SAME Elects New President and Vice President

Apia, Samoa – 30 April 2026 — The Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) elected a new Executive Council following the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting held in Apia this week.

The newly elected leadership team brings together experienced business leaders from across Samoa’s manufacturing, export, retail, food production, and service sectors. Their collective expertise will help guide SAME’s mission to strengthen local enterprise, expand export opportunities, and champion policies that support sustainable economic growth.

Newly Elected Office Bearers

President: Tapunu’u Pitovaomanaia Mayday LHing (Frankies)
Vice President: Lemauga Masoe Charlie Vaai (Vailima)
Treasurer: Anish Chandra (Vodafone)
Secretary: Sabrina Percival (Natural Foods)

Executive Council Members
Afoa Stefan Szegedi (Teasure Box)
Luamanuvae Nathan Wilson (Wilex Samoa)
Tofilau Raymond Voigt (Beekeepers Association)
Taulapapa Maria Leota (Kuki)
Lemauga Robert Pereira (Maali)
Niko Vui (Nonu Samoa)
Jaqueline Adams (Pacific Apparel)

SAMEs new Executive Council members.

LEADERSHIP PROFILES:

President
Tapunu’u Pitovaomanaia Mayday LHing is a respected Samoan business leader and Director within the Frankie Group, one of Samoa’s leading private sector enterprises. She is recognised for her leadership across a diversified portfolio that includes retail supermarkets, Sunshine Pacific poultry and hydroponics farms, and manufacturing operations such as the Cool Express ice cream and bottled water factory. Her appointment reflects a strong commitment to innovation, business growth, and creating opportunities for Samoa.

Vice President
Lemauga Masoe Charlie Vaai is a respected businessman and entrepreneur, widely recognised for helping lead the return of Vailima beer production to Samoa. As a key figure behind Vailima Breweries, he has championed local investment, job creation, and the revival of one of Samoa’s most iconic brands. He brings valuable leadership experience and a deep commitment to strengthening Samoan enterprise.

Looking Ahead
SAME congratulates all successful candidates and looks forward to working together to strengthen Samoa’s manufacturing and export sectors, support private sector growth, and create new opportunities for local businesses.

As the national voice for manufacturers and exporters, SAME plays a vital role in advocating for business-friendly policies, reducing barriers to trade, promoting local industries, and connecting members with training, partnerships, and market opportunities. Through collaboration with government, development partners, and the wider private sector, SAME continues to champion innovation, job creation, and economic resilience in Samoa.

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to become members of SAME and be part of a stronger collective voice shaping Samoa’s economic future.