Members of the Samoa Information Technology Association (S.I.T.A.) have voted to give their incumbent president another year on the job.

Muliagatele Fainuulelei James Ah Wai confirmed in an email response to the Samoa Observer his re-election as the S.I.T.A. President during the annual general meeting which was convened virtually last week.

He said he is humbled by the decision of the association’s board members and he did not expect to be re-elected, as there are other members who also qualify for the position.

"To be honest, I am very humbled and privileged to have the faith of our members to lead the association for another year,” he said.

“There are a lot of experienced and well-educated members but witnessing during the meeting placing their trust in me and the selected executive is heartfelt.”

Fainuulelei revealed that he already has plans to build on the achievements of the S.I.T.A. and he is encouraging more collaboration with the local community and regional organisations.

"We aim to continue the good work that we have done for our community, by the use of evolving technologies for the benefit of our Government and its people,” he added. 

“The plan is to encourage collaboration and networking with local businesses, regional and funding organisations for the development and implementation of ICT projects for the betterment of our community.”

The other members of the new S.I.T.A. executive include a SkyEye Samoa Director, Faaso’otauloa Sam Saili, who is the new Vice President and the Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ICT) for the Ministry of Finance Ainu’u Wellington Seufale, who is now the new executive member. 

All the other executive members of the association have been retained, added Fainuulelei. 

The new S.I.T.A. executives are as follows: Muliagatele Fainuulelei James Ah Wai (President), Faasootauloa Sam Saili (Vice President), Finauapai Tanuli Tinai-Chan (Secretary), Li'o Mark Bartley (Treasurer), and the executives Sarai Faleupolu Tevita, Mailo Henry Mailo, and Ainuu Wellington Seufale.

Fainuulelei assured members of the public that the S.I.T.A. executives will continue to roll out their service to the people and the Samoa Government and put in place protection mechanisms to guard them from cyberattacks.

"The new executive is driven to support the Government of Samoa and its people, in utilizing Technology in all aspects of life to improve working and living standards and protect Samoa from cyber-attacks, and any other threats through its network of IT professionals,” he emphasised.

“We will continue to strive for the betterment of our community in all areas with the use of evolving technologies and digital platforms by accomplishing our objectives established.”