MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Delegation to the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) of the People’s Republic of China was held at the Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre this afternoon.

Chief Executive John Lee officiated at the ceremony and presented the Hong Kong SAR regional flag to Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism and Head of the Hong Kong SAR Delegation Rosanna Law.

Addressing the event, Miss Law said that this marks Hong Kong SAR’s eighth time participating in the NGD and its sixth time participating in the NSOG.

She highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Delegation captured 17 medals, comprising 10 gold, one silver and six bronze, at the last NGD, and 42 medals, comprising 25 gold, nine silver and eight bronze, at the last NSOG. The Hong Kong, China Delegation also won three gold, four silver and one bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

She added that these outstanding results not only prove the exceptionally high standard of Hong Kong athletes, but also demonstrate the Hong Kong SAR Government’s consistent efforts to strengthen policy support and resource allocation for sports development, ensuring that Hong Kong nurtures world-class athletes.

The Hong Kong delegation participating in this year’s NGD and NSOG is the largest to date. It comprises over 280 athletes, supported by about 140 team officials and medical personnel. They will take part in 14 competition events and four mass participation events in the NGD, as well as seven events in the NSOG.

This year’s NGD and NSOG will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau from December 8 to 15.

Click here for details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan accompanied members of the central authorities’ publicity delegation on a visit to the Northern Metropolis this afternoon.

 

The delegation members were President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Hou Jianguo and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial & Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs, the Communist Party of China (CPC), Zhu Weidong.

 

They were visiting Hong Kong to speak about the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC.

 

The two delegates first visited the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (NDA), where they were briefed on the progress of planning and construction for the NDA and the whole Northern Metropolis.

 

The NDA is the first such area in the Northern Metropolis to enter its construction phase. The delegation visited the site office to conduct an on-site inspection of construction there.

 

They then visited the Hong Kong Park area of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which will open officially in December. They toured the wet laboratory facilities and accommodation for talent in the Hong Kong Park.

 

They also exchanged views with members of enterprises specialising in life and health technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, which have already settled in the park. They were briefed on the park’s operations and future development.

 

The delegation members highlighted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee outlined key initiatives to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and expressed hope that people can grasp opportunities to help implement the 15th Five-Year Plan by leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages and vital functions of enjoying the motherland’s strong support while being closely connected to the world.

 

They said that will speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis and accelerate Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre, as well as its integration into and contribution to the broader national development landscape.

 

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, and others accompanied the delegates during their tour.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In considering whether to issue orders under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) prohibiting the operation of the “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Secretary for Security today issued written notices to the two organisations. The notices allow them to make representations before such orders are made.

 

The Security Bureau said that pursuant to section 60(1) of the SNSO, if the Secretary for Security reasonably believes that it is necessary for the purposes of safeguarding national security to prohibit the operation of an organisation in the Hong Kong SAR, the Secretary for Security may, by way of an order published in the Government Gazette, prohibit the organisation’s operation.

 

Having carefully considered all relevant information, the Secretary for Security takes the preliminary view that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it will be necessary to prohibit the operation of the two organisations in the Hong Kong SAR. As such, the two organisations are allowed to make representations, in accordance with section 60(4) of the SNSO, before a final decision is made.

 

The bureau stated that the two organisations in question aim to subvert state power. Their objectives include promoting “self-determination”, making a “Hong Kong Constitution”, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system or authority of the People’s Republic of China or the authority of the Hong Kong SAR.

 

Acts specified as offences in sections 62 to 65 of the SNSO include acting as an officer-bearer or a member of a prohibited organisation; participating in any activity or meeting of a prohibited organisation; inciting any other person to become a member of a prohibited organisation; and giving aid of any kind to or procuring any subscription or aid for a prohibited organisation. Those who commit such offences are liable to a fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.

 

The bureau reiterated that endangering national security is a very serious offence, and that acts or activities which do so may lead to extremely grave consequences.

 

It said the Hong Kong SAR Government will always resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law, the SNSO and other relevant laws designed to safeguard national security in order to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. It added that this includes prohibiting the operation of organisations that engage in activities endangering national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

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Ou te muai faatalofa atu I le paia ua afifio mai I lenei afiafi e molimauina lenei faamoemoe taua.

O le taoa ota ia paia ma sa aua e le Gafataulimaina ese matou leoa

Ae o le a faga tonu ia le malama ma tautino le solo a le tamaloa e tusa o le faamoemoe o lenei afiafi ma o le a faaogaina ai le gagana faaperetania mo le faafaigofie ona malamalama ai tatou malo ma pa’aga ua tatou faatasi.

A pleasant good evening,

Distinguished and invited guests

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa, Talofa, Talofa lava.

To say it’s a pleasure to deliver the keynote address at the Finals of the 23rd International Siva Afi Competition tonight is an understatement for me personally because of my personal ties to the Tourism Sector and Tourism Industry.

I grew up surrounded by tourism, visitors from overseas and as a witness to my mother Taulesulu Malifa’s commitment to serve our country through her Oceania Travel Agency.

Those were hard days but my mother never gave up and provided a life of opportunities. As always she prevailed and here I am, a humble and privileged to serve our country as your Minister of Tourism… Thank you mum…

Thank you, Faafetai tele lava Leota Lene and Mrs Claire Leota for this opportunity of a lifetime to finally acknowledge my mother……. and her beloved Tourism Industry. There shared role to build our Tourism Industry to where it is today.

For everyone’s information, Tourism revenues is among the top revenue earners for our country.

From July 2024 to June 2025, Tourism revenues injected close to $650 million tala into our economy.

That achievement came from the commitment, the vision and sacrifices by dedicated business minds like Leota and Claire who have worked together with our business Sector and Government for the country to reap the fruits of their hard labour.

Let us give glory to the Good Lord, as he continues to bless our Beautiful Samoa.

The Government through the Samoa Tourism Authority has supported various local programmes to help sustain businesses, and promote their products and services for the local market.

With that tremendous support we have seen our very own people invest in their own tourism businesses and it is a positive step towards paving the way to success.

The Tourism Industry has created initiatives of events and activities and one of the ongoing initiatives is what we are witnessing here tonight, the 23rd International Siva Afi Competition. It’s the second longest International Siva Afi Competition in the World.

While on the local front, the International Siva Afi Competition continues to be a major event in supporting our Teuila Festival and international events, through sustaining the talents of our youth over these many years.

Unique to Samoa, Fire knife dancing is a tradition rooted in our culture, and a means of maintaining Samoan identity with other cultures.

It has promoted Samoa throughout the world, and has blessed many families with their talented sons and daughters securing work opportunities to continually perform and entertain overseas.

And the Leotas are in that group of elite agents securing contracts overseas for our Samoan siva afi performers.

A fire knife dancer from Samoa is currently ranked in the top 6 after this year’s World Fire Knife Championships.

Students and graduates from the Matautu Siva Afi School of Learning are now performing world-wide, in Hawaii, the United States and Hong Kong…as flag bearers and traditional performing art Ambassadors of our Samoa.

Without a doubt, Siva Afi is definitely playing its part in preserving and promoting Samoan performing arts, and recognized as a leader in our tourism industry.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Ministers of Cabinets, Government and Samoa we commend Siva Afi for its life time commitment to the Samoan performing art of fire knife dancing.

And I personally congratulate Leota Lene and Mrs Claire Leota

Wishing all the competitors the very best tonight, with well wishes for an even bigger event next year for your 24th year of celebration.

The Finale for the 23rd International Siva Afi Competition 2025 is officially opened.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA.

November 24, 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE]- Earlier today, Saturday 22nd November, 2025, the Ministry of Customs and Revenue through its Customs Service successfully intercepted a shipment containing 1.4kgs of methamphetamine.

The illicit drugs were discovered concealed within a box of frozen chicken in a shipment that arrived from American Samoa. The concealment method demonstrates the continued attempts by criminal syndicates to smuggle dangerous drugs into Samoa through seemingly ordinary goods.

Following the discovery, Customs Officers immediately secured the consignment and initiated standard Customs enforcement procedures. A male individual who imported the shipment was detained and has since been handed over to the Ministry of Police, Prison and Corrections Service, along with the prohibited substances, for further investigation and prosecution.

The Ministry acknowledges the vigilance and professionalism of frontline Customs officers, whose proactive risk-profiling and inspection efforts prevented these harmful substances from entering our communities.

Customs continues to strengthen its enforcement capabilities through enhanced intelligence-sharing, advanced inspection technologies, K9 Unit and close cooperation with national and international law enforcement partners. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders from illicit drugs and safeguarding the wellbeing of all Samoans.

ENDS

November 22, 2025

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[JOINT PRESS RELEASE, 21 November 2025] – To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Independent State of Samoa and the People’s Republic of China a commemorative ceremony was held in Apia, marking a milestone of five decades of partnership, mutual respect, and shared development aspirations built on trust and dialogue.

The joint celebratory reception was held at the Apia Primary School Hall, as part of the Handover ceremony for the three China-Aid Primary Schools project (Apia Primary School, St Therese Primary School and Lepea Primary School). The handover of the Primary Schools to the Government of Samoa was conducted by H.E Mr Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

Close to 200 guests were present including high level representation of the Triage of Government, and dignitaries, the Diplomatic corps and members of the Chinese and business community as well as the representation of the school communities involved in the handover of new school facilities.

In his address, Ambassador Fei highlighted the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years, acknowledged Samoa for its long-term resolute adherence to the one-China principle, and stressed that China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and “the Pathway for the Development of Samoa”, work together to build an even closer comprehensive strategic partnership, and jointly contributing to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo in her key note address referred to the Samoa and China relationship which is premised on mutual respect, equality, the recognition of each other’s sovereignty and common goals to advance mutual interests. She referred to Samoa’s consistent adherence to the One China Principle which remains the foundation of the Samoa-China diplomatic relations. Hon. Mulipola further acknowledged the many decades where Samoa and China have collaborated on initiatives that support and strengthen national development priorities and mutual engagement in areas such as infrastructural development, agriculture and fisheries, education, sports development, health, tourism, disaster preparedness, people to people links and capacity building for Samoa’s nationals.

Invited Guests also witnessed the joint unveiling of commemorative stamps for the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic ties.

The finale of the evening included a Gala at the Arts and Culture Centre, where performing artists from Huizhou, China and cultural performers from Samoa took to the stage in front of an audience of close to 300 people in a demonstration of cultural exchange.

-END –

November 24, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE] – A delegation from the Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) is in Paris, France, to attend the 5th International Session for the Indopacific (SIIP) from the 17 to the 21st November 2025. The delegation is led by the Minister of Customs, Hon. Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi, and accompanied by the CEO of MCR, Fonoti Talaitupu Lia Taefu.

The sessions, jointly hosted by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN), bring together seventy (70) high- level participants from the region, including representation from regional organizations. The program spread over a period of five days, on the theme ‘Seeking shared responses for strengthening strategic autonomy to promote regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.’

The focus of the program is on topics ranging from the role of France as a regional power in the Indo-Pacific region, the role and interactions of multilateral agencies in the region, to operational issues and challenges of climate change on security, the challenges we face in the maritime security front and that of organized crimes in the region.

The program also featured a visit to the Brest region and had the opportunity to witness naval aviation and the Rafael Marine base. The opportunity also extended to learning more about the footprint and important work of the French naval in the region and their important role in securing the region from threats in the maritime domain.

The program and topics discussed echoed on the need for the Ministry to reassess and revisit the drive on its mission to protect the borders of Samoa effectively.

We are vulnerable to climate change and the national security of the people from the impacts of climate change cannot be undermined. Moreso, the challenges we face in the maritime lenses of our work are real and the need for the Ministry to be vigilant in their line of work in this space is of utmost importance. Although we may think that severe challenges in terms of piracy and theft at high seas, as experienced by authorities in the Indian Ocean and Guinean Gulf, have yet to reach our blue Pacific, we still have a serious challenge related to smuggling and illegal fishing that we need to deal with. A key message echoed in the program reiterates the fact that we can never deal with these challenges alone, but through regional cooperation and collaboration.

Building networks and seeking development opportunities for staff of our Ministry is an area that we focused on, as this is the first time the Ministry was represented in this forum. A number of training programs and opportunities for cooperative partnerships are available in the Indo-Pacific region.

This knowledge gives the assurance that Samoa can and will benefit from available programs, as well as the planned expansion of the La Loyale exercises to this part of the Pacific region. On this point, the Ministry is grateful to the Government of France, through its Embassy in Samoa, for making it possible for the Ministry and Samoa to be represented at this important program.

END.

Ministry of Customs & Revenue Samoa

November 24, 2025

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The Government of Samoa acknowledges the concerns raised by thePacific Islands News Association (PINA) and the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) regardingthe recent restrictions placed on the Samoa Observer. These concerns are respected andunderstood. Samoa remains firmly committed to upholding media freedom, transparency,and open engagement with the media.However, it is equally important to clarify the context and the basis of the Government’sdecision.

1. This is not a ban on media freedom – it is a response to persistent unprofessional
   and unethical conduct
   The action taken relates solely to the Samoa Observer, following sustained unprofessional
   behaviour, breaches of industry ethics, and continuous inaccurate and misleading reporting
   over an extended period.
   Despite multiple opportunities for correction, dialogue, and improvement, the pattern of
   misrepresentation persisted, culminating in actions that undermined the integrity of public
   information and the trust required between Government and media outlets.
   No other media organisation in Samoa is affected. Engagement with all other local and
   regional media continues uninterrupted.
2. Government remains committed to due process and fairness
   The Prime Minister has already indicated that a formal review will be undertaken in due
   course, once all matters surrounding the Observer’s conduct are addressed and resolved and
   the facts are fully documented.
   This review will follow established procedures and will include an opportunity for the media
   organisation concerned to respond to the issues raised.
3. Samoa values a strong, free, and responsible media
   The Government reiteratesthat it welcomes robust scrutiny, responsible journalism, and
   constructive criticism. These are essential pillars of democracy.
   At the same time, media freedom carries the corresponding responsibility of accuracy,
   professionalism, and respect for the truth. Freedom of the press does not extend to repeated
   misinformation or unethical reporting that misleads the public.
4. Regional bodies are encouraged to seek full information before forming conclusions

The Government invites PINA and PFF to engage constructively and to review the
documented evidence of unprofessional reporting and breach of media ethical
standards that led to this action.

Samoa remains available to provide clarification and to work collaboratively to strengthen
media standards across the region.

Samoa remains committed to democracy, accountability, and a free press.
The decision relating to the Samoa Observer is specific, justified, and based on conduct, not on
an attempt or attack to suppress the free flow of information or journalism.

The Government of Samoa remains open to fair, balanced, and ethical engagement with all
media organisations, both local and overseas.

Press Secretariat
Office of the Prime Minister

November 23, 2025

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS Minister of Commerce Industry & Labour Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster

Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga – Lau Susuga Luapene Nepo

Afioga i Sui Palemia

Afioga i Minisita o le Kapeneta ma Minisita Lagolago

Faauluuluga o Matagaluega, Faalapotopotoga ma Pisinisi Tumaoti

Sui o Malo mai Fafo

Faapea le mamalu ma le aofia ua potopoto mai

E muamua ona ou paepae ulufanua ma seu mālū lupe o le fōaga aua o lele ua fa’aifoifo le tuamafa i le fogatia. E leai la se fiaui e toe sopovale i le fogatia aua ua malumāūnu lenei ituaso ma le tatou fesilafaiga. O paia ma mamalu ua afifio i lenei malu, e le toe autalatalaina i se matou upu aua ua taoto a’o se āla o’o; pe o’o pe le o’o iai sa matou tala, e tumau lava e le toe suia.

O lenei la afiafi, ua tafesilafa’i le laau a le tamaitai, tatou tausōa pati lāia le viiga ma le agalelei o le Atua, aua ua tatou lauluafesilafa’i i manū ae le’o mala i le alofa o le Atua. Matou te faapea atu ai, malo le soifua manuia i le lagi e mamā. Malo foi le soifua maua i le lagi mātafi i lenei afiafi.

Ae iai le manatu maualuga o le a faaauau atu se faamatalaga i le Gagana Peretania ona o loo filogia le tatou mafutaga i lenei afiafi

Reverend Luapene Nepo,

Deputy Prime Ministers,

Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers,

Heads of Government Ministries and Private Organizations.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my profound honor and privilege to stand before you today as the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour to officially launch Samoa’s first National Quality Policy (NQP) 2025-2030. This momentous occasion represents the dedicated efforts undertaken to establish a stronger, more competitive Samoa—one in which quality serves as the foundation for economic growth, the protection of our people, and the preservation of our environment.

I extend a cordial welcome to all in attendance: esteemed government officials, visionary business leaders, and valued international partners. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the distinguished presence of the British and Australian High Commissioners; whose participation affirms the collective commitment essential to the success of this transformative policy.

In today’s interconnected global economy, the quality of goods and services is paramount to competitiveness, productivity, safety, and environmental responsibility. The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, remains committed to diversifying our economy and expanding our business community to achieve sustainable economic growth.

As detailed in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026, we are focused on fostering business innovation and growth by creating a supportive environment for the private sector. This involves implementing measures to enhance the quality and quantity of our exported goods and services, boosting the trade competitiveness of our local businesses in both national and international markets.

The NQP 2025-2030 creates an enabling policy environment to guide the enhancement and reform of our National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). The NQI encompasses the complete institutional framework for standardization, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment services.

These elements provide the evidence needed to confirm that our products and services satisfy regulatory and market requirements. Developed with care and precision, the NQP is pragmatic and aligned with Samoa’s context, market needs, international best practices, and our trade agreements. It clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties, including the Government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.

A policy’s robustness depends on its execution, and ours is designed for real impact. It serves as a dynamic five-year road-map, accompanied by a detailed implementation plan that specifies responsibilities, oversight mechanisms, and budgets. This plan prioritizes initiatives and ensures accountability. As a cross-cutting initiative, the NQP engages multiple ministries and agencies in collaborative efforts across government and the private sector.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour will lead an Oversight and Coordination Committee, comprising of public and private stakeholders, to monitor progress and adapt to evolving needs.

In summation, I express sincere gratitude to the International Consultant, Mr. George Bamopoulos and the British Standards Institute team for their technical expertise and assistance, to the UK Government and PACER Plus Implementing Unit for their financial support, and to all the stakeholders that participated in the Policy’s formulation.

I implore you to adopt this NQP as a shared responsibility. Quality is everyone’s business, let us cooperate and collaborate across agencies, sectors, ministries, and institutions to enhance our productivity, competitiveness, trade, and protection of consumers and the environment.

Ladies and gentlemen, the launch of Samoa’s NQP marks a new era of excellence. Together, we will build a Samoa where quality is not just a policy, but a way of life that drives inclusive and sustainable prosperity. This shows our Government’s commitment to growth that includes everyone, where our products and service reflect the best of Samoa.

Let’s embrace this path with energy. Together, we’ll make quality a way of life in Samoa.

Thank you, and may God bless Samoa.

Fa’afetai tele lava ma Faamanuia le Atua

November 24, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region