This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Samoa Observer Short Story Writing Competition, a national literacy initiative dedicated to encouraging reading and writing among Samoa’s youth.

SSAB is proud to continue its support for this important competition, initiated by the founder and Editor-In-Chief of the Samoa Observer, Afioga, Gatoaitele Savea Sano Malifa.

SSAB Chief Executive Officer, Afioga Tofilau Fonoia Fiti Leung Wai, has long been a strong advocate for literacy and youth development in Samoa. Her continued support for this competition reflects both her personal passion for education and SSAB’s commitment to giving back to the community. As an avid reader, CEO Tofilau understands the vital importance of reading and writing as foundational life skills. She believes literacy plays a key role in shaping confidence, communication, critical thinking, and future opportunities for Samoa’s next generation. Her heart has always been with helping the people of Samoa, building future leaders, and supporting initiatives that positively impact the education and sports sectors.

Over the years, SSAB has proudly supported many student-focused and community initiatives, including the Spelling Bee, Battle of the Minds, the National 20-Day Reading Challenge, and the National Schools Champ of Champs Athletics competition, just to name a few. Supporting the Samoa Observer Short Story Writing Competition is, therefore a natural extension of SSAB’s commitment to literacy and education.

SSAB supports this competition as part of its ongoing commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Literacy remains an essential pillar of education and personal growth, and this platform provides students with an opportunity to develop their creativity, strengthen their communication skills, and express their ideas through writing.

Through this sponsorship, SSAB aims to:

• Support the development of literacy skills among students
• Encourage participation in educational initiatives
• Recognise and reward student achievement
• Contribute to strengthening education outcomes in Samoa

SSAB has been a consistent supporter of this competition over the years, working closely alongside the Samoa Observer to ensure its continuity and success. The partnership between SSAB and the Samoa Observer continues to be a strong and positive collaboration dedicated to empowering Samoa’s youth through literacy and education.

SSAB, as you all know, is a locally owned and operated business in Samoa and in New Zealand, providing a wide range of products including electronics, appliances, furniture, stationery, and household goods. Over the years, SSAB has built a strong reputation for bringing quality and value to customers and continues to position itself as Samoa’s number one trusted store.

SSAB currently operates 10 branches across the region, with locations in Upolu, Savai’i, and Auckland, New Zealand. This presence reflects the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to serving communities both locally and abroad.

Beyond its retail operations, SSAB actively supports community initiatives that align with education, development, sports, and social impact. The company remains committed to investing in programmes that create opportunities and strengthen communities throughout Samoa.

SSAB acknowledges and commends the Samoa Observer for continuing this important national initiative for the past 15 years. SSAB therefore values this long-standing partnership and remains committed to supporting programmes that promote literacy, inspire creativity, and empower Samoa’s next generation.

Fa’afetai tele lava for the continued collaboration and shared commitment to the future of Samoa.