July 12, 2025

Two Samoas launch teleconferencing link

The Samoa-American Samoa (SAS) Link, which connects the two Samoas through teleconferencing, was officially launched over a two-day period.

PAGO PAGO (PIDP/CPIS) — The Samoa-American Samoa (SAS) Link, which connects the two Samoas through teleconferencing, was officially launched over a two-day period.

American Samoa inaugurated the link on Friday while Samoa did so the day before.

During Samoa’s launch, journalists in Samoa gathered at the National University of Samoa while reporters in American Samoa joined Department of Education (DOE) Director Dr. Sili Sataua at the DOE conference room in American Samoa.

NUS Vice Chancellor Magele Moeliliu Magele informed Samoa journalists that the SAS Link’s goals are to share educational and health resources via Distance Leaning programs, as well as to promote training and intergovernmental cooperation.

Magele said the SAS Link, with the help of PEACSAT in Hawai‘i, is a non-profit group designed to “enhance distance learning, telemedicine and other government services,” Magele said.

Dr. Sataua said the concept came about in January 2000 during a meeting of leaders of “ed-tech” programs in the region that included Micronesia and Hawai‘i.

Dr. Sataua said the Samoa delegation that attended the “ed-tech” session was excited about the concept. From there the technical wheels started turning with the help of Dr. Norman Okamura of the University of Hawai‘i.

“What I’m very proud of is the fact that the Prime Minister and cabinet were very responsive positively to the concept,” said Dr. Sataua.

According to the DOE Director, there are 10 sites in public schools, including Manu’a.

Dr. Sataua, however, pointed out that technology is only an “assistant tool.”

Starting in the fall semester, the distance learning program will benefit teachers in Manu’a, where they will receive college level course instruction, instead of having to go to Tutuila.

Before departing for Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Governor Tauese Sunia said in a press statement that the idea of the link between the two Samoas was conceived in March of 1999.

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