July 22–24, 2026 / PORT MORESBY, PNG – A team of five students from the National University of Samoa (NUS) has secured 1st Runner-Up at the inaugural Bridge the Gap: Pacific Digital Inclusion & Safety Student Challenge 2026, placing Samoa among the Pacific’s emerging leaders in digital innovation and cybersecurity solutions.
The NUS team, representing the Faculty of Science, achieved the outstanding regional result after competing against seven universities from across the Pacific at the pioneering 48-hour open innovation challenge held from 22–24 July 2026 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The competition, convened by RMIT University’s Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CCSRI) in partnership with Pacific Cyber Week and supported by Australian Aid, brought together some of the Pacific’s brightest student innovators to develop practical solutions addressing critical digital challenges affecting communities across the region.
The successful NUS team comprised:
- Emarosa Romeo Lafoia
- Musami Phaeomeria Lene Iosia
- Hennrilynn Tootoo Grey
- Kerygma Fonofaavae
- Jeremiah Nunufolau
The students were mentored by NUS Lecturer Polataivao Fiafaitupe Tuiloma Lafaele, whose leadership, technical guidance, and support helped the team navigate the intense 48-hour innovation challenge and transform ideas into solutions aimed at addressing real-world digital issues.
The NUS team was selected following the initial round of the competition and advanced as one of the finalists, earning full sponsorship to participate in the face-to-face challenge in Port Moresby. Competing alongside leading universities and technical institutions from across the Pacific, the team demonstrated exceptional creativity, teamwork, and technical capability to achieve the prestigious runner-up position in the competition’s first-ever year.
The Bridge the Gap: Pacific Digital Inclusion & Safety Student Challenge was designed to empower young Pacific innovators to tackle pressing issues including digital inclusion, online safety, cybersecurity awareness, and digital financial access. The event provided a platform for students to collaborate across borders, exchange ideas, and develop innovative approaches to strengthen digital resilience throughout Pacific communities.
This achievement is a testament to the dedication and talent of our students, the commitment of our lecturers, and the continued efforts of NUS to nurture future leaders and innovators. Digital transformation is shaping the future of Samoa and the Pacific, and our students are proving they have an important role to play in creating solutions that benefit our communities.
The success of the NUS team also highlights the important role of the Faculty of Science in advancing digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and innovation within Samoa’s higher education sector.
By securing 1st Runner-Up at this landmark regional competition, the NUS students have not only brought pride to the University and Samoa but have also demonstrated the potential of Pacific youth to lead conversations and develop solutions in an increasingly digital world.
NUS Media Release
