A young Samoan engineer will be traveling to Japan this weekend to pursue a master's degree in hydraulic and coastal engineering at the University of Osaka.

The Government of Japan through its Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship has granted an award to its first recipient from Samoa in three years. The scholarship recipient will now get the opportunity to study in Japan at one of its prominent universities. 

Lynham Mariner, 25, hails from the villages of Salelologa, Lano, and Falelatai. His studies will specifically be on offshore tsunami mitigation effects. During his studies at Osaka University, he hopes to gain insights from Japanese knowledge and approaches, in order to provide standard mitigation measures beneficial for Samoa.

He currently holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering with honors from the London South Bank University in the United Kingdom and has wrapped up three years of employment with Samoa Water Authority in preparation for his academic journey.

“I am very thankful to receive this scholarship, It’s a blessing and I am looking forward to my studies at Osaka University to do my master's focused on coastal engineering and looking at natural disaster mitigation," Mr. Mariner said.

He said that this is a skill that Samoa could need in the future and he is keen on doing the program. After his studies, he would like to bring those skills back to hopefully open up his engineering firm in Samoa.

Japan's Ambassador to Samoa, Keisuke Senta congratulated Mr. Mariner on his achievement, and wished him all the best for success in his studies.

“Osaka is well known for its passionate people and great food. I myself believe they have the best beef and fish in Japan and I hope you get to experience that during your studies. We wish you all the best with your studies and for the success in your achievements.”

Mr. Mariner will be traveling to Japan this Sunday and said that he is looking forward to the culture and food in Osaka.

The MEXT Scholarship was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 but has now resumed. His travel to Japan will mark the first for a scholarship student after three years. This program is also a testament to the long-standing relationship between Japan and Samoa with the two nations recently celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.