MFAT Leadership Change: Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pesetā Noumea Simi, has resigned, with the government saying the move followed a Public Service Commission submission and approved process—ending a contract that was expected to run until 2028. Japan Education Push: Five Samoans have received JICA SDG Global Leader Programme scholarships to study in Japan, including fields like environmental science, public management, business administration and policy science, with recipients expected to return and contribute to Samoa. Tourism Marketing (Regional): The Lucid Agency won new Japan tourism accounts, adding Setouchi and Sapporo to its Australian portfolio—aiming to shift travellers toward regional Japan beyond the “Golden Route.” Labour Rights Abroad: Pacific workers under Australia’s PALM and New Zealand’s RSE schemes raised concerns about deductions and living conditions, including restrictive accommodation rules and unclear pay deductions. Public Health Controversy (Global, Samoa-linked): US calls for a criminal investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after documents reportedly contradict his claims that a 2019 Samoa trip had “nothing to do with vaccines,” tied to measles deaths. Culture & Business: Tiama’a and a YouTuber dispute AI-made versions of the band’s original music, spotlighting copyright and cultural protection.