Who We Are
Awards
As we celebrate 40 years since the incorporation of the Institute of Professional Engineers, Samoa, we would like to take a moment to honor and recognize the visionary engineers whose dedication, foresight, and tireless efforts laid the foundation for what IPES is today. These founding members played an instrumental role in establishing a strong institution that has not only advanced the engineering profession in Samoa but has also continuously supported and nurtured the growth of future engineers.
Their commitment to excellence, professional integrity, and the betterment of our nation’s infrastructure set the stage for the many achievements we celebrate today. Their vision paved the way for a thriving community of engineers who continue to shape Samoa’s development.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of IPES, we are reminded of the lasting impact of those who dedicated their time and expertise to establish this institution. Their legacy of leadership, innovation, and service continues to inspire and guide us as we move forward into the next 40 years and beyond. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and remain committed to upholding the values they instilled within IPES.
1. Collaborative Project of the Year Award
The Project of the Year Award is presented to the Implementing Agency for successfully completing a transformative project in 2024, delivering significant benefits to the community, environment, and economy.
This recognition honours the collaborative efforts of all key contributors involved in bringing this World Bank-funded initiative to fruition. From the contractors – five in total, including three working in a joint venture – to the design and supervision team comprising both international and local firms, each contributor played a vital role in ensuring the project met high standards of quality, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. Utility service providers, including SWA, EPC and Vodafone Samoa, played a crucial role in aligning infrastructure improvements with essential services while minimizing community disruptions.
Focused on enhancing the climate resilience of critical infrastructure, the project balanced the needs of the environment, the community, and the traveling public. This award celebrates the dedication, expertise and teamwork of all involved in delivering a truly impactful and sustainable engineering solutions.
Nominee: LTA Enhancing the Climate Resilience of the West Coast Road – Saina – Faleolo
Contractors : OTT Contractors, SUT Joint Venture (Silva, Ulia, Toleafoa), Ah Liki Construction
Consultant – Roughton International in association with PLT.
Utilities – Vodafone Samoa, EPC, SWA.
2. Community Impact award
The Community Impact Award celebrates engineering projects that create a profound and positive impact by addressing critical needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The 2024 nominee is a relatively new engineering firm established in 2021 and has completed 17 projects to date. This year, they are being recognized for their outstanding work on solar-powered water pump systems with remote monitoring and grid-tied applications. Initially trialed as a pilot project in Saleilua Falealili, they system was designed to support the community by providing a sustainable and reliable water supply. Following this success, the SWA partnered with the donor to ensure sustainability of this initiative. As a result, similar systems have been installed in Sataua, Papa Sataua, Falealupo and Aopo to reach communities residing far from SWA’s main water systems. These were successfully commissioned last December showcasing Vision’s commitment to innovation, community impact and sustainable engineering solutions.
This award also acknowledges the vital collaboration and contributions of SWA and BAT Samoa and other suppliers both local and abroad
Nominee: Vision Engineering – Solar powered water pump for water supply in communities.
3. Educator of the Year award
This award recognizes an outstanding initiative that has made a significant contribution to education and the promotion of engineering-related fields. The 2024 nominee is a group of young engineers who demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication through their Tutorial Initiative for College Science Students. Focused on mathematics and science; key subjects in engineering—the program equipped students with the skills and knowledge to excel academically. Their efforts not only strengthened the students’ understanding of these critical subjects but also encouraged them to consider future careers in engineering.
Nominee: YES – Tutorial Initiatives.
Certificate of Acknowledgement – Achatz Ott, Joseph Kupa, Luna Rosa Lomitusi, Eleanor Penn, Taylor Galumalemana
4. Champion of the Institution Award
This award celebrates an individual unwavering dedication, and contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of the IPES. A founding member and a visionary leader, he has played a key role in shaping the institution, ensuring its sustainability through fundraising, service and tireless commitment. Known as the “Elon Musk of Samoa,” their forward-thinking approach has inspired excellence and leaving a lasting impact on Samoa’s engineering community and beyond
Currently serving as the Chairman of Events, this individual focuses on creating opportunities, including funding scholarships to support future engineers and trade students. His efforts have been central to IPES’ ability to provide financial assistance through initiatives such as the Scholarship Programs to various Technical Institutions and Colleges in the country as well as the new USP Alafua Engineering scholarship Program. These programs not only supports aspiring engineers but also strengthens the pipeline of local talent in Samoa. Beyond his contributions to IPES, he is a successful business owner whose mentorship and generosity have inspired the next generation of leaders. Always willing to share his knowledge and experiences, he promotes a legacy of hard work, integrity and perseverance.
This individual’s leadership, dedication and vision have significantly shaped the institution and enriched the broader community, making him a true cornerstone of IPES and an inspiration to many.
Nominee: Tuiaopo Andrew Ah Liki
5. Dedication and Service Award
This award honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment and selflessness in supporting the Institution. Known for their consistent presence and enthusiasm at institutional events, this individual has also become a strong advocate for young engineers, mentoring and encouraging young professionals whenever the opportunity arises.
This recognition also highlights her drive to bring Engineering education closer to home. Her efforts led to a collaboration involving the IPES Council, leaders of various government organizations, USP Fiji and Alafua Campuses, and esteemed Engineering Professors and Deans from Universities across the Pacific, including Australia and NZ. Through her persistence, USP Samoa successfully launched its first-year Engineering Courses in February 2023, marking a significant milestone for IPES and engineering community in Samoa. This initiative is further supported by the USP-IPES Engineering Scholarship program, approved by the Council in 2023 and now in its second year.
Guided by a clear vision of strengthening Samoa’s engineering profession, she has focused on building local capacity, ensuring sustainability and addressing workforce challenges.
Nominee: Galumalemana Taatialeoitiiti Tutuvanu-Schwalger
6. Male Young Engineer Award of the year
This award recognizes a young engineer who has shown consistent dedication, reliability and commitment to both his professional role and within the engineering community. As an engineer with the Samoa Water Authority (SWA), he has carried out his responsibilities with diligence and dependability, making meaningful contributions to the organization.
Beyond his work at SWA, this individual has actively supported the growth and development of IPES particularly in representing the needs and perspectives of young engineers. His willingness to contribute ideas and actively participate in institutional activities reflects his commitment to the advancement of his peers and the engineering profession as a whole.
By inspiring his peers to strive for excellence, he has positioned himself as a positive influencer within the engineering community and a promising leader in the field
Nominee: Wellesly Vaai
7. Female Young Engineer Award of the year
This award honors a young female engineer who has exhibited exceptional leadership and potential in her career. The recipient has made meaningful contributions to both her profession and global discussions on critical issues through active participation in international summits and initiatives.
Her dedication is reflected in her representation at key events, such as the Power Systems Simulation Modeling workshop in Fiji, the Asia Pacific Youth Climate Migration Summit in Sri Lanka, and COP29 in Baku, where she represented Samoa as a National Youth Delegate, championing technology and youth empowerment. Worthy to mention, she will achieve another milestone by attending the World Economic Forum AGM in Davos, Switzerland in the coming week, as the first Pacific Youth Representative.
Her achievements, combined with her drive for innovation and passion for addressing global challenges, highlight her potential to inspire others and lead future advancements in engineering.
Nominee: Luna Rosa Lomitusi
8. Young Engineer Leadership Excellence Award
This award recognizes an outstanding young engineer who has demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication in both their professional role and within the young engineering community. The recipient has shown excellence in leading the Young Engineers group, strengthening teamwork, and representing their peers with professionalism and integrity.
In their role at SWA, they consistently perform with commitment and competence, earning the respect of colleagues and stakeholders. Their strong leadership qualities and active involvement highlight their potential to take on greater responsibilities and inspire others in the future.
This award recognizes their exceptional contributions and dedication, celebrating the promise of their leadership in the years ahead.
Nominee: Hellene Wallwork
9. Commitment to Excellence Award
This award honors a distinguished individual whose long-standing dedication to IPES and the engineering profession exemplifies a commitment to excellence. As one of the founders of IPES, and a highly respected Mechanical Engineer, the recipient has consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism, leaving an indelible mark on Samoa’s engineering community.
Renowned for their relentless pursuit of excellence, this individual has demonstrated a remarkable ability to challenge norms, inspire innovation, and deliver exceptional outcomes. Their remarkable career spans significant achievements within government ministries where they played a pivotal role in shaping policies and infrastructure development. They have also been instrumental in delivering some of Samoa’s most impactful and transformative engineering projects, solidifying their reputation as a leader and visionary within their field.
The recipient continues to contribute their expertise, leadership and forward-thinking vision to shaping the future of IPES. Their influence extends beyond their technical achievements, as they mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers to strive for greatness.
This award acknowledges their exceptional service, lasting impact, and tireless commitment to advancing the engineering profession and the institution they so proudly championed.
Nominee: Fonoti Perelini
10. Institutional Dedication Award
This award recognizes an individual whose dedication to the institution and the engineering profession has made a profound impact. As one of the pioneers of IPES, the recipient is a highly respected structural engineer whose contributions to major developments in Samoa have set new benchmarks for excellence in the field.
With a career built on a foundation of integrity and innovation, this individual has paved the way for structural engineering in Samoa, leading and influencing projects that have shaped the country’s infrastructure. Always at the forefront of IPES events, they are a passionate advocate for the institution’s values and the promotion of the highest standards of integrity within the profession.
A dedicated mentor, the recipient has shared their knowledge and experience generously, offering guidance to young engineers and shaping the next generation of leaders in the field. As a council member of IPES, they continue to play a key role in steering the institution toward a bright future, ensuring its growth and continued success. This award celebrates their outstanding dedication, leadership, and lasting influence on both IPES and the engineering profession in Samoa.
Nominee: Leiataua Tom Tinai
11. Leadership and Advocacy Award
This award celebrates a female engineer whose remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on both IPES and Samoa’s engineering landscape. Known for her leadership in major developments, she has recently been instrumental in driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions, including the installation of solar-powered EV chargers as part of the electrical vehicle initiative in Samoa.
In addition to her technical achievements, she has been a passionate advocate for women in engineering, working tirelessly to create pathways for women to excel in this traditionally male-dominated field. Her advocacy extends beyond gender, as she is also a dedicated supporter of young engineers, always ready to offer guidance, mentorship, and encouragement.
Her enduring commitment to both the engineering profession and the community makes her a true leader, and her impact continues to inspire the next generation of engineers in Samoa. This award honors her exceptional service, advocacy and lasting impact on Samoa’s engineering community.
Nominee: Vagana Stephanie Lomitusi
[wpdatatable id=1]