Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Dr. Naomi Mataʻafa officially opened the joint symposium hosted by the National University of Samoa (NUS), Liaocheng University (LCU), and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GUFS) at the NUS D201 Lecture Theatre this morning.
The event, titled “Symposium on Higher Education, Innovation and Development”, brings together academic leaders and researchers from across the Pacific and China.
In her keynote address, Fiame acknowledged the presence of university representatives from Samoa, Pacific Island states, and China, and emphasised the importance of the symposium’s theme. Speaking first in Samoan, she recognised the sacred gathering and then continued her speech in English.
“Today, we gather not only as educators, policymakers, and researchers, but as custodians of knowledge — entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the future of our nations,” she said.
Fiame praised the collaboration between NUS, LCU and GUFS, saying their shared commitment to building academic and research excellence would serve both regions well.
She described higher education as a “vital driver of social transformation, economic progress, and national resilience,” particularly in the context of climate change and rapid technological change affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Samoa.
Four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were set to be signed during the event between Chinese and Pacific universities. Fiame acknowledged the partnerships with Liaocheng University, the National University of Vanuatu, the National Ocean Technology Centre of China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Sun Yat-sen University, and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
“These partnerships will enrich both our institutions and serve as an example of how true collaboration can yield mutual benefits,” she said.
She urged faculty, researchers, and students attending the symposium to “engage deeply, share openly, and learn from each other.”
Fiame reaffirmed the Samoan Government’s commitment to higher education, calling it an “investment in our people, our economy, and our national identity.”
She closed her remarks by officially opening the symposium, wishing all participants a productive and inspiring experience.
Hon. Fiame Dr. Naomi Mataʻafa delivered these remarks at the official opening of the NUS, LCU & GUFS’ Symposium on Higher Education, Innovation and Development, held on 23 June 2025 at the NUS D201 Lecture Theatre.
