The new President of the Samoa Information Technology Association (SITA) has urged all eligible ICT members to register and join the association.

Sarai Faleupolu Tevita, who was elected the President of the SITA last week at its annual general meeting, said in a press release that the association needs more eligible members to register and join so they can drive and collaborate on ICT issues and projects to assist the community.

She said there is a particular need for more awareness on cybersecurity in order to keep the community in Samoa safe from online threats.

Ms. Tevita is currently the National University of Samoa (NUS) ICT Director.

The annual general meeting was held on 4 November 2022 at the TATTE Samoa conference centre, Sogi where members elected its new executive committee for 2022-2023. 

The new SITA executive committee led by Ms. Tevita include Malaeulu Jobenz Manoa (Vice President), Fualau Talatalaga Matafeo (Treasurer), Fiapaipai Tanea–Sakuma (Secretary), Faasootauloa Sam Saili (Executive member), Alex Abraham (Executive member), Mailo Henry Mailo (Executive member), Mulitalo Bernie Tauaanae (Executive member) and Laauoleola Kaio (Executive member).

Ms. Tevita is the first female president of the SITA with the association releasing a statement to advise that the association will continue to serve the Samoan community while maintaining their objectives of fostering education and capacity building, setting professional standards, promoting research and development, strengthen national and international networks for its membership, and providing advice to government on ICT issues.

"We keep believing in our vision that technology is for everyone," reads the SITA press release.

Prior to the association's annual general meeting, it held the two-day Samoa Information Technology Association's Tech-Expo 2022, which was officially opened by the Minister of Communication Information and Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.

Toelupe thanked the SITA executive 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 Falelimu Chuck Leota, which highlighted the close links that Samoa and American Samoa have, not just in terms of people and cultural links but the ICT sectors well with both countries utilising expertise from each other for the development of ICT overall.

Out of many highlights of the expo was a presentation by Asomualemalama Ari Hazelman, representing Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA), which was a crowd favourite. 

Mr Hazelman highlighted the critical role that technology plays in the lives of those living with a disability and referred to technology as “technology is our best friend and enabler”. 

He challenged the ICT community to ensure that websites and apps are developed with Assistive Technology enabled so People living with disabilities can access and use the programs developed.

The new SITA executive also thanked the outgoing executive committee of 2021-2022 led by Mr President - Faasootauloa Sam Saili, Vice President Malaeulu Jobenz Manoa, Secretary Finau Tanuli Tinai Chan, Treasurer Ainuu Wellington Seufale, Exec Muliagatele James Ah Wai, Exec Mailo Henry Mailo, Exec Alex Abraham and Exec Sarai Faleupolu Tevita for many projects and achievements implemented during their journey.