport fire-fighting equipment such as flexible backpack pumps and fire beaters to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, drones and automated drone docks were deployed to conduct regular autonomic patrols in the countryside to achieve early fire detection by leveraging AI technology. The equipment enabled rescuers to appraise the onsite situation more promptly and make deployments accordingly.

As data revealed that most hill fires are caused by human negligence, preventing hill fires relies on the collaborative efforts of various parties. The FSD reminds the public not to leave any ignition sources or to burn weeds in order to prevent hill fires.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, together with the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (October 26) attended the “Election into Community” Roving Interactive Exhibition@The Westwood event, where they joined members of the public to know more about the election and experience the election atmosphere in an interactive way.

     Speaking at the event, Mr Chan said, “The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7. The nomination period just started on October 24 and will run for two weeks until November 6. I encourage outstanding individuals with affection for the country and Hong Kong, proven capabilities, a sense of responsibility and a passion to serve the public to stand for the election.”

     He also called on all voters to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes on the polling day for Hong Kong – our home to elect their preferred representatives as Legislative Council members to make concerted efforts for the good governance, progress and prosperity of Hong Kong, where people can live and work in contentment.

     The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) is actively promoting the 2025 LCGE and debuting the “Election into Community” Roving Interactive Exhibition series this weekend. The first stop of the series was held in The Westwood for two consecutive days (October 25 and 26). Interactive games, an exhibition panel area and a self-service photo booth are set up at the event to deepen public understanding of electoral information. Life-sized mascots of the Ballot Box Family are also on site to interact with the public. 

     The CMAB has earlier rolled out on its election-themed Facebook page the “Let’s find the Ballot Box Family AR mailboxes” activity (www.facebook.com/share/1BdqkmFtrn). Members of the public may redeem a souvenir at the event venues of the “Election into Community” series by posting a photo of mailboxes installed across the territory as a comment at the post.

     “Election into Community” will be held at shopping malls in various districts with opening hours from 11am to 7pm. Admission is free. Details are as follows:
 

Date	Venue
November 1 to 2	Lei Yue Mun Plaza
November 8 to 9	tmtplaza
November 12 to 13	Cheung Fat Plaza
November 29 to 30	Oi Tung Shopping Centre
December 5 to 6	Plaza Hollywood

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 25) and today (October 26) and seized a total of about 30.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $6.1 million. Three persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

In the first case, two male passengers, aged 45 and 37, arrived in Hong Kong from Hangzhou and Bangkok, Thailand, respectively yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 3kg with an estimated market value of about $600,000 concealed in vacuum-sealed bags inside the carry-on suitcase of the 45-year-old male passenger. The two persons were subsequently arrested.

In the second case, a 62-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Vancouver, Canada, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 27.5kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $5.5 million, in his check-in suitcases. He was subsequently arrested.

The two arrested men in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and they will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 27). For the second case, an investigation is still ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A total of eight nomination forms for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election were received today (October 25) by the Returning Officers for the 10 geographical constituencies, the 28 functional constituencies and the Election Committee constituency.

     This brings to 31 the total number of nomination forms received since the start of the nomination period on October 24. The nomination period will continue until November 6.

The number of nomination forms received for each geographical constituency is as follows:
 

Geographical constituency	No. of nomination forms received today	Cumulative total
Hong Kong Island East	0	2
Hong Kong Island West	1	2
Kowloon East	0	1
Kowloon West	0	1
Kowloon Central	0	3
New Territories South East	0	2
New Territories North	0	0
New Territories North West	0	1
New Territories South West	0	3
New Territories North East	0	1
Total	1	16

The number of nomination forms received for each functional constituency is as follows:
 

Functional constituency	No. of nomination forms received today	Cumulative total
Heung Yee Kuk	0	0
Agriculture and fisheries	0	0
Insurance	0	0
Transport	0	0
Education	0	0
Legal	0	1
Accountancy	0	0
Medical and health services	0	0
Engineering	0	0
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape	0	0
Labour	1	2
Social welfare	0	0
Real estate and construction	0	0
Tourism	0	0
Commercial (first)	0	0
Commercial (second)	0	0
Commercial (third)	0	0
Industrial (first)	0	0
Industrial (second)	0	0
Finance	0	0
Financial services	0	1
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication	0	0
Import and export	0	0
Textiles and garment	0	0
Wholesale and retail	0	1
Technology and innovation	0	0
Catering	0	0
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People’s Congress, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and representatives of relevant national organisations	0	0
Total	1	5

     The number of nomination forms received today for the Election Committee constituency is six and the cumulative total number is 10.

Particulars of the nominated persons received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 24-hour Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183 operated by social workers, which provides carer support, referral and outreach, handled over 119 000 calls and referred more than 2 200 cases to social welfare units for follow-up by the end of September. The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has also launched the first phase of the Carer Support Data Platform, initially connecting its data with that of the Hospital Authority and the Housing Authority, to identify carer households needing emergency support.

News.gov.hk spoke to a doubleton elderly household who shared their experience of using the hotline, while representatives from both the hotline and the SWD outlined the benefits of the service and related programmes.

The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (October 26) in text and video format.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The South Development and Sustainable Lantau Office (SSLO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department announced today (October 27) that 12 projects were approved in the 2024-2025 round of the Lantau Conservation Fund (LCF), involving a total amount of about $32 million.

The approved projects comprise one conservation management agreement project in Tai O, nine research projects and two education and engagement projects, covering themes such as the renovation of a Tai O traditional building, history of Tai O development, history of Yam O Wan log storage industry, history of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression on Lantau Island, and ecology of rare animals and plants on Lantau Island.

The LCF aims to promote conservation and related projects on Lantau, with a view to raising community awareness about conservation of Lantau and engaging the community to put conservation into practice, thereby fostering a sustainable quality living environment. The $1 billion LCF provides financial support to eligible organisations and post-secondary education institutions to conduct research and education and engagement projects, or collaborate with local communities and landowners to carry out conservation and related projects on Lantau; as well as supporting minor local improvement works for conservation. A total of 59 projects of over $164 million have been approved since the inception of the LCF in 2020.

The LCF will accept a new round of applications at the end of this year. For information about the LCF, the results of the applications, the event calendar and details of the approved projects, and the invitation for the new round of applications, please visit the LCF’s website (www.lcf.gov.hk/) and the Sustainable Lantau Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lantauhk/), or call 2153 2739.