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,” this theme 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. Our NUS Vice-Chancellor and President Professor
Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa formally 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.
On the second day, Deacon Pua Ielome Ah Tong led us in prayer followed by a brief welcome
and introduction by Peseta Dr. Desmond Lee Hang our Deputy Vice Chancellor for our 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.

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
would like to acknowledge with appreciation our 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.