Ulu Aiono to headline SBN's End of Year Networking Event

PRESS RELEASE

The Samoa Business Network (‘SBN’), in collaboration with the Pacific Business Trust (‘PBT’), is excited to host the final SBN networking event for the year. The keynote speaker for the night is the legendary trailblazer in business and COGITA founder, Ulu Aiono. The event will also mark the conclusion of the SBN fundraising auctions for the Samoa Cancer Society and Samoa Victim Support Group that have been running on Trademe since the October Networking event.

Keynote Speaker: Uluomatootua Saulaulu Aiono, BSc, MBA, ONZM

Born in Apia, Ulu’s parents moved the family to New Zealand in 1960. Eventually Ulu matriculated from Auckland Grammar School to Otago University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Ulu later returned to Otago University and in 1986 became the first Pacific Islander to complete a postgraduate MBA degree at the University.

In 1983, Ulu became the first Samoan to start a high technology company in New Zealand when he founded COGITA. Such was its success; the company quickly grew into an international high technology ERP (enterprise resource planning) Software Company.

In June 2012, Ulu and his wife, Margaret, sold COGITA’s international assets, contracts and offices to Epicor, a giant Silicon Valley software company. For services to business, Ulu was honoured and made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 New Year’s Honour’s list.

In May 2014, ViAGO, one of the companies under the COGITA Group, developed the critical thinking methods and other intangible assets which are the core intellectual property in a one billion dollar technology IPO on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Ulu was also appointed by the Minister of Broadcasting to chair the National Pacific Radio Trust, which operates the Pacific Media Network, Radio 531pi, Radio NiuFM and Pacific Radio News. He is also the chair of the Audit and Finance Committee at Habitat for Humanity Greater Auckland; and the incoming chair of the Alliance Health Plus PHO. In his spare time, Ulu is a co-opted member of the Otahuhu College Board of Trustees; member of the Salvation Army Church; and recently appointed by the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs to the board of the PBT.

Ulu’s main role is in helping companies by fixing their critical thinking, sales, cash flow and systems.

Link to Ulu Aiono interview with Tagata Pasifika

Auction Fundraiser for the Samoa Cancer Society and Samoa Victims Support Group

SBN’s fundraising for the Samoa Cancer Society and Samoa Victims Support Group comes to a conclusion with the auction winners being presented with their prizes on the night. Other items kindly donated  will also be auctioned off for the charity fundraiser on the night. The fundraisers have been running on Trademe since SBN’s October Networking Event. SBN is indebted to our kind sponsors who have generously donated prizes for the auction. SBN thanks Kara’s Fashion House, The Works Hair Salon, Mena, WE Accounting and Shopsamoa.com.

Those wishing to contribute further products to the auction or make financial donation into SBN Inc account may do so through the official SBN Inc account number: 02- 0191-0352390-001

SPECIFICS:
​Date: Tuesday 9th December 2014
Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm (doors open at 5.30pm)
Venue: Pacific Business Trust, 733 Great South Road, Otahuhu
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Entry: $20.00 per person, including SBN members.

All proceeds will go towards the Samoa Cancer Society & Samoa Victim Support Group.