Fine Mat Creative

Last year we helped develop and facilitate the Lalaga Auala: Weaving Pathways to Cultural Innovation, Wellbeing & Enterprise workshops held in Asau, Savaii. We are so proud to find out that some of the participants of the Relaxing Massage training from Se’eti Beach Fales in Falealupo are now offering this service not only to supplement their income but also to improve their customer experience and enhance the wellbeing of their families - malo lava Elenoa and team!

At Se'eti Beach Fales in Falealupo, Elenoa Fanoga Sefo is proving that innovation, wellness, and growth can thrive even at the edge of the island.

It’s a story about resilience, rebuilding, and the fierce determination behind one of Samoa’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Read the full story, link in the comments.

New Zealand High Commission in Samoa Savaii Samoa Tourism Association

Every now and then, I return to writing — when something feels too good not to be told.

A world-class dining experience, right here in Samoa.

Full story at Samoa Lifestyle Magazine. Link in comments.

Proud to see two of Samoa’s editors heading to Suva for the BBC Media Action Regional Training of Trainers on fact-checking and verification. This kind of regional collaboration matters. It strengthens journalistic standards, builds resilience against misinformation, and most importantly, supports the sustainability of independent media in our Pacific.

Capacity building is not a one-off event. It’s mentoring, curriculum support, peer networks, and ensuring that knowledge is shared back into the wider ecosystem.

At Fine Mat Creative, we believe strong media underpins strong democracies and informed communities. Supporting initiatives that prioritise verification, digital safety, and professional standards is something I care deeply about.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚’𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚: 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐯𝐚

On Tuesday, 24 February, the British High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner had the pleasure of meeting with two local editors who will soon travel to Suva to participate in the BBC Media Action (BBCMA) Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) Fact Checking and Verification Workshop. Also present was Liz Ah Hi, BBC Media Action’s Project Manager, who has been closely supporting ongoing media strengthening initiatives across the country.

The confirmed participants, Shalveen Chand, Editor of the Samoa Observer, and Emmanuel Tosimaea, Editor of Mermada Pacific, will join the regional workshop from 2–6 March 2026. The week-long specialised training programme is designed to strengthen journalistic quality and public trust, with a focus on fact checking and content verification for digital and social media, responding to misinformation and disinformation, enhancing journalistic resilience and digital security, and fostering peer support and regional collaboration among Pacific journalists.

Beyond developing individual expertise, the TOT workshop equips participants with the skills needed to train others. Upon their return to Samoa, Mr Chand and Mr Tosimaea will share their learning with the wider media community, supported by BBC Media Action through curriculum guidance, mentoring, and ongoing technical assistance.

This upcoming training complements the broader multi-year capacity building work that BBC Media Action has been carrying out in Samoa since 2024, focused on strengthening the media sector through improved verification skills, national audience research, and wider support to enhance development and resilience of local journalism.

"BBC Media Action’s work in Samoa and across the Pacific focuses on strengthening trusted, independent media so communities can access accurate and reliable information” said Ms Ah-Hi. “This Training of Trainers workshop is about building practical factchecking and verification skills, while also supporting journalists to navigate misinformation with confidence. Our goal is to strengthen the wider media sector through shared learning, regional collaboration, and long-term capacity building.”

As Mr Chand and Mr Tosimaea prepare to depart on Sunday, 1 March, the British High Commission extends its best wishes and appreciation to them for their ongoing commitment to the professionalisation of Samoa’s media sector.

Like Chef Joe Lam returning to his creative roots through this rare tasting menu, this story featured in the Samoa Lifestyle Magazine was also a personal return to mine.
While much of my work as a communications specialist focuses on strategies, training, and systems, freelance storytelling - through food, culture, travel, art, and people, is where it all began for me. It’s where I get to make the unseen seen, and celebrate the best of Samoa through narrative and connection.

Being invited to experience and document this special evening was a timely reminder of why storytelling matters, when artistry meets community, something beautiful happens.

Thank you for the opportunity, and for the trust. 💛

Read more here 👉
🔗 https://samoalifestyle.com/cuisine/f/inside-chef-joe-lam%E2%80%99s-rare-tasting-menu-for-a-cause

Food lovers, this one’s for you 🍽️✨

Samoa Lifestyle was invited to join Chef Joe Lam’s rare private degustation at Pickled Lam Scalinis, fulfilling a promise made at Samoa International Game Fishing Association - SIGFA 2025 Pinktober fundraiser.

A dining experience where local flavours met Japanese-inspired finesse, all in support of a powerful cause. From palolo risotto to miso-cured salmon, this was a night to remember.

Read the full story 👉Link in Comments