MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Hon. Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo Thursday 30th October 2025

Susuga Tupa’i Fetaomi Seve, a’oa’o fesoasoani.

Honourable Speaker of Parliament,

Honourable Ministers of Cabinet, Associate Ministers and Members of Parliament.

Heads of Government Ministries and Corporations,

Mr Guangzhou Qu, FAO Subregional Coordination for the Pacific Islands,

Representative of Schools – Teachers and Students,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa lava and a very Good Morning to you all.

It is an honored to speak on behalf of the Hon Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and SROS, Hon Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo who is unable to be with us this morning to the celebration of World Food Day 2025, under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and Better Future”.

Today, as we come together to mark this important occasion, I am especially pleased to see the active participation of our schools, the teachers and young students’ today’s celebration. Your presence reminds us that the future of Samoa’s food systems depends on the knowledge, choices and values we pass on to the next generation.

This year’s celebration comes at a very important time for Samoa. Just this week, parliament passed the national budget for the financial year 2025 – 2026, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to investing in agriculture, fisheries and food systems transformation as one of the key drivers of growth, resilience, and well-being.

As part of our celebration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is proud to officially launch six key sector documents that will guide our work towards stronger, climate – smart, and inclusive food systems.

These are:

1. Cost of Diet Analysis in Samoa – providing evidence on the affordability of

nutritious diets for all Samoans.

2. Samoa Aquaculture Management & Development Plan 2025 -2030 –

safeguarding our coastal resources and supporting livelihoods of our fishing

communities.

3. Samoa Coastal Fisheries Management & Development Plan 2025-2030 –

safeguarding our coastal resources and supporting livelihoods of our fishing

communities.

4. Samoa Tuna Management & Development Plan 2025 -2030 – ensuring

sustainable management of our valuable tuna resources.

5. Samoa Tuna Fisheries National Monitoring, Control, Surveillance &

Enforcement Strategy 2025 – 2030 – strengthening governance, transparency

and compliance in our offshore fisheries sector.

6. Midterm Review of the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030 – assessing our

progress and identifying areas for acceleration towards a resilient and inclusive

food future.

Together, these documents represent Samoa’s renewed vision, to harness the potential of our agriculture and fisheries sectors through evidence – based policies, improved coordination, and stronger partnerships.

In closing, I wish to acknowledge all our stakeholders and development partners for their continued support of Samoa’s agriculture and fisheries initiatives. Special thanks to the FAO Sub – Regional Office for the Pacific for their financial support, and to the participating schools, teachers and students for their valuable engagement in promoting sustainable food systems and nutrition among our future generations.

Let us continue working hand in hand, government and communities, farmers and fishers, partners and youth, to build a Samoa where local food is not only grown and harvested with pride but also sold and consumed with safety, dignity and value.

Thank you for your attention.

Soifua ma ia Manuia.

November 10, 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE Apia Samoa Oct 30th, 2025] – The National University of Samoa officially opened the 10th Measina Conference 2025. The conference commenced with an official ‘ava o le feiloa‘iga ceremony, acknowledging the sacred protocols of Samoa and welcoming esteemed guests, presenters, and participants from across Samoa.

This year’s theme, E Tetele a Pesega ae Matua i le Ō’ō”- “Resilience and Innovation in Times of Adversity highlights the enduring strength and adaptive spirit of our people, especially in times of great challenge. The 10th Measina Conference is one of NUS’s most significant academic and cultural gatherings.

The opening devotion was led by Fr Paletasala Leota – Chancellor – Chancery office of the Archdiocese Apia, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the two-day event. The keynote address was delivered by his Honor Afioga Lesātele Rapi Vaai, President of the Land and Titles Court. His remarks emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern approaches to navigate the complexities of today’s world while safeguarding our cultural “measina – lands and titles.

Over the course of two days, the Measina Conference will feature a diverse range of presentations and discussions that explore different dimensions of measina- language, culture, values, lands, titles, history origins and genealogy and their role in education, development of communication diplomacy, marketing, business, ethical leadership, cultural identity, social cohesion, law and order as well as sustainable livelihoods to name a few. The value of this conference list not only in preserving Samoa’s heritage, but also in creating a platform where traditional knowledge meets modern solutions. Scholars, practitioners, and community leaders will share insights into language, oratory traditions, genealogy, heritage preservation, education, and contemporary innovation rooted in Samoan values.

NUS also acknowledges the sponsors whose generous support has made this event possible: Samoa Qualifications Authority, Kontiki Finance, Samoa Life Assurance Corporation, Digicel Pacific, Samoa Stationery and Books, Samoa Commercial Bank, National Bank of Samoa, Greenology, Bank of South Pacific, Moanava NZ, and Eveni Carruthers.

The Measina Conference continues to serve as a vital platform for cultural research, dialogue, and collaboration—ensuring that our heritage remains a living, evolving part of our national identity.

END

The National University of Samoa

November 10, 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE, Apia 28 October 2025] – France plays an important role in the US-lead Pacific Partnership, in particular in engineering and civil-military operations area.

Together with their US Navy engineers and sappers comrades, 12 French Legionnaires from the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) worked last week for the benefit of Samoan population and communities.

At Faleolo Hospital, they renovated and reinforced the ambulance driveway for a better access to the premices.

At the Primary School of , they worked to reinforce a part of the roof frame and created a new sanitary block with its septic tank.

On both occasions, they had the chance to interact with the staff of the hospital and the children at school.

Those were real and concrete action of solidarity and partnership, demonstrating the commitment of French Forces in the Pacific./.

END.

France in Samoa – La France aux Samoa

November 10, 2025

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Minister Of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale- Molioo’s Opening Remarks To Commemorate Frankie Company Ltd Anniversary Celebration. – [25 October 2025-Siusega]

Susuga Reverend Falemai‘i Ropati Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I extend warm congratulations to Frankie Company Limited as you mark another milestone in your remarkable journey of growth, service, and commitment to the people of Samoa.

From humble beginnings in 1995 as a small retail store in Fugalei, Frankie Company Limited has grown into one of Samoa’s leading family-owned enterprises. Your three-decade story reflects resilience, innovation, and strong Samoan business leadership.

From supermarkets and wholesale operations to hardware, poultry, hydroponics, and food production, Frankie has become a household name that continues to invest in Samoa’s economic future.

Your journey is not only a success story for one company — it is part of the broader story of Samoan enterprise.

With close to 900 employees, including 860 local staff, Frankie contributes significantly to employment, import substitution, and food security. Equally important are your wider economic contributions — through taxes, VAGST, customs duties, and levies — which directly support Government revenues and the essential services that benefit all Samoans.

As we celebrate today, the Government also acknowledges the many Samoan- owned businesses across Upolu and Savai‘i whose collective efforts strengthen our nation’s economy — from village-based ventures to large-scale industries.

Each business plays a vital role in shaping Samoa’s economic resilience and in supporting families and communities across the country.

The Government continues to encourage all our business partners to invest in ways that uplift our people — by creating decent jobs, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to shared prosperity. Together, these efforts embody the spirit of our national manifesto: People, People, People —reminding us that every policy, every investment, and every partnership must ultimately serve our people.

The success of our nation depends on the strength of partnership — a whole- of-government and whole-of-community approach that brings together the public sector, private sector, faith-based organisations, village leadership, academia, and civil society.

When we work together, we build not only stronger businesses but stronger communities — grounded in service, opportunity, and shared responsibility. Frankie’s story, like so many others, is a testament to what can be achieved when enterprise meets purpose and when success becomes a blessing for many.

The Government of Samoa values the contribution of Frankie Company Limited and of every Samoan business that continues to serve with commitment and integrity. Your motto — “We never rest to bring you the best” — reflects a work ethic that resonates with the spirit of service we hope to see across all sectors.

As you look toward 2025 and beyond, may Frankie Company Limited remain a proud example of Samoan entrepreneurship — walking alongside other local enterprises as we build a resilient, people-centered economy together.

“When every business success becomes a community blessing, and every policy uplifts a family, then we know — our work truly serves the people.”

Fa‘afetai tele lava, and congratulations once again.

May God continue to bless your business, your leadership, and your service to Samoa.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

November 10, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 9) that Morse Park Swimming Pool in Wong Tai Sin District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow (November 10).

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported the Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than a decade. Over the years, the Festival has provided a valuable platform to showcase the creativity and diversity of Hong Kong cinema to international audiences.

     The Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025 celebrates its 13th edition this year and is one of the major festivals in the city dedicated to Asian cinema. This year, five Hong Kong films are supported by Brussels ETO in the Festival, which began October 29 and runs until November 9 (Barcelona time). The films are “Little Red Sweet”, “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, “Papa”, “The Prosecutor”, and “Good Game”, reflecting the storytelling excellence and talent of Hong Kong’s filmmakers. The film “Papa” received the award of the best film in the discoveries section.

     Brussels ETO hosted a reception on November 8, bringing together 50 local film professionals and cultural enthusiasts. Speaking at the Festival, Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng said that Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, has a vibrant film industry that serves as a bridge for cultural exchanges.

     “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to supporting our film industry through the Film Development Fund and our dedicated Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. As at February 2025, the Fund had approved funding for over 120 projects, engaging more than 110 new directors and producers, with the supported films collectively winning over 180 awards,” Mr Ng said.

     Mr Ng invited audience members to visit Hong Kong to experience the city’s arts and culture scene, including a wide range of film festivals of all sizes, notably the iconic Hong Kong International Film Festival which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026; as well as the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), which is Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (November 8) urges members of the public to stay vigilant and beware of fraudulent electronic traffic ticket SMS messages purportedly issued by the “eTraffic Ticket Platform” (the Platform). These SMS messages contain hyperlinks to fake websites that pose as the relevant official Platform’s Verify/ Pay Ticket page, in an attempt to deceive citizens into providing their credit card details and personal information.
 
The HKPF sternly clarifies that the relevant fraudulent websites as listed in the fraudulent electronic traffic ticket SMS messages (https://etpgphk.bond, https://etpgsjz.bond/portalutm_source.html) are not official platforms. Members of the public are reminded not to click on any hyperlinks.
 
The Platform of the HKPF will also require members of the public to enter the notice number in addition to the vehicle registration mark. Details of the Fixed Penalty Notices (“FPNs”), including the offence date, time and location, will be displayed for verification.
 
The HKPF reiterates that all electronic FPNs SMS messages will only be issued under the HKPF sender name “#HKPF-eTT”. Please note that the FPNs, whether issued via SMS messages or email, will never contain any hyperlinks.
 
Members of the public are reminded to stay vigilant if they receive SMS messages from unknown sources. Do not click on any hyperlinks, log in to suspicious websites, or provide any personal information. Any member of the public who has provided personal information to the relevant websites should dial 18222 to contact the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre officers of the HKPF. For any enquiries regarding the Platform, please call 181 181.
 
The HKPF also appeals to the public with the following anti-deception tips:

• All SMS tickets are issued under the SMS sender name “#HKPF-eTT”; any of those issued from other sender names are fraudulent;
• All SMS messages or email tickets do not contain any hyperlinks. Members of the public should stay vigilant and avoid clicking on any suspicious hyperlinks or providing any personal information; and
• The Platform’s thematic portal has a domain ending with “.gov.hk”. Websites that do not end with “.gov.hk” are not government websites

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th National Games (NG) and Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended a press conference on preparations for the 15th National Games (NG) held by the Organising Committee of the 15th NG in Guangzhou today (November 8). Mr Chan, along with relevant officials from the General Administration of Sport of China, Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region, introduced the progress of the preparations for the 15th NG.
 
     Addressing the press conference, Mr Chan said the NG this year is of extraordinary significance as it is jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time. It fully reflects the country’s high level of trust and expectations for Hong Kong, and demonstrates the enormous potential and promising prospects of co-ordinated sports development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), injecting new momentum and energy into promoting developments in the GBA and facilitating high-quality regional development.
 
     On how the Games would promote Hong Kong’s economic development and consolidate its status as a hub for international mega events, Mr Chan said that the 15th NG this year is the largest NG in history. It is expected that there will be nearly 4 000 people in total participating in the games in Hong Kong, including over 2 100 athletes and over 1 800 officials and technical officials. In addition, hundreds of media representatives will also come to Hong Kong to cover the games. Mr Chan said he believes that the games will attract a large number of visitors to watch the games in Hong Kong, experiencing the city’s charm and passion for sports.

     Mr Chan said, “Through organising the NG, Hong Kong showcases the city’s capability to organise large-scale competitions. It further solidifies Hong Kong’s reputation as an international capital of mega events, laying a solid foundation for attracting more premier sports events to be held in Hong Kong in the future. In addition, organising large-scale sports events will leverage the ‘sports plus tourism’ synergistic effect to drive the development of tourism, hotel, retail, and food and beverage industries. As more tourists from the Mainland and overseas are attracted to Hong Kong to enjoy the games and visit other GBA cities, it brings long-term benefits to the tourism trade and creates more collaboration opportunities in the GBA.”
 
     Regarding the arrangements of the cross-boundary road cycling event, Mr Chan said, “As the first-ever cross-boundary event in the history of the NG, it highlights the unique feature of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao cohosting the NG. To ensure the smooth implementation of the event, the three places have maintained close liaison to create a smooth and convenient cross-border clearance experience through advanced technologies and effective collaboration mechanisms, achieving the goal of ‘contactless clearance’.”
 
     He noted that an innovative mode of “pre-entry clearance and closed-loop management” is adopted for the event, conducting advance identity verification of relevant personnel, with a view to facilitating their entry to the closed-loop area and immigration clearance. During the event, athletes will wear wristbands with a global positioning system and equipment of radio frequency identification. Live broadcast monitoring and drone inspection systems will be equipped along the race course to keep track of the real-time movements and locations of all participants. In addition, athletes and equipment vehicles will be bound with magnetic chips, allowing efficient transmission of clearance information to the backend system, delivering a “contactless clearance” with zero delay, zero waiting time, and uninterrupted passage without stopping.
 
     He further stated that throughout the preparation and organisation process, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have maintained close communication. This includes visits to cross-boundary routes and co-ordination among relevant departments and units for several working meetings. The governments of the three places have engaged in substantial and meticulous co-ordination across various areas, such as managing road closures, implementing temporary control measures at control points, ensuring closed-loop arrangements throughout the events, providing motorcade escorts, “contactless clearance”, and preventing race convoys and athletes from deviating off course. This cross-boundary collaboration mode not only ensures the smooth execution of the event but also fosters people-to-people exchanges in the GBA, deepens regional co-operation mechanisms, and enhances the GBA’s overall capabilities comprehensively in holding large-scale competitions. It also provides practical opportunities and lays a solid foundation for future co-operation in the GBA.
 
     Mr Chan said, “By hosting the 15th NG, Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA can build closer sports partnerships, further break down geographical boundaries, achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages, and jointly advance the development of the sports industry of the GBA. This will attract more large-scale international sports events to Hong Kong and the GBA, continuously enhancing the region’s global influence and sports competitiveness.”
 
     Officials attending today’s press conference included Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China Mr Li Jing; Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Standing Committee member of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Xi; Mr Chan; and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Ms O Lam.

     Mr Chan will attend the second plenary meeting of the Organising Committee and the second meeting of heads of delegations tomorrow (November 9).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

      Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the “Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025@Kuala Lumpur” was launched today (November 8) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, gathering 12 established and emerging designers across different generations in Hong Kong to showcase over 450 original art toys, making it the first large-scale Hong Kong original art toy exhibiton in Kuala Lumpur.​
 
     This exhibition in Kuala Lumpur represents a continued effort by CCIDA in sponsoring the industry to showcase Hong Kong original art toys in Southeast Asia following large-scale art toy exhibitions in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2022 and in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2024. The two exhibitions in Bangkok and Jakarta successfully attracted attention from toy lovers in the two countries, and brought more than 250 business enquiries in total to the participating Hong Kong designers. Some were approached by local agents to import their art toys or hold solo exhibitions, which assisted Hong Kong original art toys to further penetrate the markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 
 
The “Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025@Kuala Lumpur” exhibition is also supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta. Its Director-General, Miss Libera Cheng, also attended the opening ceremony.

The “Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025@Kuala Lumpur” is being staged at The Exchange TRX until November 16. Among the 12 Hong Kong designers displaying their signature works in the exhibition, six of them have new creations that cross over with Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage for this overseas debut.
 
Sponsored by CCIDA, the “Hong Kong Art Toy Story” series is organised by the Innovative Enterpreneur Association. In addition to holding large-scale Hong Kong original art toy exhibitions in various overseas markets for promotion and exploring business opportunities, the project has set up a Hong Kong Pavilion at the annual Thailand Toy Expo since 2023 to facilitate the display and sales of original art toys by Hong Kong designers. The Hong Kong Pavilion has become a highlight of the Thailand Toy Expo, attracting tens of thousands of toy fans and visitors from different countries, bringing several million Hong Kong dollars worth of sales to the participating Hong Kong designers over the years. 
 
As promulgated in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, CCIDA will proactively assist Hong Kong designers in creating more cultural and creative products with Chinese and Hong Kong features, and will strengthen support for local original works to enter the Chinese Mainland and international markets.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region