Three Samoan scholars returned home after two years of rigorous academic pursuit in Japan, equipped with specialised knowledge and a renewed commitment to national development.

The three were sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). They recently met with JICA representatives in Samoa to report on their experiences after returning from their studies in Japan.

The trio – Bhavana Sanele Taavili, Gracia Monalisa Une, and Jun Ho Gregory Kim – departed Samoa in September 2022 as participants in the JICA Development Studies Program (DSP). This program implemented under the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) long-term training, includes ‘Creating Leaders for Clean Cities’, of which Bhavana was a recipient, and the ‘Sustainable Development Goals Global Leader’, of which Gracia and Jun were recipients.

Ms Taavili graduated from Toyo University in September 2024 with a Master’s in Regional Development Studies, specialising in waste management. Her thesis focused on the development of a Waste Segregation System for Proper Waste Disposal. Now back at the Waste Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Bhavana aims to implement sustainable waste segregation practices at the household level.

“Our people grew up with traditional methods of waste disposal, often throwing waste in their backyards. But it’s time to shift that mindset,” she explained.

“Proper waste management and segregation is everyone’s responsibility. My goal is to educate and inspire behaviour change – it won’t be easy, but it’s necessary for a cleaner and healthier Samoa.”

Ms Gracia Une completed her Master’s in Biomolecular Engineering Defense at Tsukuba University in March 2025, with a research focus on the fabrication of cell-capturing systems. With a deep passion for innovation, Gracia aspires to explore entrepreneurial ventures in bioengineering and renewable energy.

“My long-term goal is to innovate solutions for alternative fuels as part of Samoa’s renewable energy future,” she said.

“Though our country lacks advanced research facilities, I’m hopeful that Samoa will invest more in scientific innovation. I believe we can one day create homegrown technologies that contribute to cleaner energy and even solutions to major health challenges like cancer.”

Mr Jun Kim earned his Master’s in Public Health from St. Luke’s International University, also graduating in March 2025. His academic focus was on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), a growing health challenge in Samoa and across the Pacific.

“NCDs are a major concern, and I’m eager to apply my knowledge where it’s most needed – in our health sector,” Jun shared.

“Looking ahead, I’m also interested in the idea of developing a social insurance system for Samoa, drawing from the successful model I observed in Japan. I believe this could greatly improve access to healthcare and strengthen our overall public health infrastructure.”

JICA Samoa congratulated the scholars for their achievements and praised their dedication to returning home to serve their country. May their newfound expertise continue to contribute to the growth and development of Samoa.