The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of
Afioga Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa as its new Country Director for Samoa and
Tonga.
Ms Manila-Silipa took over the role earlier this month, joining APTC from the Samoa
Qualifications Authority (SQA) where she served as the Chief Executive Officer. She has a
wealth of knowledge in Samoa’s Post School Education and Training, having spent 16 years
with SQA.
Having worked extensively in the education sector, Ms Manila-Silipa says she looks forward to
improving educational and training opportunities for the people of Samoa and Tonga through
her new role.
“Given the current emphasis on skills development and technical and vocational education and
training (TVET) sector strengthening, I am excited to further APTC’s work in skills and training
delivery, improve collaboration with industries, local TVET providers and employers and support
the development of quality TVET qualifications that meet national standards,” she said.
She hopes to continue working collaboratively with all TVET stakeholders in Samoa and Tonga
to produce quality graduates to meet the expectations and needs of the workplaces.
Ms Manila-Silipa played an integral part in strengthening the partnership between SQA and
APTC. During her time with SQA, she helped facilitate the signing of a formal partnership
between both institutions in 2021. This partnership was recently renewed in June.
APTC Executive Director, Janelle Chapman said she is delighted to welcome the new Country
Director and looks forward to her leadership of APTC’s operations and strategic direction in
achieving sustainable TVET outcomes for Samoa and Tonga.
“Ms Manila-Silipa has successfully built a strong rapport with education and training providers,
at the national and international levels. Her vast experience working in various senior leadership
capacities, particularly with development partners in Samoa's education sector, will add value to
APTC’s existing contributions in developing a skilled, inclusive and productive workforce for the
region’s prosperity,” she added.
Ms Chapman also acknowledged the efforts of the former Country Director, Ms Cheri Robinson
Moors, conveying APTC’s gratitude for her leadership and contribution to skills across the
region.
APTC is Australia's flagship TVET investment in the region. Samoa is one of the six APTC
country offices around the region.

APTC has trained over 17,000 graduates, including more than 2,000 Samoans for a wide range
of vocational careers.