Two public servants have recently returned to Samoa after completing their Master’s degrees in Japan and hope to use what they have learnt to improve in their fields of work.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Samoa Office congratulated Niua Kitiona and  Elisapeta Valeli, who studied in Japan under the JICA SDGs Global Leader Program.

Both graduated from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) — Mrs Kitiona with a Master's in Business Administration, and Mrs Valeli with a Master's of Business Administration in Management.

The two scholars, who serve at the Public Service Commission (PSC), have resumed their posts as Principal Officers — Mrs Kitiona as Principal Trainer and System Analyst with the Human Resource Management and Information Services Division, and Mrs Valeli as Principal Policy Analyst in the Human Resource Development Division.

During a recent visit to JICA Samoa, the pair met with Yumiko Asakuma, JICA Resident Representative, to share their research findings and experiences from Japan.

“We are proud of Mrs Kitiona and Mrs Valeli for their dedication and success,” said Ms Asakuma. “Their achievements reflect the spirit of partnership between Japan and Samoa – building people’s capacity to drive sustainable change.”

As part of her academic research, Mrs Valeli completed a thesis titled “The Impact of JICA Overseas Training on Employee Success: The Case of the Samoa Public Sector.”

Her study confirmed that JICA’s overseas training programs have a significant positive impact on the performance of public sector employees in Samoa. Mrs Valeli, who works closely with the JICA Samoa Office in administering training programs, is also the first Samoan to write a research paper focused on JICA’s training initiatives.

“I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience Japan academically, culturally, and socially,” said Mrs Valeli. “I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to strengthen HR capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking, and encourage collaboration within Samoa’s public sector.”

Mrs Kitiona’s final report focused on “The Impact of Labour Force Turnover within the Public Service of Samoa,” which examined the challenges of workforce retention across government ministries. Her study highlighted how turnover affects service delivery and national development, and called for strategic HR reforms to build a more stable and motivated workforce.

“My research aligns closely with the PSC’s Workforce Plan and contributes to Samoa’s Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mrs Kitiona. “It emphasises that investing in people is key to building strong institutions and long-term national growth.”