The recently established Samoa Information Technology Association (SITA) held its launch as a professional society of ICT Professionals today at TATTE Convention Centre. The President of SITA, Mr. James Ah Wai, introduced the keynote speaker, the Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesolia’i Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister. Other invited guests included members of the Diplomatic Corp., government officials, members of the business community and civil society. SITA will provide a platform for IT professionals and its related disciplines in Samoa. The Association aims to foster education and capacity building, set professional standards, promote research and development, strengthen national and international networks for its membership and provide advice to government on ICT issues. Mr. Ah Wai stated that “Our Samoa Information Technology Association or SITA have come to existence because we believe in our vision that Technology is for Everyone.” In this regard it is hoped that SITA will be an active body in the community and will collaborate with the public, and private sectors as well as interested development partners to implement as many projects as possible for the benefit of Samoans. SITA’s 7 main objectives are; 1. To develop the practice of the profession of information technology and related disciplines in Samoa. 2. To foster the training, education and qualification of those practicing or intending to practice the ICT profession in Samoa. 3. To promote proper conduct within its membership and to set ethica
standards for the profession. 4. To develop or provide lectures, meetings, conferences and to promote research in information processing and computer technology. 5. To promote any other related activities that is in the interests of the Association and its members 6. To have a voice to the Government and its people on all issues pertaining to ICT 7. To encourage collaboration and networking with local Businesses, Regional and Funding Organisations for the development and Implementation of ICT projects for the betterment of community. SITA also officially launched its new website www.sita.ws. The website allows followers to keep updated of the latest news and developments of ICT projects happening in Samoa and the region. Over one hundred ICT professionals from Samoa have registered their interest to join SITA. Each new applicant will be assessed and assigned to various memberships depending on the level of experience and or qualifications. SITA takes this opportunity to thank all its partners and sponsors for their generous support and advice leading up to the launch, including but not limited to; Hon. Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Fualau Talatalaga Mata’u Matafeao, Chief Executive Officer, MCIT, Bluesky Samoa, Digicel Samoa, Samoa Commercial Bank, Taula Beverages, National University of Samoa, Office of the Electoral Commission, Skyeye, Greenology Consult Samoa and Pacific Technologies.