Latest news with #Timorese
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Singapore Launches Enhanced Stars Package For Timor-Leste
By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, July 14 (Bernama) -- Singapore on Monday launched the enhanced Singapore–Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (STARS) package to support the country's integration into the regional bloc and its long-term development. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the enhanced package will include tailored support to facilitate Timor-Leste's accession to key ASEAN agreements, specialised training in areas aligned with the country's national priorities, and leadership development programmes and scholarships for the next generation of leaders. bootstrap slideshow 'Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to ASEAN is a significant milestone, both for your country and for ASEAN. 'Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the ASEAN family, and we will continue to stand with you on this journey,' Wong said at the official lunch he hosted in honour of Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao on Monday. Wong said Singapore launched STARS in 2002, a specially customised package to empower Timorese officials with the knowledge and skills needed for ASEAN membership. According to Singapore's Foreign Ministry, over 1,100 Timorese officials have, to date, participated in courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the STARS package. Gusmao arrived in Singapore on Sunday for his second official visit to the city-state, which continues until Wednesday. He is accompanied by Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership to boost regional reach and partnerships
KUALA LUMPUR: After 26 years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to welcome its first new member since 1999 as Timor-Leste nears full accession. This milestone carries significant implications for both the nation and the regional bloc amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. Timor-Leste's inclusion is expected to reinforce ASEAN's strategic influence and global relevance. Political analyst Professor Camilo Ximenes Almeida from the National University of Timor-Leste highlighted the potential for joint economic growth and regional stability. 'The integration of Timor-Leste represents a strategic opportunity for ASEAN, expanding its interregional relations and fostering a stronger, more united bloc,' he told Bernama. The path to membership has been long. Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia's youngest nation, applied in 2011, nine years after gaining independence in 2002. Despite challenges, Dili has shown strong commitment to meeting ASEAN's rigorous requirements. In November 2022, ASEAN granted Timor-Leste observer status, allowing participation in meetings and summits. With a population of 1.3 million, Timor-Leste relies heavily on oil and gas exports, though agriculture and services are growing contributors to its economy. The country recorded a GDP growth of 4% in 2024, up from 2.4% in 2023. Malaysia has played a key role in supporting Timor-Leste's bid, including a US\$200,000 pledge to the ASEAN Secretariat and technical assistance through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has trained 319 Timorese officials. 'This support strengthens bilateral ties and underscores ASEAN's inclusivity,' Ximenes noted. Timor-Leste's membership could also introduce new dynamics, particularly in peace-building. Its reconciliation experience may serve as a model for other ASEAN members, including Myanmar. Additionally, Timor-Leste's Lusophone heritage could enhance ASEAN's ties with Portuguese-speaking regions in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, fostering trade and cultural exchanges. Full membership is expected to be formalised at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, pending completion of the Full Membership Roadmap, which covers political, economic, and socio-cultural criteria. ASEAN, founded in 1967, currently has 10 members, with Cambodia being the last to join in 1999.
West Australian
18-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Estrella to drill deeper into manganese-rich discovery in Timor-Leste
Estrella Resources has deployed the heavy-duty diamond rig to build on a recent high-grade massive manganese discovery at its Ira Miri prospect in Timor-Leste. The new rig has begun twinning the company's first discovery hole, which previously intersected 6.45 metres of massive manganese oxides averaging 40.1 per cent manganese from just 1.35m depth. The discovery hole ended early - in manganese-rich mineralisation - because of intermittent core recovery from the weaker drill mount. Estrella says it has uncovered further significant new supergene manganese outcrop at its Ira Miri project in Timor-Leste, about 350m north of its initial discovery hole. Management believes the outcrop is a direct continuation of the discovery. Visual estimates suggest it could comprise more than 90 per cent manganese oxide content. Coupled with the mobilisation of a powerful track-mounted diamond drill rig, Estrella is charging forward with the nation's first modern minerals exploration program, cementing its first-mover advantage in the long-underexplored frontier. When the diamond twin is complete, the company will venture north to the new outcrop. Estrella says the new outcrop is mapped across an impressive 4.5-kilometre strike length and is hosted within the same Noni Formation. The company will rely on laboratory assays to confirm the mineralisation. The assays are en route to the lab and will provide critical data on grades and impurities essential for an economic valuation. Estrella says its ambitious frontier drilling campaign comprises an initial 3000m of diamond drilling and 10,000m of reverse circulation drilling to target its Ira Miri and Sica prospects. It has already contracted a second phase of 10,000m reverse circulation drilling, which will launch after a review of initial results. Over the next three weeks, Estrella will drill the initial discovery zone and the newly identified extension. Track and pad preparations for the reverse circulation drilling program are set to commence shortly, paving the way for kick-off in about seven weeks. Estrella says cultural integration remains a cornerstone of its in-country progress. Local community members have been instrumental in hand-clearing drill lines, while track reinforcement ensures long-term access and erosion control at its projects. It says its collaborative approach is backed by the Timorese government and positions the company as a trusted operator in an emerging mining jurisdiction. The Ira Miri project sits within Estrella's 195-square-kilometre concession, held in a 70:30 joint venture with state-owned Murak Rai Timor. The project features multiple occurrences of high-purity limestone overburden to its manganese targets, potentially enabling efficient dual-commodity exploration and maximising the value of each drilling campaign. With assays from the new outcrop pending and drilling intensifying, Estrella is set to present its early results at the International Manganese Institute's conference in Tokyo this month. Estrella's first-mover advantage looks to be a defining move as the scale of its discovery begins to spotlight Timor-Leste as a welcome global critical minerals frontier. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Batik Air launches first direct flights between KL and Timor-Leste
KUALA LUMPUR: Batik Air has launched a new direct air link between Kuala Lumpur and Dili, becoming the first Malaysian airline to operate scheduled commercial flights to Timor-Leste. The airline said its entry into the emerging Timor-Leste market is a timely and forward-looking move that supports the growth of Malaysia's tourism sector by attracting new travellers from one of Asean's youngest nations. Operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, the direct flight between Dili and Kuala Lumpur takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. The twice-weekly service reflects Batik Air's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through strategic market expansion. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA T1) serving as a central hub, passengers from Dili now enjoy convenient onward connections to over 60 destinations across 20 countries, spanning Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the airline see enormous potential in this new route, not just in terms of passenger movement, but in the wider opportunity to invite Timorese travellers to discover Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings. "As Timor-Leste expands its global outlook, we are honoured to offer a gateway to Malaysia and beyond, through KLIA's extensive connectivity and Batik Air's growing international network. "Batik Air is proud to play a role in making Malaysia more accessible and attractive to new markets, while contributing to the region's tourism revival and long-term development," he said in a statement. Tourism Malaysia director general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the launch of this direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Dili is a timely and strategic effort in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation. "With Malaysia having welcomed 38 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, we are optimistic that this new connectivity will further enhance visitor numbers and contribute positively to the success of our Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. "Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings, ranging from world-renowned gastronomy and rich cultural heritage to premium shopping experiences, make it an ideal destination for Timorese travellers seeking quality leisure and business experiences," he said.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Batik Air makes inaugural direct flight from KL to Dili
Batik Air operates two weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Dili. — JAIME GUSMAO/Unsplash Batik Air Malaysia's inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dili, Timor-Leste successfully touched down at the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport this morning (June 6). Welcomed with a traditional water salute (whereby two firetrucks generously hosed down the plane once it landed), the first batch of Malaysian passengers – including a handful from the media – were also greeted with a welcome ceremony attended by local dignitaries and industry shareholders. The direct flight to the capital city of Timor-Leste marks Batik Air as the first Malaysian carrier to serve the route. The airline operates two flights (Monday and Friday) weekly to Dili. "The commencement of this route is very significant," said Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh, ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste, at the welcoming ceremony. He shared that many in the country, including non-citizens and expatriates were excited about the new route, as Batik Air's extensive connectivity would "allow for seamless travel to and from Dili". Dili is one of the newest capitals in South-East Asia, with Timor-Leste having only gained independence in 2002. A seaside destination rich in culture and history, the city showcases a unique blend of Timorese culture with Portuguese colonial heritage. From buildings boasting European architecture to delectable traditional Timorese cuisine, Dili is the perfect starting point for folks looking to explore Timor-Leste. Its strategic location within the Coral Triangle also offers spectacular marine biodiversity, which is great for snorkelling and scuba diving. The Kuala Lumpur-Dili service flies out of KL International Airport Terminal 1. The direct flight, operated by a Boeing-737 aircraft, takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. From Economy Super Saver, Value and Flexi to Business Class, there are several ticket options for travellers to choose, depending on their preferences. More information is available on the Batik Air mobile app as well as the official website (
