The Embassy of Timor-Leste in Singapore hosted a special reception on 3 June to celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of the country’s Restoration of Independence Day.
The celebration highlighted Timor-Leste’s progress toward joining ASEAN and the growing partnership between Timor-Leste and Singapore.
A Historic Milestone for Timor-Leste
The event was hosted by Ambassador Alexandre Tilman and Mrs. Antonieta Chung, bringing together diplomats, officials, and business leaders from across the region.
Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, Ms. Indranee Thurai Rajah, was the guest of honour and delivered the keynote address.
Our Managing Director, Ms. Helen Campos, attended this diplomatic event that highlighted the growing partnership between Singapore and Timor-Leste.
The reception provided an excellent networking opportunity for Helen, who connected with influential figures, including Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Singapore, H.E. Rabia Shafiq.
These conversations focused on emerging opportunities, particularly in tourism and economic diversification efforts, as Timor-Leste prepares for its next chapter of growth.
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Timor-Leste to Become a Member of ASEAN
The timing of this celebration is particularly significant as Timor-Leste moves closer to joining ASEAN. The population of 1.3 million people formally applied to join the regional grouping in 2011 and received in-principle endorsement in May 2025.
The accession is expected to be formalized at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, marking a major milestone for Southeast Asian integration.
Singapore’s Commitment to Timor-Leste
Singapore has shown strong support for Timor-Leste’s development journey. This partnership was further solidified during Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s recent visit to Singapore on 14 July, where he met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation.
To support Timor-Leste’s preparation, Singapore announced the launch of the enhanced Singapore-Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (eSTARS) Package.
Running from July 2025 through December 2028, this program will provide access to ASEAN-related training courses, scholarships, capacity-building programs, and customized leadership training for Timor-Leste officials.
Growing Economic Ties
The bilateral relationship extends beyond diplomatic cooperation into practical economic partnerships. Singapore companies are actively exploring opportunities in hospitality, real estate, and other sectors.
The relationship has been improved by the return of direct flights between the two countries and the start of a mutual visa waiver agreement in 2024.
Singapore’s commitment to capacity building in Timor-Leste has deep roots.
Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, established in 1992, more than 1,100 Timor-Leste officials have participated in training courses since 2002, showing a long-standing partnership in human resource development.
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Building Stronger Ties
As Timor-Leste prepares to join ASEAN and continues its economic development journey, events like this independence anniversary reception are important platforms for building connections and exploring new opportunities.
The optimism expressed by leaders from both countries points to a promising future for Singapore-Timor-Leste relations.
The celebration highlighted Timor-Leste’s journey from independence to regional integration. It reflects the collaborative spirit that defines Southeast Asian partnerships.
As business leaders and diplomats came together to honour this milestone, the foundation was laid for continued cooperation and mutual growth.
