Three Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) scholars have returned to Samoa after successfully completing their studies in Japan under the Sustainable Development Goals Global Leader Program. 

The scholars are Faafetai Vaevaina, Victoria Lauina, and Uaealesi Seleni with the trio completing their studies at the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) as well as the Rikkyo University, according to a press statement issued by the JICA Samoa office last Thursday.

Ms.  Vaevaina pursued her Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy (with a specialisation in International Public Administration) at the APU. Her academic performance was exemplified by the recognition of her thesis as an “outstanding thesis”, earning her place on APU’s graduation list with merit for her academic excellence. 

She previously worked at the Public Service Commission (PSC) before commencing her studies and returned to the PSC following her return from Japan.

Both Ms. Lauina and Ms. Seleni attended Rikkyo University with the latter completing her Master's Degree in Social Development and Administration, while the former obtained her Master's Degree in International Business. Their studies were an opportunity to explore different facets of knowledge and gain a global perspective on social development and international business. Ms. Lauina had worked for the Ministry of Finance (MOF) prior to her studies and has continued to work there since returning from Japan. 

Ms. Seleni resigned from her position at the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure (MWTI) to focus on her studies. Thanks to her expertise in international business, she is well-positioned to explore entrepreneurship and contribute to the community by fostering self-sustaining businesses. Her passion for addressing unemployment and business management challenges aligns perfectly with the needs of Samoa's economy.

JICA Resident Representative in Samoa, Yumiko Asakuma, commended the three graduates on the successful completion of their studies in Japan. 

She expressed the belief that the knowledge they have acquired will play an instrumental role in their future endeavours and they will undoubtedly be a driving force in Samoa’s development initiatives. 

These graduates not only excelled academically but also had the privilege of receiving a Certificate for the Successful Completion of JICA's Development Studies Program, a cornerstone of every JICA scholarship recipient's training program, designed to deepen their understanding of Japan's modernisation experiences and provide invaluable insights for the development of their respective countries. 

Looking ahead, these scholars have the opportunity to pursue further studies in Japan through the same process and scholarship program offered by JICA. They can apply to upgrade their qualifications, enabling them to pursue a PhD.