AGP Executive Report

Education Tech in Samoa: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools, aiming to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes with support from the Pacific Community’s EQAP. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia drew calls for better jobs, stronger mental health support, more access to digital technology, and a bigger role for young people in decisions shaping Samoa’s future. Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands → wider Pacific): BSP Cook Islands has rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals (Verifone V660P 4G), replacing older devices and cutting wait times; BSP says it has upgraded nearly 7,000 terminals across PNG, Tonga and Samoa and will continue across the region. Ocean Protection vs Deep-Sea Mining: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could irreversibly damage ecosystems and the Moana that sustains Pacific communities. Pacific Ocean Governance: Pacific nations are moving to turn a South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, with new implementing arrangements to guide how fishing levels are set and managed. Samoa Leadership Moves: Cabinet approved CEO appointments including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen for the Development Bank of Samoa. Health Research Access: Indigenous health experts in Samoa are pushing for Pacific participation in precision medicine research so genomics and genomics-based care don’t widen existing health gaps.

Education Tech in Samoa: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools, aiming to improve planning, accountability, and learning outcomes. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia heard calls for better jobs, stronger mental health support, and more youth seats at the decision-making table, including wider access to digital technology. Health Research Access: Indigenous health experts in the Pacific are pushing for active participation in precision medicine studies, warning that Māori and Pacific communities have often been left out of genetics and genomics research. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, saying it threatens ecosystems scientists are only beginning to understand. Pacific Fisheries Science: Pacific nations are moving to turn a South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, focusing next on practical implementation arrangements. Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, part of a wider Pacific push to modernise digital payments.

Education Tech in Samoa: SPC has helped Samoa launch the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), aiming to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools so planning and learning outcomes can improve. Youth in the Driver’s Seat: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Samoa heard young people push for better jobs, stronger mental health support, more digital access, and a real seat at decision-making tables. Government Leadership Moves: Cabinet approved three CEO appointments, including Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as new Samoa Shipping Corporation CEO and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen to lead the Development Bank of Samoa. Digital Payments Upgrade (Region Watch): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, replacing 100+ devices and continuing upgrades across the Pacific. Clean Energy Finance (Region Watch): The ADB committed US$850m to expand India’s rooftop solar rollout, backed by digital monitoring and grid-readiness support. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian nations, including Solomon Islands, are moving toward a massive transboundary marine protected area corridor (MOCOR), with details on enforcement still thin. Science & Policy (Pacific Fisheries): Pacific nations are working on implementing arrangements for a long-term, science-based albacore tuna harvest plan.

Samoa Education Tech: SPC has helped Samoa launch the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), giving officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools to improve planning, accountability, and learning outcomes. Youth & Digital Inclusion: A UN youth consultation at Taumeasina Island Resort pushed for more jobs, stronger mental health support, better access to digital tech, and a bigger seat at decision-making. Shipping Leadership: Cabinet approved Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation for three years, replacing Leiātaua Samuel Phineas. Solar Finance (Regional): The ADB backed India’s rooftop solar rollout with US$850m, including digital monitoring and grid-readiness support—useful context for Pacific energy planning. Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, replacing 100+ units and continuing upgrades across the Pacific. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian nations moved toward a massive transboundary marine protected area corridor (MOCOR), with management details still thin. Sports: Samoa’s Jack Hitila Opeloge narrowly missed a podium at the Commonwealth Games weightlifting event, while Xavier Lusignan won bronze.

Leadership & Institutions: Samoa’s Cabinet approved three CEO appointments, including Tamaletā Taimang Jensen as new Development Bank of Samoa CEO, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as Samoa Shipping Corporation CEO, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the new District Development Authority. Clean Energy Finance: The Asian Development Bank backed India’s rooftop solar push with US$850m, aiming to cut upfront costs, streamline digital applications, and expand grid readiness, storage, solar manufacturing support, and PV recycling. Education Tech: Samoa launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers, and schools, strengthening planning and accountability with support from SPC’s EQAP. Youth & Digital Access: A UN youth consultation in Samoa heard calls for better jobs, mental health support, and stronger youth participation, alongside concerns about unequal access to digital technologies. Payments Modernisation (Regional): BSP Cook Islands upgraded EFTPoS terminals to speed transactions, with broader Pacific upgrades underway across Samoa, PNG, Tonga, and more. Pacific Fisheries Governance: Pacific nations moved to turn a science-based albacore tuna harvest strategy into enforceable implementing rules.

Education Tech: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), aiming to give the Ministry real-time data on students, teachers and schools to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes, with SPC support. Youth & Inclusion: More than 100 young Samoans at a UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation pushed for better jobs, stronger mental health support, improved education and skills pathways, and—crucially—greater youth participation in decisions, including access to digital technologies. Digital Payments Upgrade: BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster, upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals (replacing older units), cutting wait times and improving merchant and customer payment experiences across the Pacific. Pacific Fisheries Science: Pacific nations are moving from a science-based tuna harvest framework to enforceable rules, with work underway on implementing arrangements for the South Pacific albacore management plan. AI Safety Watch: A report from the region highlights how AI deepfakes and impersonation scams are targeting real people online, underscoring the need for both laws and public awareness. Crypto/Finance Buzz: HTX wrapped up its TradFi “Trade to Earn” campaign, reporting 63.37M USDT trading volume, 23,477 USDT in rewards, and 22,238 USDT in fee savings.

Education Tech: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), giving officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes, with SPC support. Youth Voice: More than 100 young Samoans at a UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation called for better jobs, stronger mental health support, improved education and skills, and more say in decisions—plus wider access to digital technology. Digital Payments: BSP Cook Islands rolled out upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals, replacing older units to cut wait times and speed up transactions, with further upgrades planned across the Pacific. Fisheries Governance: Pacific nations are moving to turn the South Pacific albacore tuna deal into enforceable rules, focusing next on Implementing Arrangements that translate science into coordinated management. Cyber Safety (Regional): A Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG is bringing together university teams from Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and others to build practical solutions for safer, more inclusive online services.

Education Tech: SPC has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS), aiming to make education planning and decisions faster and more reliable using better data on learning outcomes, teacher shortages, climate resilience, and fair access. Youth & Jobs: A UN youth consultation at Taumeasina Island Resort saw young Samoans push for more employment pathways, stronger mental health support, and a real seat at the table for national decisions, including better access to digital technology. Cyber Safety: Samoa’s Police and partners held a near-110km perimeter relay to raise awareness of online bullying and harassment, linking community health with cyber safety messaging. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter (5W-FAY) after a major overhaul by Unity Aviation Canada, with the refurbishment expected to extend service life by 30 years and support tourism and trade. Border Cooperation: Samoa Customs and New Zealand Customs strengthened ties via a study tour focused on border management, intelligence sharing, and tackling transnational crime and illicit drugs. Diplomacy: US Ambassador Jared Novelly presented his credentials to Samoa’s Head of State, reaffirming plans to strengthen bilateral relations. Crypto & RWA Research: HTX Research released a report on real-world asset tokenization and DeFi moving toward “cash-flow” models, while Phemex ran a $30,000 invite-and-earn futures referral campaign. Workforce Reality Check: Young Samoan graduates say landing a first job is still slow despite qualifications, often due to limited openings and the “need experience to get hired” trap.

Samoa–New Zealand Partnership: Prime Ministers Laaulialemalietoa Polataʻivao Fosi Schmidt and Christopher Luxon reaffirmed their enduring ties, with a big focus on labour mobility and the future of the RSE scheme, plus trade and regional cooperation. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its refurbished 46-year-old Twin Otter (5W-FAY) after a major overhaul funded from airline revenue, aiming to extend service life and boost safety for tourism and trade. Border Tech & Training: Samoa Customs completed a high-level study tour in New Zealand to strengthen border management capability, intelligence sharing, and responses to transnational crime and illicit drug trafficking. Cyber Safety in Practice: Samoa’s Police ran a near-110km perimeter relay to spotlight online bullying and harassment, linking new recruits and Cyber Safety Pasifika to community awareness. AI Abuse in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise malicious AI uses like deepfakes and voice cloning after scammers impersonated a public figure using AI-manipulated images. Local Jobs Pressure: Young Samoan graduates report long waits for first jobs despite qualifications, with many turning to temporary work or unpaid internships while competing for limited openings. Digital Innovation for Heritage: Samoa’s communications minister attended a World Internet Conference forum on using digital tech to preserve cultural heritage, including a new case collection release. Crypto Research & Tokenization: HTX Research published a report on how real-world asset tokenization and DeFi cash-flow models are converging toward “asset utility.” Biologics R&D Investment: AsymBio broke ground on a new Shanghai R&D building to expand cell line, process, conjugation, drug product, and analytical development services.

AI & Scams in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise malicious AI uses like deepfakes and digital impersonation after scammers abused AI-manipulated photos to run fake giveaways, with victims warning the harm can spill into real-world safety risks. Digital Inclusion & Safety: Tonga’s universities are joining a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, aiming for practical solutions on cybersecurity, safer online spaces, and digital financial access. Samoa’s Climate Tech on the Ground: Samoa has started community consultations and fieldwork to “ground truth” mangrove carbon storage, feeding into greenhouse gas accounting and Paris climate reporting. STEM for Kids: Lumanai Samoa and the Samoa Early Learning Foundation ran robotics and coding workshops for children on Upolu and Savai’i, using LEGO robots to build problem-solving skills. Local Jobs Pressure: Young Samoan graduates say getting their first job is still a major struggle despite qualifications, especially in the public sector. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its refurbished Twin Otter 5W-FAY after major structural upgrades, extending its service life by about 30 years. Border Tech & Training: Samoa Customs completed a high-level study tour with New Zealand Customs focused on strengthening border management, intelligence sharing, and capability. Regional Tech & Culture: Samoa’s communications minister attended a World Internet Conference forum on using digital tech to preserve cultural heritage, highlighting global case studies and cross-cultural dialogue. Crypto Community Campaign: Phemex launched a Samoa-linked “Invite & Earn” futures referral drive offering trading vouchers and a $30,000 prize pool. Cyberbullying Awareness: Samoa police ran a long perimeter relay to spotlight online bullying and harassment, tying the message to cyber safety work.

AI & Cyber Safety in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise malicious AI uses like deepfakes and voice cloning after AI-made fake photos were used to scam people using impersonation. Digital Inclusion Challenge: Tonga’s universities are joining a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in Papua New Guinea, aiming for practical solutions on cybersecurity, safer online spaces, and digital finance access. Samoa Tech for Kids: Lumanai Samoa and the Samoa Early Learning Foundation ran coding and robotics workshops for 30+ children, using LEGO robots to build problem-solving and teamwork. Climate Tech & Research: Samoa has started community consultations and fieldwork to “ground truth” mangrove carbon storage, feeding into greenhouse gas accounting and climate reporting. Regional Tech Governance: Global experts at a UN-backed AI governance dialogue warned the digital divide is widening unless guardrails and transparency keep up with fast-moving AI. Local Jobs & Skills: Young Samoan graduates say getting a first job is still a major hurdle despite qualifications, with many stuck in long application waits or temporary work. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its refurbished Twin Otter aircraft, extending service life and supporting tourism and trade. Border Capacity Building: Samoa Customs completed a high-level study tour with New Zealand Customs focused on border management, intelligence sharing, and tackling illicit trafficking. Culture in Digital Intelligence: Samoa’s communications minister attended a World Internet Conference forum on using digital tech to preserve cultural heritage, including a case collection release.

AI & Scams: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise deepfakes and digital impersonation after AI-manipulated photos were used to run Facebook scams that impersonate real people and push fake giveaways. Digital Inclusion: Students from Tonga and Samoa are competing in a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in Papua New Guinea, aiming for practical solutions on cybersecurity, safer online spaces, and digital financial access. STEM for Kids: Lumanai Samoa and the Samoa Early Learning Foundation ran coding and LEGO robotics workshops for 30+ children across Upolu, building problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on play. Cultural Heritage Tech: Samoa’s communications minister attended a World Internet Conference forum in China focused on using digital intelligence to preserve and transmit cultural heritage, with new case studies released. Climate Research: SINU representatives shared climate innovation and research at a Pacific forum in Vanuatu, highlighting the role of Pacific universities in climate leadership and stronger regional collaboration. Aviation & Connectivity: Samoa Airways welcomed back its refurbished 1980 Twin Otter, extending service life by 30 years and boosting safety, tourism, and trade links. Border Security Skills: Samoa Customs completed a high-level study tour in New Zealand to strengthen border management capability, including intelligence sharing and tackling transnational crime. Cyber Safety Awareness: Samoa’s police ran a long perimeter relay to raise awareness of online bullying and harassment, linking community messaging with cyber safety efforts. Samoa–NZ Partnership: Samoa and New Zealand leaders reaffirmed cooperation, with a major focus on labour mobility and the future of the RSE scheme.

AI & Scams in the Pacific: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise malicious AI uses like deepfakes and voice cloning after scammers used AI-made fake images to impersonate people and push “giveaway” fraud. Cyber Safety in Samoa: Samoa’s Police ran a near-110km perimeter relay to spotlight online bullying and harassment, linking the message to cyber safety work. Digital Inclusion Challenge: Tonga universities are joining a Pacific-wide 48-hour competition in PNG focused on digital inclusion, cybersecurity, online safety, and digital financial access. STEM for Kids in Samoa: Lumanai Samoa and SELF hosted coding and robotics workshops for 30+ children, using LEGO robots to help kids learn problem-solving through play. Climate Tech & Research: Samoa is doing “ground truthing” of mangrove carbon storage with SPREP to strengthen climate reporting and greenhouse gas accounting. Cultural Heritage Digitisation: Samoa’s communications minister attended a World Internet Conference forum on using digital intelligence to preserve and transmit cultural heritage. Jobs & Skills Gap: Young Samoan graduates report long waits for first jobs despite qualifications, especially with limited public-sector openings. Aviation & Border Capacity: Samoa Airways welcomed back a refurbished Twin Otter to extend service life, while Samoa Customs completed study tours in New Zealand to boost border management capability. Regional Partnership: Samoa and New Zealand leaders reaffirmed cooperation, with labour mobility and the RSE scheme a key focus.

Digital Safety in the Spotlight: Samoa’s Police, Prisons and Corrections teams ran an almost 110km perimeter relay to raise awareness about online bullying and harassment, with Cyber Safety Pasifika leading the push. AI Scams Across the Pacific: Papua New Guinea is moving to criminalise malicious AI uses like deepfakes and voice cloning after scammers used AI-manipulated photos to run fake Facebook giveaways—experts warn laws must be matched with public know-how. STEM for Kids, Locally: Lumanai Samoa and the Samoa Early Learning Foundation (SELF) ran coding and LEGO robotics workshops for 30+ children across Upolu and Savai‘i, focusing on problem-solving and teamwork. Climate Tech & Research: Samoa is starting community consultations and fieldwork to “ground truth” mangrove carbon storage, feeding into greenhouse gas accounting and climate reporting. Border Tech & Training: Samoa Customs sent a high-level delegation to New Zealand for a study tour on border management, intelligence sharing, and capability building. Jobs Pressure on Graduates: Young Samoans say first-job delays remain a major hurdle even after tertiary study, pushing some into temporary work or unpaid internships. Regional Digital Inclusion Challenge: Tonga universities are competing in a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, with teams from Samoa also involved.

AI & Web3 Ecosystem: The HTX Genesis Hackathon wrapped after nearly three months, spotlighting real-world AI + Web3 builder projects and a push toward a sustainable developer community around $HTX. Digital Heritage: Samoa’s communications minister joined global experts at a WIC forum on using digital intelligence to preserve and share cultural heritage, with a case collection released from 13 countries. Cyber Safety in Samoa: Samoa Police ran a near-110km perimeter relay to raise awareness on online bullying and harassment, linking sport, fitness, and cyber safety messaging. Jobs & Skills Gap: Young Samoan graduates say first-job delays persist despite qualifications, with many stuck applying for months or taking temporary and unpaid roles. STEM for Kids: Lumanai Samoa and SELF hosted coding and robotics workshops for children (8–12), using LEGO robots to build problem-solving and teamwork. Climate Tech for Mangroves: Samoa began community consultations and fieldwork to “ground truth” mangrove carbon storage, feeding into greenhouse gas accounting and climate reporting. Regional Tech Inclusion: Tonga universities joined a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, with teams from Samoa among the selected participants. Scam Warning (AI Deepfakes): PNG is moving to criminalise malicious AI uses like deepfakes and voice cloning after reports of AI-manipulated images used in Facebook scams. Samoa–NZ Partnership: Samoa and New Zealand leaders reaffirmed ties, with labour mobility and worker welfare—especially the RSE scheme—front and centre. Aviation Upgrade: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter after a major refurbishment, aiming to extend service life by 30 years.

AI & Web3 Builders: HTX Genesis Hackathon wrapped up after nearly three months, spotlighting real-world AI + Web3 projects and a push to grow a sustainable developer ecosystem around $HTX. Cultural Heritage Digitisation: Samoa’s communications minister joined global experts at the WIC forum in Xi’an to discuss how digital intelligence can preserve and transmit cultural heritage, with a case collection released. Digital Safety & Cyberbullying: Samoa Police ran an almost-110km perimeter relay to raise awareness on cyber safety and online harassment, linking community messaging with tech protection. AI Abuse in the Pacific: Reports from the region highlight how AI-manipulated images are being used for scams and impersonation, with calls for stronger community understanding alongside new laws. Youth Tech Skills: Children across Upolu and Savai’i took part in coding and LEGO robotics workshops, learning problem-solving through hands-on play. Climate Tech for Mangroves: Samoa began community consultations and fieldwork to “ground truth” mangrove carbon storage, feeding into climate reporting and greenhouse gas accounting. Jobs Reality Check: Young Samoan graduates say first-job waits remain long despite qualifications, pushing some into temporary work or unpaid placements. Family Services Digitisation: Samoa’s MFSA is rolling out a Centralised Digital Repository to improve how support is tracked and reported across divisions.