NUS Hosts 9th Measina a Samoa Research Conference 2023

Apia, Samoa – 01 November 2023: The National University of Samoa hosted the 9th Measina a Samoa Research Conference on October 26-27, 2023, at the Le Papaigalagala Campus.

The conference theme, “Tatala lau mau, ia malamalama Samoa mo a taeao,” which translates to “Share your expertise with our future generations,” was captured in all the papers presented as the scholars and researchers shared their rich insights and perspectives from their various fields.

The pre-conference program started off with an “Ava o le Feiloaiga” ceremony at the Fale Samoa, followed by registration at the Aoa Building Foyer. The main plenary session was led by Reverend Poasa Toia with an opening prayer. The NUS Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa welcomed the participants and introduced our keynote speaker, Afioga Agaseata Tanuvasa Valelio Peto, the Associate Minister of Education and Culture to deliver the keynote address and officially open the conference.

Afioga Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi presented the Pulemelei Star mound land at Palauli, on behalf of the Taisi O.F. Nelson Trust as a gift to the National University of Samoa for future research purposes.

On the second day, Deacon Pua Ielome Ah Tong led in prayer followed by a brief welcome and introduction by Peseta Dr. Desmond Lee Hang, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of keynote speaker, Afioga Aeau Chris Hazelman, the CEO for the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. He opened the day’s deliberations and presentations with an inspirational speech about quality education and the work that is required for all teachers to get there. He concluded with a quote “Responsibility with no Flexibility becomes a Liability”.

The conference featured papers on a range of topics related to Samoa, including education, Samoan culture, the role of the Samoan language, as well as the English language, health and well-being including mental health, land, origin of Samoan names, influence of Christianity on the Samoan language and culture, food security, voting rights, and politics, the development of industrial relations in Samoa, and the impact of tourism on Samoa’s economy and culture, to name a few.

The American Samoa Community College led by Afioga Aiono Keseta Okenaisa Fauolo, the Director of the Samoan Studies Institute, also attended and presented their current research on the Samoan language and culture adding to the richness of papers shared in this Measina Conference.

“The NUS Measina a Samoa Research Conference 2023 showcased a diversity of insights and perspectives in various disciplines related to Samoa.”Also during this Measina Conference, His Highness Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi on behalf of the Taisi O.F. Nelson Trust presented the Pulemelei Star mound land at Palauli, as a gift to the National University of Samoa for future research purposes.

Apart from the extensive program, the conference also hosted a cocktail event on the first evening and a conference dinner at the Fale Samoa on the final day of the conference. NUS acknowledged Gold Sponsors – SSAB and Taula, Silver Sponsors – SQA, and Bronze Sponsors – SIFA, Signs Studio, and General Sponsor – SPA for their generous support.

The NUS Measina a Samoa Research Conference 2023 showcased a diversity of insights and perspectives in various disciplines related to Samoa. The success of this conference reflects the University’s commitment to promote and disseminate quality academic research for the benefit of Samoa.