Cabinet has asked the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) to formulate policies and standards to guide how the Government can support the participations of Samoan women in international pageants. 

This was confirmed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, who also confirmed that the Cabinet has endorsed the participation of a local contestant in the upcoming Miss Global pageant in Vietnam later on this year and she will be allowed to use the Miss Samoa tag. 

In an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer, Tuala who was the Acting Prime Minister said they had deliberated on the issue and have agreed that this is a great opportunity for Samoan women. 

While Tuala admits that the platforms for the Miss Global and Miss Samoa pageant are different, he is of the view that they both promote the empowerment of women and awareness of global issues, such as environmental protection, cultural diversity, and women in leadership.

"The criteria for our Miss Samoa pageant is usually set around what it is to be a Samoan beauty and what constitutes the essence of being a Samoan woman. The emphasis is on the depth of the role and the values of a Samoan woman. It includes talent, intelligence, creative fashion and demonstration of the Samoan culture.

"It might be different to the criteria for these international beauty pageants.

"Cabinet deliberated on the issue and we believe that every Samoan has a duty to represent their country the best way they can. They have every right.

"However, the government is of the view that there needs to be some sort of control to maintain the values of our Samoan women so they are not exploited by competition between companies and organisations.

"This is an opportunity to promote Samoa as a destination to potential markets."

Tuala said they have asked the S.T.A. to come up with policies and standards to guide how these pageants should happen moving forward. 

"We see this as an opportunity that should not be taken for granted, however, we need to set guidelines and policies so we can manage and continue to support the participation of our local girls in international pageants in the future. 

"We have asked S.T.A. to bring all interested parties together and agree on something for the greater good and to represent Samoa well in these pageants."

The telecommunication company, Vodafone Samoa had appointed the former Miss Samoa 2022-2023, Haylani Pearl Kuruppu to represent Samoa in the Miss Global pageant in Vietnam later on this year. 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Vodafone said the 10^th anniversary Miss Global 2023 is even bigger. 

"It will be the first pageant to go global and will be organised in three countries Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia. The Miss Global Organisation has informed that the pre-pageant will be in Vietnam and Indonesia, while the Miss Global 2023 Finale or coronation night will be in Cambodia. The organisation is in final stages of discussion with Indonesia to host pre-pageant in Bali," said Vodafone.

Ms. Kuruppu will undertake a world class training in Philippines for two weeks beginning November as preparation of Miss Global Pageant.

The dates for Miss Global have shifted to 2 January, 2024 when the pre-pageant begins and crowning will happen two weeks later in Cambodia.