The Samoa Information Technology Association (SITA) concluded its two day “Tech Expo” with the 2022 Annual General Meeting held last Friday 4th November 2022 at TATTE Samoa
conference centre.
A new Executive Committee was elected to lead the organisation’s work for the coming year.
Sarai Faleupolu Tevita takes up the Presidency role from Faasootauloa Sam Saili who remains as a member of the executive commitee.
Malaeulu Jobenz Manoa remains as the Vice President while Fiapaipai Tanea-Sakuma is the new Secretary in place of Finau Tanuli Tinai Chan. Former CEO of MCIT Fualau Talatalaga Matafeo takes up the Treasurer role from Ainuu Wellington Seufale. Remaining on the Executive are members Mailo Henry Mailo and Alex Abraham. New to the Executive Committee are Mulitalo Bernie Tauaanae and Laauoleola Kaio.
SITA’s new President said in a press release that it has been an appropriate year to host the Tech Expo which focused on “Covid19 Recovery Technology” since Samoa has been isolated from the rest of the world for over two years due the global covid pandemic.
Ms Tevita says SITA recognises that the uses of ICT have allowed the government and individual’s young and old to connect, collaborate, learn, and work remotely during the unprecented lockdowns.
“This event is a significant part of SITA’s mission and objective to provide suitable forums to “promote research in information processing and computer technology…”
The TECH-EXPO 2022 was officially opened by the Minister of Communication, Information and Technology, afioga Toelupe Onosemo. The Minister expressed his gratitude and appreciation of SITA’s contribution to the community through ICT.
Hon Toelupe thanked the SITA Exec and its members as well as the business community for continuous development of digital platforms.
The forum was well attended by Local ICT and overseas partners from the Pacific region including a special address by the Director of ICT for American Samoa and also CEO for ASTCA Mr. Falelimu Chuck Leota.
The ASTCA CEO highlighted the close link that Samoa and American Samoa have, not just with our people and culture, but also in the ICT sector with both countries utilizing expertise from each other for the development of ICT.
Out of many highlights of the EXPO, a presentation by Asomualemalama Ari Hazelman
representing Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA) was a crowd favourite. Mr Hazelman highlighted the critical role that technology plays in the lives of those living with a disability and said, “Technology is our best friend and enabler”.
Hazelman challenged the ICT community to ensure that websites and apps are developed with Assistive Technology enabled so persons with disabilities can access and use the programs developed.
The incoming President and Exec acknowledged the outgoing SITA executive committee of 2021-2022 that was led by Faasootauloa Sam Saili who remains as a member.
“Thank you for the many projects and achievements implemented during your journey. A job well done marking a significant milestone to end what has been a challenging year”.
Sarai Faleupolu Tevita, Malaeulu Jobenz Manoa, Faasootauloa Sam Saili (President), Alex Abraham, Finau
Tanuli Tinai Chan. Absentee : Ainuu Wellington Seufale.)
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