DILI, 05 June 2025 (TATOLI) — The Hadomi Timor Foundation (FHT) welcomes Timor-Leste’s move to join ASEAN this October but warns the country is not digitally ready.
FHT Executive Director Abrão Monteiro, a former ASEAN Civil Society Coordinator, voiced concern over the country’s digital and information technology readiness ahead of Timor-Leste’s accession to the regional bloc.
“Joining ASEAN is a long-held dream of our national leaders and a major milestone. However, from the perspective of digital infrastructure, legal frameworks, and human resource capacity, we’re still far from ready,” Monteiro told TATOLI, today.
FHT Executive Director Abrão Monteiro says poor infrastructure, weak legal frameworks, and low digital literacy could expose Timor-Leste to cyber threats and deepen inequality.
He calls for urgent investment in internet access, digital laws, and tech skills to avoid being left behind in a competitive region.
FHT urges the government to boost digital infrastructure, finalize cybercrime and data protection laws, support startups, and strengthen digital education in the country.
Monteiro says ASEAN membership offers big opportunities but only if Timor-Leste is prepared to compete in the digital space.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
