MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Medical Products Administration Conference was convened in Hong Kong today (November 18). Representatives from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the regulatory authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao exchanged views on enhancing the working mechanism for regulatory collaborations on drugs and medical devices in the GBA, and fostering the innovation development on regulating drugs and medical devices in the region.

Under the guidance of the NMPA, the Conference was co-organised by the Department of Health (DH) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, and the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. Deputy Commissioner of the NMPA, Dr Yang Sheng, also attended the Conference.

Addressing at the Conference, the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The Recommendations of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five‑Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, proposed to support the development of innovative drugs and medical devices, and to promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese medicine and the integration of Chinese medicine and Western medicine. The HKSAR Government is fully committed to aligning with these key national strategies, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub and a bridgehead for Chinese medicine to go global, contributing to the high-quality development of the national pharmaceutical industry.”

“Through the establishment of ‘one institute, one center’ in the Hetao area (i.e. the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Center (GBAICTI) in the Shenzhen Park) and the formation of the ‘GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform’, we are promoting international multi-centre clinical trials of innovative drugs and medical devices, gathering top-tier global research resources and accelerating the transformation of research and development outcomes. By 2026, the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) will be established, and the ‘primary evaluation’ for new drug registration will be implemented in phases, expediting the transformation of CMPR into an internationally recognised regulatory authority for medical products. These will strongly support the high-quality development of the national biopharmaceutical industry and jointly build the GBA into a world-class health and medical innovation hub. Regarding the development of Chinese medicine, we will announce the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint outlining the way forward for the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, and injecting new momentum for Chinese medicine to go global.”

The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said, “GBA serves as a leading region for medical products innovation nationwide. The medical products regulatory authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have a significant responsibility. We not only safeguard public health of the people, but also drive scientific innovation with regulation and enhance the country’s technological capabilities and international influence. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the release of the Work Plan for Regulatory Innovation and Development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device in the GBA. There have been steady advancements in the innovative development of medical products regulation in the GBA, leading to fruitful achievements for Hong Kong in the field of medical products regulation, including the establishment of a real-time risk communication system, enhanced personnel and technical training, accelerated cross-boundary market access and circulation of high quality pharmaceutical and medical device products in the GBA, joint development of the standards of pharmaceutical products, and collaborative enforcement. These are some of the best examples of ‘collaboration, innovation and mutual benefit’ in the GBA.”

At the meeting, Dr Lam also reported on the HKSAR’s achievements in promoting the GBA’s collaborative strength in pharmaceutical regulation. These achievements included hosting the first International Medical Device Regulatory Forum and the global “2025 Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) Seminar” in Hong Kong. Under the “special measure of using Hong Kong registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in GBA”, 61 drugs and 73 medical devices have been allowed to be used in the 45 designated healthcare institutions. A total of 16 proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms) for external use and one pCm for oral use, all registered in Hong Kong, have been approved for sale in the Chinese Mainland. Additionally, one Western medicine and two Chinese medicines have been approved for production and market launch in the GBA through a new cross-boundary contract manufacturing model, under which research, development and production occur in Hong Kong while manufacturing takes place in the GBA.

During the Conference, representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao exchanged views on enhancing collaboration and training in drug evaluation and Good Manufacturing Practice inspection, as well as conducting international multi-centre clinical trials for innovative drugs and medical devices. In addition, the NMPA introduced the latest situation of various regulatory work, including the streamlining of approval procedures for Hong Kong- and Macao-registered traditional proprietary Chinese medicines for oral use.

Other HKSAR Government representatives at the Conference include Deputy Secretary for Health, Ms Elaine Mak, and the Controller of Regulatory Affairs of the DH, Dr Fung Ying. Representatives from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, the GBAICTI, relevant departments from Guangdong Province and nine Chinese Mainland cities in the GBA also participated in the Conference.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (November 18) that the department is delighted to have won consecutive gold and silver awards this year in the annual Hong Kong’s Best Public Toilet Award organised by the Hong Kong Toilet Association.

Having won the gold award, the Lan Kwai Fong Public Toilet in Central and Western District is equipped with an air-conditioning system, facilities such as automatic sensor water taps and soap dispensers, and a touchless flush system. Toilet attendants provide round-the-clock service during weekends and public holidays. The Kam Tin Shi Public Toilet in Yuen Long District has won the silver award. With a simple and unpretentious appearance as well as a bright and hygienic interior design, the toilet is equipped with facilities including the three-in-one Cabinet Wash Hand Basin (combining automatic sensor water tap, soap dispenser and hand dryer), and a touchless flush system.

“In recent years, the FEHD has been enhancing the facilities, management and hygiene of public toilets (PTs), taking a multi-pronged approach and introducing new technologies to provide a better user experience for the public. We are delighted to learn that the PTs of the FEHD have won best toilet awards in consecutive years. This recognition is a testament to the department’s hard work and dedication.”

The FEHD has earlier noted the ageing of facilities in Sai Ying Pun Market toilets and Kowloon City Road Public Toilet, and has already made facelifting and refurbishment plans. Among which, the toilet on the ground floor of Sai Ying Pun Market is scheduled to re-open within this month upon the completion of refurbishment works, while the works for the rest will commence in the coming months. Before the facelifting and refurbishment works are completed, the FEHD will enhance cleansing and collaborate with relevant departments to expedite the repair of damaged facilities.

The spokesman said, “The FEHD will continue to enhance the hygiene and management of PTs under its purview, and improve the facilities and service quality of PTs through innovative ideas. We appeal to the public to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of public facilities and help ensure that PTs are well cared for.”

The FEHD currently manages over 800 PTs. Since 2019-20, the FEHD and Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) have been proactively forging ahead with the Enhanced Public Toilet Refurbishment Programme. As of this September, full refurbishment or facelifting for about 480 PTs has been rolled out, with approximately 190 of these projects already completed. By planning ahead, streamlining or compressing preliminary work flows and adopting new construction methods and technologies, the FEHD and the ArchSD aim to commence full refurbishment or facelifting works for the remaining some 200 PTs across the territory by the end of 2028.

The FEHD employs technologies to enhance the service of PTs, including installing sensors in 15 PTs to monitor usage rates and environmental parameters in real time. When odour concentration is detected to have reached an alarming level, the system will immediately notify the responsible staff through an SMS message to arrange cleansing. Additionally, novel air purification technologies are utilised to catalytically decompose pollutants and to eliminate odour at source. Ozone generators are also deployed in individual PTs to convert the oxygen in the air to ozone, and through nanobubble technology, effectively oxidise the bacteria and viruses in water, preventing the formation of biofilms on toilet surfaces and reducing odours generated from excreta.

The FEHD has installed wireless broadcasting systems in approximately 200 PTs located at tourist attractions or with high utilisation rates across the territory to promote the importance of toilet cleanliness and proper use of facilities. Furthermore, public toilet cleansing services are gradually being separated from the street cleansing service contracts and procured independently under dedicated contracts. Provisions requiring toilet attendants to have received relevant vocational training with recognised qualifications are included in the new public toilet management service contracts with a view to upgrading the service standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions in Eastern District today (November 18) and arrested a 68-year-old man for being suspected of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”, in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and “engaging in illegal conduct to incite another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during election period” in contravention of Section 27(A) of the Cap. 554 Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (ECICO).

Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intentions on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and to incite others not to vote or to cast invalid vote in an election.

Police conducted searches at the residence of the arrested person with court warrant, and seized some electronic communication devices that had been used to disseminate messages with seditious intention. The arrested person is being detained for further enquiries.

Police condemn the acts of the person concerned and reiterate that publishing texts with seditious intention and calling upon others not to vote or to cast invalid votes in an election are serious offences. For the offence of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”, offenders shall be liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. According to the ECICO, any person who publicly incites another person not to vote or to cast invalid votes during an election is liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police’s National Security Department took enforcement actions in Eastern District today and arrested a 68-year-old man for “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” in contravention of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and “engaging in illegal conduct to incite another person not to vote or to cast invalid vote by activity in public during election period” in contravention of the Elections (Corrupt & Illegal Conduct) Ordinance.

Investigations revealed that the man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Government, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and to incite others not to vote or to cast an invalid vote in an election.

Police conducted searches at his residence with a court warrant and seized some electronic communication devices that had been used to disseminate messages with seditious intention. The arrestee is being detained for further enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met Nobel Memorial Prize laureates in Economic Sciences in 2001, Joseph E Stiglitz and Michael Spence, to discuss topics such as the economy, innovation and technology (I&T), and education.

Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip, and Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Stephen Wong also attended the meeting.

Mr Lee welcomed the two Nobel laureates to Hong Kong to attend the International Forum on China’s Economy & Policy 2025 held at the Central Government Offices today, where the scholars shared their insights on the economic development of the world, the country and Hong Kong.

Delivering welcoming remarks at the forum, Mr Lee said under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both national and global opportunities, adding that Hong Kong remains committed to building bridges for a world of mutual opportunity amid economic uncertainty.

“We hold fast to the belief that free trade is the answer to boosting global output,“ the Chief Executive said, adding, “Hong Kong, after all, is China’s most internationalised city. We offer the world a market-friendly business environment, replete with business and investment advantages unmatched by any other city anywhere in the world. We are working now, proactively, to align ourselves with the 15th Five-Year Plan, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities and seize the plentiful opportunities there for us.”

Mr Lee also met the two laureates at the Chief Executive’s Office.

Mr Spence, a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, expressed cautious optimism about Hong Kong’s development under the current administration.

He noted that Hong Kong has successfully navigated its most challenging period, including external doubts surrounding the National Security Law.

“One, you had a major batch of global CEOs in finance here. So they clearly not abandoned you. So that part, which is a historical strength of the city, seems to be pretty firmly in place. And I think the economy is diversifying. A Greater Bay Area.”

Mr Stiglitz was also upbeat about Hong Kong’s outlook.

“A place where there is a common law, rule of law, English as a language. That is important if you are as a bridge between China and the rest of the world. I think having a flexible, agile bridge is going to be more important in a world which is more volatile.”

The Nobel laureates also highlighted the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Most of the discussion of AI that I hear rapidly goes to jobs and tasks and stuff. One of the really striking things is the use of AI to manage very complex systems, like smart grids, like complex supply chains.

“Because Hong Kong is not only a financial centre but it is a kind of gigantic marketplace, it probably got applications here,” said Mr Spence.

Mr Lee said he was pleased that the two scholars are optimistic about Hong Kong’s development prospects, recognise its notable strengths in education and I&T, and support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s various strategic plans of diversifying investments, exploring emerging markets, and further deepening collaborative developments in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to seize opportunities.

The Chief Executive noted that Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantage of having national and global opportunities under the “one country, two systems” principle and will continue to play the roles of a super connector and super value-adder, connecting the Mainland with the world, fully integrating into the overall national development and actively dovetailing with GBA developments.

He pointed out that as one of the bay area’s core cities, Hong Kong plays a vital role in driving regional development. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to collaborate with GBA cities in strengthening connectivity and enhancing the flow of people, goods, data and capital, with a view to further encouraging and supporting enterprises and talent to grasp development opportunities in the GBA.

Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong is the world’s freest economy, which attracts global capital and top talent, and has maintained its position of third globally and first in Asia Pacific as an international financial centre, according to the newly published Global Financial Centres Index.

Hong Kong is the only city worldwide that hosts five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, and its ranking leapt to fourth globally in the newly published World Talent Ranking 2025, marking its highest-ever ranking.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to further develop the city into an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talent, Mr Lee said.

Noting that the world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace and facing global economic uncertainties, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government is continuously seeking new growth opportunities.

Among these, the Northern Metropolis being developed at full steam serves as a new engine for Hong Kong’s economic growth, boasting significant development potential and economic value. It is expected to create more jobs and enhance productivity for Hong Kong.

At the same time, Mr Lee iterated, the Hong Kong SAR Government is vigorously promoting I&T, artificial intelligence, and related industries, while advancing the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and fostering the integrated development of education, technology, and talent to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre with a view to contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

The International Forum on China’s Economy & Policy was held by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, the National Academy of Economic Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Chinese Institute of Hong Kong.

The forum brought together more than 20 experts, academics, business leaders and government officials from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong to deliver presentations.

The speakers Integrated the latest dynamics and trends of global transformations, examined the impacts and challenges faced by the global economy, and focused on key topics such as the nation’s economic development strategy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, sustainable development models for regional economic co-operation in the world, and how Hong Kong can enhance its international competitiveness and contribute to future global economic development in the evolving landscape.

Mr Lee and member of the Leading Party Members’ Group and Secretary-General, Chinese Academy of Social Science Zhao Zhimin, delivered welcoming remarks at the forum.

There were three panel discussion sessions, focusing on global significance of China’s new development plan; the new development landscape of Hong Kong; and the integrated symbiosis of regional economies in the world.

Around 600 participants attended the forum, including experts, academics and personnel from overseas institutions in Hong Kong as well as representatives from think tanks, the business sector, professional bodies, and local and foreign chambers of commerce.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

CLP Power and Hongkong Electric Company (HK Electric) will reduce their average net tariff by 2.6% to 140.6 cents per kWh and 2.2% to 163.3 cents per kWh respectively with effect from January 1, 2026, following negotiations with the Government, the Environment & Ecology Bureau announced today.

Secretary for the Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said that based on the two power companies’ estimates, a typical three-member family household with monthly consumption of 275kWh will pay around $10 less each month compared to the approved rates for 2025 after the tariff adjustment.

After rounds of negotiations, the two power companies agreed to lower the average net tariff. CLP Power will reduce next year’s basic tariff to a level lower than the projected level under its five-year Development Plan, while HK Electric’s basic tariff remains consistent with the projected level.

Noting that the Government’s energy policy objectives are to ensure the public enjoy a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity supply at reasonable costs, Mr Tse emphasised the gate-keeping role it plays in accordance with the Scheme of Control Agreements.

“Notwithstanding a minor reduction in average net tariff next January, we encourage the public to cultivate a green living style and select energy efficient electrical appliances for environmental protection, which will further reduce electricity expenditure and carbon emissions, and protect the environment.”

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[Editor’s Note- The following is a Press Statement from Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt justifying why the Samoa Observer newspaper is temporarily suspended from attending his weekly Press Conferences.

The temporary suspension also applies for Ministers of Cabinet.]

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

[17th November 2025] – It has been nine weeks since the FAST Government assumed office. During this period, I have been abroad in New Zealand receiving medical treatment for the past eight weeks. I wish to address recent media coverage relating to my absence and other matters.

Over this time, I have observed several reports, particularly from the Samoa Observer, that have raised concerns regarding accuracy and fairness.

While I strongly support the principles of the public’s right to information and freedom of the media, it is important that reporting adheres to ethical standards and responsible journalism practices, given the significant role and influence media plays in informing our community.

I would like to highlight some specific instances for clarity:

a) In a week after my being in New Zealand, an editorial suggested a perceived division between myself and the Deputy Prime Ministers, which appeared to be aimed at creating discord during my absence.

b) An article regarding the chair I used during a meeting with the New Zealand Foreign Minister, which was flagged as fake. I sought clarification from the publication, but no supporting evidence was provided to the public.

c) An article quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggesting I was advised not to meet foreign leaders while under medical leave. This information seems to have been leaked, and its portrayal was aimed at undermining my authority as Prime Minister.

d) An incorrect follow up article reporting a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the CEO of Foreign Affairs and the CEO of the Prime Minister, allegedly to discuss the advice for me not to engage in meetings while on medical leave.

The incorrect article was officially corrected by the MPMC Chief Executive labelling it as a “phantom meeting” because it never took place.

Secondly the newspaper reporter never sought comments from the government officials implicated to verify if the report was factual and correct.

A correction was requested but to date the Samoa Observer has failed to publish a correction or retraction.

e] Most recently, on Saturday, 16 November, after returning home, I experienced an invasion of my privacy when three newspaper reporters and photographers trespassed and accessed my private residence without invitation, despite being stopped by police at the gate. Their approach was rude, arrogant, and invasive and lacked respect for personal privacy.

While I recognise the competitive nature of the media, it is vital however that this does not come at the expense of accuracy, fair, factual and responsible journalism, especially given the influence media has on public perception and trust.

There have been cases where stories have been published without sufficient factual verification or a chance for those involved to respond, which I believe is fundamental to fair reporting.

Given that the media operates within a self-regulatory framework and has a Media council, I hope the Council can examine these concerns and consider how these issues can be addressed to promote responsible journalism and uphold the standards we expect from our media.

In the light of these experiences, I have decided to temporarily suspend this newspaper from my press engagements starting today.

I remain committed however to a free and vibrant press. But it is essential that media outlets uphold standards or ethical journalism, respect, and fairness. Our cultural value of fa’aaloalo- respect-is central to our society, and I encourage the media to reflect this in their approach.

I am hopeful that these concerns will be acknowledged, and I remain open to reconsidering this decision should the media demonstrate a renewed commitment to responsible and factual reporting.

Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

PRIME MINISTER

November 18, 2025

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Peer-to-peer exchange aims to strengthen governance, leadership, and digital systems for smarter development.

[PRESS RELEASE- – Four officials from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) are heading to Canberra, Australia, from 17–21 November for a peer-to-peer learning mission with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This collaboration is all about sharing knowledge and driving innovation to strengthen national statistical systems. SBS and ABS will exchange ideas on leadership development, organizational reforms and practices, capacity building, statistical governance, data management and use of cutting-edge digital identity systems. ABS is widely recognized as one of the region’s leading statistical agencies, and this partnership offers Samoa a chance to learn from the best while showcasing its own progress.

SBS plays a critical role in shaping Samoa’s development and future through official statistics and digital systems, including the National Digital Identification System (NDIDS) and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS). The Bureau is currently reviewing the Samoa Statistics Strategy 2022-2026 and the Statistics Ac 2015, ensuring Samoa’s data systems remain robust and future-ready.

“This partnership is a milestone for Samoa’s statistical system,” said Leota Ali’ielua Salani, Government Statistician.

“By learning from ABS’s experience and sharing our own, we aim to build stronger governance, embrace innovation, and ensure data continues to drive informed decisions for Samoa’s development.”

Looking ahead, both agencies are exploring a 3-year exchange program to strengthen governance, improve data integration, and advance innovative statistical practices.

This initiative is part of the Government of Samoa and Government of Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program, which focuses on building governance and institutional capacity. It follows a successful twinning between Samoa’s Ministry of Finance and Australia’s Department of Finance from 4-8 August 2025 in Canberra.

The Samoa Law Reform Commission will also undertake a similar peer-learning visit from 17–28 November, hosted by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Victorian Law Reform Commission in Melbourne.

END.

November 18, 2025

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KEYNOTE SPEECH by the Honourable Acting Prime Minister Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo

Deacon Tolutasi Pa’ia’aua, Reverend of the Shrine of the Three Hearts, Vaoala Parish

Your Highness the Head of State of Samoa

Honorable Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament,

Chairman International Tag Federation

Chairman of the Samoa Tag Board of Directors

Executive Board of SASNOC and Sports in Samoa,

Chief Executives Officers, Government Ministries

The Private Sectors

Partners in Sports,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa Talofa Talofa lava!!

Thank you for joining this official joint announcement and launch by the Government of Samoa and the International Tag Federation of Samoa’s inaugural participation as an independent Pacific nation at the 2026 Tag World Cup.

The Government of Samoa is deeply proud. Congratulations to Samoa Tag — your perseverance over the past two years has brought us to this moment. You have shown that Tag is a sport for all in Samoa through the clinics in Falealupo, Savai‘i, the Tag for Kids programme and by staging strong local competitions that have reached hundreds of participants. You have worked hard to give Samoa’s Tag athletes real international experience by competing in regional tournaments and the International Tag Series. These steps build skill, confidence, and community pride and have prepared Samoa to represent on the world stage.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation provides the Government’s clear frameworks and guidance to make this possible. The Ministry’s mandate includes regulation to bring sporting bodies together; development to raise facilities toward international standards; oversight to ensure transparency and accountability; asset management to register and care for government sports equipment; and facility management to improve public recreation areas so Tag athletes and families have safe places to train and gather. These are practical actions that turn ambition into readiness.

We welcome SASNOC’s confirmation of Samoa Tag as an affiliated member. SASNOC’s values of integrity, excellence, and collective responsibility strengthen the pathway from community participation to international representation and reassure families and partners that our Tag athletes, coaches and administration are well supported.

We welcome the presence of the International Tag Federation’s Chair to Samoa. Your presence and recognition of Samoa and Samoa Tag as our National Federation is the blue print for all sports in the Pacific.

Samoa Tag’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan is focused and achievable: stepped training and fitness programmes for Tag athletes, referee and coach development, expanded district tournaments and community clinics, targeted field and equipment upgrades, sustainable funding strategies, and stronger inclusion for women and people with disabilities. I acknowledge the Samoa Tag Board for their stewardship and the leadership of President Faaofonuu JP Leota and all involved for turning vision into action.

To Samoa’s Tag athletes, coaches, volunteers, the Ministry, SASNOC, and all partners: the Government of Samoa will stand with you, offering resources, clear governance, and steady planning support, as Samoa prepares to take its place at the 2026 Tag World Cup.

Fa‘afetai lava.

November 18, 2025