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Samoa

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Samoa. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Apia

Head of State

Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi I

Head of Government

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa

Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Lagaʻaia at the premiere of Moana in Sydney, Australia, last month. Photo: EPA

Fame and celebrity

Meet Disney’s latest princess, Moana star Catherine Lagaʻaia

The 19-year-old Samoan-Aussie actress, who takes the Moana baton from Auli‘i Cravalho, had to beat out 2 of her sisters for the role.

9 Jul 2026 - 6:00AM

Vietnam

Samoan suspect confesses to hired hit in Vietnam on Sydney gangster

27 May 2026 - 7:28PM

China education

‘Natural’ choice: why Unesco’s new STEM education centre is based in Shanghai

24 May 2026 - 9:00AM

Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong rugby player denies molesting woman at bar, but admits vandalism

Faizal Solomona pleads guilty to damaging door bolt at Central police station, but denies groping woman at Wyndham Street bar last year.

11 May 2026 - 5:22PM

Faizal Solomona Penesa at a rugby training session. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Italy

Pope Leo carries cross for full Good Friday procession

‘I carry all of this suffering in my prayer,’ the pontiff said before he set out for the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross.

4 Apr 2026 - 1:24PM

Rugby World Cup 2027

Belgium on brink of surprise Rugby World Cup spot, but must beat Samoa to make it

The Belgians will face the Pacific Islanders for a spot at the 2027 tournament after both teams get two wins in the qualifiers in Dubai.

15 Nov 2025 - 11:06PM

New Zealand

US$3.6 million compensation for Samoa after New Zealand navy ship sinks on reef

The ecological impact of the wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui, which remains at the site a year later, is still being assessed.

6 Oct 2025 - 10:21AM

Divers survey the area around the sunken HMNZS Manawanui off Upulo, Samoa on October 15, last year. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force/AP)

Pacific nations

A drop in the ocean? Pacific nations tap local know-how for marine conservation

Among the measures being taken are a ban on fishing and mining activities in vast marine protected areas.

27 Jun 2025 - 9:30AM

Pacific nations

Miss Pacific Islands hit by fraud row after Samoa beauty queen wins title

Pageant judges stopped from leaving the host nation, Solomon Islands, as police investigate fraudulent activities at the event.

13 Feb 2025 - 12:00PM

Australia

King Charles arrives in Australia for landmark tour

The king’s long-planned trip is designed to bolster the monarchy among an increasingly disinterested Australian public.

18 Oct 2024 - 6:39PMvideocam

A projection of photographs of Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla is seen on the Sydney Opera House in Sydney on October 18, 2024, as the royals arrive for a six-day visit to Sydney and Canberra. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP)

Pacific nations

75 on board New Zealand Navy ship safe after it sinks off Samoa

The vessel was carrying out a reef survey near the southern coast of Upolu when it ran aground.

6 Oct 2024 - 2:46PM

A handout photo from the New Zealand Defence Force shows the Royal New Zealand Navy ship the HMNZS Manawanui (right) in front of HMNZS Otago during a training exercise. File photo: AFP

King Charles III

Cancer-stricken King Charles to visit Australia and Samoa in test of stamina

The British monarch is slowly returning to public duties, and the decision to take such a long journey will be seen as a sign of his recovery.

11 Sep 2024 - 5:04AM

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

France struggle in opener, as Fiji show sevens gold potential once more in Paris

A draw with the US and nervy win over Uruguay secures spot in quarter-finals for host nation, with Fiji, Argentina and Australia all laying down early markers.

25 Jul 2024 - 7:14AM

Kamala Harris

Meet Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, who could be the US’ first gentleman

Emhoff is a high-flying ex-lawyer who champions women’s rights, highlights his Jewish faith in the White House, maintains a friendship with his ex-wife and has built a blended family with Harris

23 Jul 2024 - 6:00PM

US Vice-President Kamala Harris and her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, pose at the White House in a photo released on Instagram for Easter in April. @secondgentleman/Instagram

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Rugby sevens champions Fiji seek to outshine Dupont, defend Olympic ‘legacy’

France’s captain has become one of the faces of the Paris Games, but Fiji are out to uphold their record as the sport’s only Olympic champions so far.

24 Jul 2024 - 12:32AM

Fijian players celebrate after beating New Zealand to defend their rugby sevens gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: EPA-EFE

Japan

Japan talks with Pacific islands focus on climate, security issues take back seat

Among the areas of concern highlighted by Pacific island nations was Japan’s release of treated radioactive water.

20 Jul 2024 - 1:45PMvideocam

South Korea

Exclusive | South Korea opposition aims to stop military’s Taiwan entanglement

Lawmaker Kim Joon-hyung says the opposition will introduce a bill to prevent South Korea from partnering with the US over Taiwan.

18 Jul 2024 - 5:15PMvideocam

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong women told to ‘seize opportunity’ after draw for 2025 World Cup bid

Hong Kong will make their WXV3 debut in Dubai later this year, qualification for second World Cup on the line.

17 Jul 2024 - 3:00PM

Hong Kong’s victory over Kazakhstan kept alive their World Cup qualifying hopes. Photo: Jonathan Wong

US presidential election 2024

Asian-American community angered over erroneous report Trump shooter was Chinese

Dash to blame plus community’s rapid response followed years of hate incidents and scapegoating during the coronavirus pandemic.

16 Jul 2024 - 7:51PMvideocam

King Charles III

King Charles’ first overseas tour since cancer to take in Australia, Samoa

The visit to Australia will be a critical moment for Britain’s king as he tries to shore up support for the monarchy at home and abroad.

15 Jul 2024 - 12:23PM

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong rugby teens urged to thrive ‘outside comfort zone’ in World U20 Trophy

City’s team have not won a Trophy match in six years, but will seek to develop talent in a squad featuring several overseas players.

2 Jul 2024 - 8:00AM

Isaac Campbell-Wu is among the overseas-based players in Hong Kong’s squad for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

China women cruise through in Monaco to seal final Olympic rugby sevens spot

Favourites going into the tournament, China breeze past Kenya in the final, while South Africa claim men’s place at expense of Great Britain.

4 Jul 2024 - 4:04PM

China’s women celebrate winning the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco. Photo: World Rugby

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Hong Kong women chase Olympic dream, as bosses brace for tournament juggling act

Rugby bosses are preparing for September, when the 15s and 7s calendars cross over, but all eyes are now on the repechage in Monaco.

4 Jul 2024 - 4:40PM

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Can China reach Olympics in rugby? Handling expectation key in final qualifier

Women’s sevens team face ‘enormous pressure’ to deliver, but take a 21-match winning streak into Monaco qualifying tournament.

4 Jul 2024 - 4:40PM

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong women keep World Cup dream alive, end ARC with win over Kazakhstan

Hong Kong outplay Kazakhstan in Asia Rugby Championship finale to secure spot in WXV3 tournament later this year, and remain in contention for 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.

1 Jun 2024 - 10:31PM

Hong Kong’s Georgia Rivers (left) is tackled by Kazhakstan’s Mariya Grishina in their Asia Rugby Championship clash. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong China Rugby

Rugby great Perelini says World Rugby must ‘step up’ support for lowly nations

UAE rugby chief Apollo Perelini wants game’s power brokers to do more in support of lower-ranked nations, and is concerned over prospect of amateurs playing in expanded World Cup.

31 May 2024 - 1:12PM

Apollo Perelini wants more funding for lower-tier nations expected to compete at World Cups. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong China Rugby

New Zealand set Olympic standard at Singapore Sevens, season title for Argentina

Kiwis’ double success in Singapore follows Hong Kong clean sweep, while Argentina men cling on to clinch season series top spot for first time.

5 May 2024 - 9:36PM

Art

Hong Kong’s evolution traced through art as Chat marks 5 years

Chat art museum at The Mills in Hong Kong celebrates its fifth anniversary with ‘Factory of Tomorrow’, an exhibition of works made with textiles that chart the city’s evolution and imagine its future.

5 May 2024 - 1:15PM

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Samoa

Meet Disney’s latest princess, Moana star Catherine Lagaʻaia

The 19-year-old Samoan-Aussie actress, who takes the Moana baton from Auli‘i Cravalho, had to beat out 2 of her sisters for the role.

Samoan suspect confesses to hired hit in Vietnam on Sydney gangster

‘Natural’ choice: why Unesco’s new STEM education centre is based in Shanghai

Hong Kong rugby player denies molesting woman at bar, but admits vandalism

Faizal Solomona pleads guilty to damaging door bolt at Central police station, but denies groping woman at Wyndham Street bar last year.

Pope Leo carries cross for full Good Friday procession

‘I carry all of this suffering in my prayer,’ the pontiff said before he set out for the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross.

Belgium on brink of surprise Rugby World Cup spot, but must beat Samoa to make it

The Belgians will face the Pacific Islanders for a spot at the 2027 tournament after both teams get two wins in the qualifiers in Dubai.

US$3.6 million compensation for Samoa after New Zealand navy ship sinks on reef

The ecological impact of the wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui, which remains at the site a year later, is still being assessed.

A drop in the ocean? Pacific nations tap local know-how for marine conservation

Among the measures being taken are a ban on fishing and mining activities in vast marine protected areas.

Miss Pacific Islands hit by fraud row after Samoa beauty queen wins title

Pageant judges stopped from leaving the host nation, Solomon Islands, as police investigate fraudulent activities at the event.

King Charles arrives in Australia for landmark tour

The king’s long-planned trip is designed to bolster the monarchy among an increasingly disinterested Australian public.

75 on board New Zealand Navy ship safe after it sinks off Samoa

The vessel was carrying out a reef survey near the southern coast of Upolu when it ran aground.

Cancer-stricken King Charles to visit Australia and Samoa in test of stamina

The British monarch is slowly returning to public duties, and the decision to take such a long journey will be seen as a sign of his recovery.

France struggle in opener, as Fiji show sevens gold potential once more in Paris

A draw with the US and nervy win over Uruguay secures spot in quarter-finals for host nation, with Fiji, Argentina and Australia all laying down early markers.

Meet Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, who could be the US’ first gentleman

Emhoff is a high-flying ex-lawyer who champions women’s rights, highlights his Jewish faith in the White House, maintains a friendship with his ex-wife and has built a blended family with Harris

Rugby sevens champions Fiji seek to outshine Dupont, defend Olympic ‘legacy’

France’s captain has become one of the faces of the Paris Games, but Fiji are out to uphold their record as the sport’s only Olympic champions so far.

Japan talks with Pacific islands focus on climate, security issues take back seat

Among the areas of concern highlighted by Pacific island nations was Japan’s release of treated radioactive water.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | South Korea opposition aims to stop military’s Taiwan entanglement

Lawmaker Kim Joon-hyung says the opposition will introduce a bill to prevent South Korea from partnering with the US over Taiwan.

Hong Kong women told to ‘seize opportunity’ after draw for 2025 World Cup bid

Hong Kong will make their WXV3 debut in Dubai later this year, qualification for second World Cup on the line.

Asian-American community angered over erroneous report Trump shooter was Chinese

Dash to blame plus community’s rapid response followed years of hate incidents and scapegoating during the coronavirus pandemic.

King Charles’ first overseas tour since cancer to take in Australia, Samoa

The visit to Australia will be a critical moment for Britain’s king as he tries to shore up support for the monarchy at home and abroad.

Hong Kong rugby teens urged to thrive ‘outside comfort zone’ in World U20 Trophy

City’s team have not won a Trophy match in six years, but will seek to develop talent in a squad featuring several overseas players.

China women cruise through in Monaco to seal final Olympic rugby sevens spot

Favourites going into the tournament, China breeze past Kenya in the final, while South Africa claim men’s place at expense of Great Britain.

Hong Kong women chase Olympic dream, as bosses brace for tournament juggling act

Rugby bosses are preparing for September, when the 15s and 7s calendars cross over, but all eyes are now on the repechage in Monaco.

Can China reach Olympics in rugby? Handling expectation key in final qualifier

Women’s sevens team face ‘enormous pressure’ to deliver, but take a 21-match winning streak into Monaco qualifying tournament.

Hong Kong women keep World Cup dream alive, end ARC with win over Kazakhstan

Hong Kong outplay Kazakhstan in Asia Rugby Championship finale to secure spot in WXV3 tournament later this year, and remain in contention for 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.

Rugby great Perelini says World Rugby must ‘step up’ support for lowly nations

UAE rugby chief Apollo Perelini wants game’s power brokers to do more in support of lower-ranked nations, and is concerned over prospect of amateurs playing in expanded World Cup.

New Zealand set Olympic standard at Singapore Sevens, season title for Argentina

Kiwis’ double success in Singapore follows Hong Kong clean sweep, while Argentina men cling on to clinch season series top spot for first time.

Hong Kong’s evolution traced through art as Chat marks 5 years

Chat art museum at The Mills in Hong Kong celebrates its fifth anniversary with ‘Factory of Tomorrow’, an exhibition of works made with textiles that chart the city’s evolution and imagine its future.

Exclusive | South Korea opposition aims to stop military’s Taiwan entanglement