Experienced journalist Taimalelagi Tutuila Farao has joined the Samoa Tourism Authority team as Principal Public Relations and Communications Officer.
Taimalelagi started his career with Apia Broadcasting Ltd TV3, before he moved to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, where he was with Radio 2AP for over 9 years prior to joining STA.
In an interview with Samoa Global News, Taimalelagi says he is grateful for the opportunity to expand his career into an important public relations role in Samoa.
“I’m humbled and at the same time thankful to the Lord. It’s a blessing for me and my family. These are opportunities available during our career that we have to grab, and I am blessed to have been selected.”
Bestowed with the Taimalelagi title from his Malietoa Gatuitasina side in Sapapalii Savaii, STA’s new Principal Public Relations and Communications Officer says he understands and appreciates the responsibilities of the role, and is thankful for his journalism background, that he knows will help him through it.
“Being a journalist will always be a part of me, it has helped to build my self-confidence and that is very much needed in this new role;
“I’m expecting a lot of challenges but hey, I’m ready for it,” he says with a smile. “Like they say, get our of your comfort zone, so here I am”.
Taimalelagi lives with his parents, and his young family at Mulifanua. He attended Mulifanua Primary School and spent a year at the Church College of Samoa in Pesega. He moved from Pesega to Samoa College before he took up the opportunity to finish high school in California, USA. On a part time basis, Taimalelagi is amongst the first intake of the NUS Bachelor of Arts in Media and Journalism.
“It’s the new degree recently added so I think I’ll be one of the first students, hopefully, to graduate with this from the NUS; and I would take up further tertiary education if life allows me to,” says Taimalelagi.
“I am looking forward to starting this new journey with the authority, and I aim to drive the corporate communication strategy and other public relations programs of the Samoa Tourism Authority”, he adds.
