PRESS RELEASE A new business award category has been added to the Inaugural Samoa Business Network awards to be held in Auckland on September 28th.
The 'SUGA Business Woman of The Year Award' is a collaboration between the popular Samoan Women's Magazine and Samoa Business Network. The award recognises the outstanding achievements of young Samoan Businesswomen. "The significance of this additional category reflects the rise and success of Samoan women in business," says Editor of SUGA Magazine Cecilia Sagote. "Over the years I feel the business section of the magazine is increasing at a fast pace as I profile more and more success stories. It is obvious that more female entrepreneurs are realising the appeal of starting their own businesses. "This trend is even more prevalent thanks to tools like social media and accessible online information which is changing the game and the way our women see 'work' and career. They are seeing the possibilities and flexibility of doing something they are passionate about and actually turning it into income." SBN NZ Chairwoman Laura Keil-Hall says the award is open to all Samoan Business Women from anywhere in the world. She says the judges will be looking at business acumen, excellent leadership and what sets the business apart from others to name a few aspects. "This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and recognise our women in business and it is very fitting to have SUGA Magazine come on board to sponsor this award," says Keil-Hall She adds that since voting opened up last week for the awards, there has been an overwhelming response prompting SBN to open up another category 'The People's Choice' Favourite Business Award to all Samoan Businesses globally. "Both the SUGA Business Woman of the Year and the People's Choice Awards are open to all Samoan businesses based internationally," she says. "It fits very well and inline with our vision which is to enable a worldwide network of Samoan businesses."
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PRESS RELEASE Monday 11 June, 2018 Samoa Business Network (SBN) and the New Zealand Samoa Trade & Investment Commission (NZSTIC) celebrated Independence Day with the Samoan and New Zealand business community at their Independence Day Business Networking Event which was staged at the Fale o Samoa in Mangere last Thursday evening, with the theme 'Celebrating our Samoan/New Zealand Trade & Business Relationship'.
An event well attended by members of Samoa Business Network and NZSTIC, Community Leaders, Samoan and Pacific business owners, and professionals celebrating the trade and business relationships that Samoa and New Zealand continue to have and one that they hope will continue to grow and prosper for years to come. The event focused on building stronger connections between Samoan based and NZ based Samoan businesses. The official welcome was delivered by Laura Keil-Hall, Co-founder and current Chairwoman of SBN and Frank Po Ching, Chairman of NZSTIC, who set the scene and spoke about the theme of the event. It also marked the introduction and first public engagement for the new Samoa Trade Commissioner, Magele Maliliu Magele, who was also the key note speaker. Magele shared the story about his appointment by the Prime Minister, who told him the role would require “common sense” and also challenged him to bring more business opportunities to Samoa. He also highlighted some of the key milestones Samoa trade has achieved to date, in terms of reviving taro exports to New Zealand, introducing frozen breadfruit chips to the New Zealand market, and the continued success of the RSE scheme in supporting the skill shortage in NZ in the agriculture and construction industries. Magele will be working closely with NZSTIC & Samoa Business Network and their key stakeholders, and business connections, to enhance existing business relationships and find opportunities to bring new business connections to Samoa. Guest speakers for the evening included David Wong Tung, founding Member & Commissioner of NZSTIC and Moananu Tyrone Laurenson, Programme Manager for High Tech Youth Network project in Samoa. David spoke about the humble beginnings of NZSTIC, and the launch in 2011 by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Malielegaoi and the former Prime Minister of NZ, To'osavili John Key at Holiday Inn Hotel. NZSTIC as an organisation has over the years grown to include representatives of key NZ government departments in the area of Trade and Pacific Economic Development agencies. NZSTIC and its members have also advised the Prime Minister of Samoa on key economic development projects over years, such as the upcoming Samoa Ports upgrade. Moananu Tyrone Laurenson, shared the history of the inception of the High Teach Youth project in Samoa, in which the new Samoa Trade Commissioner was involved in securing space for the Computer Lab in Vaivase Tai, through his former role as the Minister of Education of Samoa. The High Tech Youth Project is now delivering after school Digital Learning programs to over 800 school children and youth in Samoa. These programs are equipping these young people with digital skills which they can use to further their education, and ultimately find employment and business opportunities in the IT sector in future. This project highlighted the positive impact of projects supported by New Zealand government and partners, to upskilling Samoan youth for future employment and ultimately creating new business opportunities in Samoa. Special guests from Samoa included, Tuala Matthew Vaea, CEO of SASNOC and the Samoa Tag Incorporated Executive team led by President Fa’aofonu’u Junior Leota. Samoa Tag Incorporated are in New Zealand to promote their upcoming international Teuila Tag tournament in September. Tuala spoke on behalf of the group, about the important contribution of sports and sporting events to economic development and business in the Pacific Islands. The formalities concluded with Afamasaga Jackie Curry, Chairwoman of SBN Samoa, sharing the new strategic direction, goals and activities of Samoa Business Network for 2018-2019. Some of the upcoming projects and events for SBN include:
In her concluding remarks, Afamasaga shared a reflection on the importance of working together as Samoans based overseas to give back to our country, “E lele le toloa ae maau lava I le vai”, wherever Samoans venture in the world, they will always return home. This is the spirit of Samoa Business Network, to give back to our country through facilitating new business opportunities and tapping into the professional expertise and experience of our global Samoan business and professional community. The event ended with a Cocktail ‘Mix & Mingle’ for attendees to network and make new connections. There was a showcase of businesses which included Soy Delights NZ, owned by Louise Thompson, O le Va’a Folau book written by Henrietta Ah Chong of Gennewwine Books, the MyRivr App, showcased by Director, Elia Chan & CEO, Akerei Thompson, and 7e Technology, showcased by CEO Micheal Sangyum and Community Projects Manager, Tama Emery. Overall, the event was a success and all who attended enjoyed the networking opportunities, the motivational speakers, the ambiance of a classy Pacific style event and most of all the high quality bistro style finger-food delivered by the caterers, Matai Catering. The SBN Executive Committee & NZSTIC would like to acknowledge the support from the following individuals and businesses who helped to deliver this event:
For more information about NZSTIC and their ongoing work to promote trade in Samoa, please visit their website http://www.nzstic.co.nz/. For more information on Samoa Business Network events and projects please visit their website https://www.samoabusinessnetwork.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. End of Press Release Samoa Business Network (SBN) and the New Zealand Samoa Trade & Investment Commission (NZSTIC) celebrated Independence Day with the Samoan and New Zealand business community at their Independence Day Business Networking Event which was staged at the Fale o Samoa in Mangere last Thursday evening, with the theme 'Celebrating our Samoan/New Zealand Trade & Business Relationship'. An event well attended by members of Samoa Business Network and NZSTIC, Community Leaders, Samoan and Pacific business owners, and professionals celebrating the trade and business relationships that Samoa and New Zealand continue to have and one that they hope will continue to grow and prosper for years to come. The event focused on building stronger connections between Samoan based and NZ based Samoan businesses. The official welcome was delivered by Laura Keil-Hall, Co-founder and current Chairwoman of SBN and Frank Po Ching, Chairman of NZSTIC, who set the scene and spoke about the theme of the event. It also marked the introduction and first public engagement for the new Samoa Trade Commissioner, Magele Mauliliu Magele, who was also the key note speaker. Magele shared the story about his appointment by the Prime Minister, who told him the role would require “common sense” and also challenged him to bring more business opportunities to Samoa. He also highlighted some of the key milestones Samoa trade has achieved to date, in terms of reviving taro exports to New Zealand, introducing frozen breadfruit chips to the New Zealand market, and the continued success of the RSE scheme in supporting the skill shortage in NZ in the agriculture and construction industries. Magele will be working closely with NZSTIC & Samoa Business Network and their key stakeholders, and business connections, to enhance existing business relationships and find opportunities to bring new business connections to Samoa. Guest speakers for the evening included David Wong Tung, Founding Member & Commissioner of NZSTIC and Moananu Tyrone Laurenson, Programme Manager for High Tech Youth Network project in Samoa. David spoke about the humble beginnings of NZSTIC, and the launch in 2011 by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Malielegaoi and the former Prime Minister of NZ, To'osavili John Key at Holiday Inn Hotel. NZSTIC as an organisation has over the years grown to include representatives of key NZ government departments in the area of Trade and Pacific Economic Development agencies. NZSTIC and its members have also advised the Prime Minister of Samoa on key economic development projects over years, such as the upcoming Samoa Ports upgrade. Moananu Tyrone Laurenson, shared the history of the inception of the High Tech Youth project in Samoa, in which the new Samoa Trade Commissioner was involved in securing space for the Computer Lab in Vaivase Tai, through his former role as the Minister of Education of Samoa. The High Tech Youth Project is now delivering after school Digital Learning programs to over 800 school children and youth in Samoa. These programs are equipping these young people with digital skills which they can use to further their education, and ultimately find employment and business opportunities in the IT sector in future. This project highlighted the positive impact of projects supported by New Zealand government and partners, to upskilling Samoan youth for future employment and ultimately creating new business opportunities in Samoa. Special guests from Samoa included, Tuala Matthew Vaea, CEO of SASNOC and the Samoa Tag Incorporated Executive team led by President Fa’aofonu’u Junior Leota. Samoa Tag Incorporated are in New Zealand to promote their upcoming international Teuila Tag tournament in September. Tuala spoke on behalf of the group, about the important contribution of sports and sporting events to economic development and business in the Pacific Islands. The formalities concluded with Afamasaga Jackie Curry, Chairwoman of SBN Samoa, sharing the new strategic direction, goals and activities of Samoa Business Network for 2018-2019. Some of the upcoming projects and events for SBN include:
In her concluding remarks, Afamasaga shared a reflection on the importance of working together as Samoans based overseas to give back to our country, “E lele le toloa ae maau lava I le vai”, wherever Samoans venture in the world, they will always return home. This is the spirit of Samoa Business Network, to give back to our country through facilitating new business opportunities and tapping into the professional expertise and experience of our global Samoan business and professional community. The event ended with a Cocktail ‘Mix & Mingle’ for attendees to network and make new connections. There was a showcase of businesses which included Soy Delights NZ, owned by Louise Thompson, O le Va’a Folau book written by Henrietta Ah Chong of Gennewwine Books, the MyRivr App, showcased by Director, Elia Chan & CEO, Akerei Thompson, and 7e Technology, showcased by CEO Micheal Sangyum and Community Projects Manager, Tama Emery. Overall, the event was a success and all who attended enjoyed the networking opportunities, the motivational speakers, the ambiance of a classy Pacific style event and most of all the high quality bistro style finger-food delivered by the caterers, Matai Catering. The SBN Executive Committee & NZSTIC would like to acknowledge the support from the following individuals and businesses who helped to deliver this event:
For more information about NZSTIC and their ongoing work to promote trade in Samoa, please visit their website http://www.nzstic.co.nz/. For more information on Samoa Business Network events and projects please visit their website https://www.samoabusinessnetwork.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. End of Press Release
Samoa Business Network announces two major events to happen in 2018 at the SBN and NZSTIC Independence Day Business Networking Event on 7th June;
Today marks 56 years since Samoa gained Independence and we are celebrating this momentous occasion with our Samoan business community in Auckland, New Zealand. Samoa Business Network Inc has partnered with New Zealand Samoa Trade & Investment Commission (NZSTIC) to co-host a Business Networking Event to celebrate Samoa Independence Day which is staged to take place at the Fale o Samoa - Samoa House in Mangere on Thursday 7th June, 2018. The theme of the evening is 'Celebrating our Samoa/NZ Trade & Business Relationship' - focusing on building stronger connections between Samoan based and NZ based Samoan owned businesses. The keynote speaker for the evening will be the newly appointed Samoa Trade Commissioner, Magele Mauiliu Magele. Guest speakers to include Founding Member and Commissioner of NZSTIC David Wong Tung, In-Country Programme Manager of High Tech Youth Samoa Moananu Tyrone Laurenson and one other speaker yet to be confirmed. Our speakers will be speaking to the theme of the evening with our guest speakers sharing their experiences of doing business both in Samoa and New Zealand as well as the importance of partnerships. This event also serves as Magele's introduction to members of SBN and NZSTIC, stakeholders, community leaders and wider business community and will also be his first public speaking engagement in New Zealand. We welcome anyone that is keen to network and connect with the Samoan business community. Ia manuia tele lou 56 tausaga talu ona e tutoatasi Samoa! Happy 56 years of Independence Samoa! Event Details: Independence Day Business Networking Event 'Celebration our Samoan/NZ Trade & Business Relationship' Thursday 7th June, 2017 - 6pm Fale o Samoa - Mangere Entry: $35pp SBN/NZSTIC Member & $45 Non-Member To book tickets: Click Here! INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENT - SPEAKER PROFILES Magele Mauiliu Magele - Samoa Trade Commissioner Keynote Speaker, le afioga ia 'Magele Mauiliu Magele' - the new incoming Samoa Trade Commissioner to NZ. Magele is a former student of Vaipouli & Samoa College. Holds a Bachelor of Education from University of the South Pacific, Fiji (USP) & a Masters of Educational Administrations from the University of New South Wales, Australia. Prior to his appointment to Trade Commissioner, he ran his own consulting business called Tanoa Consulting. This was after 5 years serving the Government of Samoa as Minister of Education, Sports & Culture & was also responsible for the National University of Samoa (NUS), Samoa Qualification Authority (SQA), the National Archives & Records Authority and Chair of UNESCO’s Local Commission Secretariat. A former Vice-Chancellor & President of NUS, Founding Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Polytechnic (SP), former Principal of Western Samoa Technical Institute. This event will be his first public speaking engagement in NZ as Trade Commissioner. David Wong Tung – Founding Member and Commissioner of NZSTIC David avid has 32 years’ experience as a lawyer, independent company director, business developer and entrepreneur. He is currently an Honorary Special Projects Advisor to the Prime Minister of Samoa. He was a Founding Member and Commissioner of the New Zealand and NZSTIC and Pasifika Leadership Foundation Trustee. David has mentored a range of New Zealand, and Samoan based businesses. His specialist expertise in extractive industries and resources in New Zealand and the Pacific. Significant businesses developed include Auckland Council joint venture property investment and development, SOE purchase from Samoan government, finance and money exchange company, international trading, large scale processing, manufacturing and export of primary produce, contract wine purchase, branding and export, gold mining, extractive minerals and landfill investments. Currently investment, business development, revenue building and pre-IPO structuring of a technology start-up for IPO in 2 years in Singapore and Hong Kong. David holds both a Bachelor of Laws and an Executive MBA from the University of Auckland. Tyrone Laurenson – In Country Programme Manager, High Tech Youth Samoa Moananu Tyrone Malaesaili Laurenson, In Country Programme Manager for the High Tech Youth Project in Samoa (funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Partnerships Fund). The High Tech Youth Project is an exciting project, which will give youth in Samoa access to online learning tools & technology, based in Vaivase-Tai. Moananu hails from the villages of Lufilufi, Lepea & Vaimoso. He served in the NZ Police Force for 25 years and was a recipient of the 1990 New Zealand Commemoration Medal & Erebus Special Medal. Moananu has worked in various roles in Samoa since 2008, including Registrar at the National University of Samoa, Administration Manager of the AusAID funded Samoa Police & Prisons Service Institutional Strengthening Project 2004-2006 and Assistant Vice Chancellor, Oceania University of Medicine. Moananu will be sharing his experiences, as a NZ born Samoan, returning home to work and contribute to Samoa through a range of projects. He will also be sharing some of the specific successes and challenges of implementing the High Tech Youth Project in Samoa. |
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September 2018
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