Ministry of Education is in discussions with Samsung Electronics Co., a South Korean multinational major appliance and consumer electronics corporation, to build interest and proficiency in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) within Cook Islands secondary schools.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd New Zealand leadership visited the country on September 27 and held talks with Minister of Education Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa.

In a statement, Samsung said they are looking to expand its flagship global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme within the Pacific region and as a result, Samsung New Zealand president, Hyung Min Chun, met with Minister Mokoroa, to outline and present its global programme, Solve for Tomorrow, which will be tailored for Cook Island youths.

“Collaborating with Pacific nations, Samsung has the potential to help develop education outcomes for future generations by empowering today’s youth to think beyond conventional boundaries and explore innovative solutions. This is a special opportunity for Samsung to make a meaningful difference by empowering creative minds in the Pacific region,” said Chun.

Cook Islands News contacted Minister Mokoroa for comments on the meeting and what the country could expect from the discussions.

According to the statement, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a global competition that will challenge Cook Islands’ next generation of innovators to unleash their creativity and use STEAM to find solutions for pressing local, or global, community challenges.

The programme was successfully launched in Samoa and Tonga in August. Samsung has been working to roll out the Solve for Tomorrow project next year in Cook Islands as well as three other Pacific nations; Fiji, Timor-Leste and Tuvalu.

“Samsung are proudly supporting Korea’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 as a private sector member. This event will play a pivotal role in bringing today’s leading technologies and innovations closer to more and more people.”