DILI, 20 March 2025 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, presided over the opening ceremony of the International Conference of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), held on March 18, 2025, in Dili.
The event, under the theme “Quality Assurance and Academic Excellence in Timor-Leste,” was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, led by Minister José Honório, in collaboration with the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel. The conference brought together ten international experts from ASEAN member countries with the aim of supporting Timor-Leste in strengthening higher education and recognizing academic qualifications.
In his opening speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of human resource qualification for the country’s sustainable development.
“Timor-Leste values knowledge, qualifications, and higher education as fundamental pillars for the country’s sustainable development. We recognise the vital role that academic institutions play in shaping the future, influencing policies (good policies), and contributing to the well-being of citizens,” said Gusmão.
The Head of Government also emphasized that the higher education sector must play a key role in empowering Timorese students: “We want to protect our young people and students, preparing them for entry into the national, regional, and international labor market. And, of course, we want to develop our Nation.”
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his commitment to enhancing higher education and reinforced the importance of the partnership with the ASEAN University Network to raise academic quality standards in Timor-Leste.
“We believe that this cooperation will significantly contribute to the improvement of our higher education institutions, aligning them with international standards,” Honório said.
The conference brought together Rectors and Vice-Rectors from Timorese higher education institutions, representatives from the National Agency for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (ANAAA) and the National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT), as well as other experts in the field.
The meeting facilitated the exchange of experiences and the discussion of strategies to strengthen the quality of higher education in the country and promote the international recognition of Timorese academic qualifications.
In the context of Timor-Leste’s full accession process to ASEAN, strengthening academic institutions is particularly relevant to address national, regional, and global challenges. In this regard, the conference provided a platform for knowledge sharing and enhanced cooperation with universities in the region.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
