DILI, 14 July 2025 (TATOLI) – The second cohort of the Futuru Líder ba ASEAN (FLBA) Program has successfully concluded a transformative immersion visit to Brunei Darussalam from 22 June to 3 July 2025. The 11 member delegation, composed of emerging leaders from Timor-Leste’s public, private, academic and civil society sectors, undertook the visit as part of the FLBA’s flagship 12-month leadership development initiative, implemented under the aegis of Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The aims are to accelerate the nation’s readiness for ASEAN integration by cultivating leadership capacity, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting regional cooperation among its most promising young professionals.
The delegation was led by Youth Leader Julião Mendes da Costa and Assistant Youth Leader Natalina M. Moniz.
The immersion commenced with a courtesy call on Abel Guterres, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei, followed by a welcome dinner hosted by the Ambassador, who graciously invited members of the ASEAN diplomatic community. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for the delegation to share their strategic goals, present their Action Learning Projects, and reaffirm Timor-Leste’s aspirations for ASEAN membership.
Throughout the immersion, the delegation’s followed a comprehensive itinerary structured to showcase Brunei’s progress in education, innovation, and cultural preservation. A key component of the program involved engagements with Brunei’s key government ministries. At the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the delegation was briefed on national fiscal policy and economic diversification, with additional insights from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided an overview of Brunei’s ASEAN engagement. At the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports highlighted Brunei’s role in ASEAN’s socio-cultural pillar, and the delegation toured the stadium facilities. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism presented strategies on sustainable resource and tourism management. The group also visited the Legislative Council to learn about its consultative role in governance, and RIPAS Hospital, where they were briefed on Brunei’s healthcare system and public health priorities.
Productive sessions were held with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and University of Technology Brunei (UTB). Discussions yielded valuable perspectives on national strategies for academic excellence, international collaboration, cutting-edge research, sustainability initiatives, and youth leadership – highlighting the pivotal role of academic partnerships in advancing regional development.
Engagements with the Brunei Youth Council and the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei provided dynamic platforms for discourse on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. These were complemented by networking events and meetings with Bruneian youth and civil society organizations, which facilitated substantive discussions on leadership principles, innovation frameworks, and ASEAN integration mechanisms.
The delegation’s insights into Brunei’s economic sectors deepened with a visit to Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), where they learnt about the company’s sustainability strategies and responsible resource management. A visit to Golden Corporation, the country’s largest seafood processor, offered practical understanding of seafood processing techniques and stringent quality control practices.
Cultural components of the visit included excursions to the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the historic Kampong Ayer (Water Village) which provided the delegation with a deeper appreciation for Brunei’s rich religious traditions, architectural heritage, and multicultural identity. These excursions underscored the nation’s commitment to preserving its distinct cultural legacy while embracing progress and modernization.
A visit to the Brunei Energy Hub provided insights into Brunei’s strategic approach to energy management, sustainable development, and economic diversification. The delegation also explored Tasek Lama Recreational Park, reflecting on Brunei’s environmental stewardship and the benefits of urban green spaces.
The Brunei immersion equipped the participants with practical knowledge, broader regional perspectives, and essential professional networks to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN. Through direct engagement with Brunei’s public, private, and academic sectors, the delegation is now better positioned to champion Timor-Leste’s aspirations within ASEAN and contribute meaningfully to regional initiatives and lead future collaborative projects. The visit to Brunei also laid the groundwork for enduring institutional ties between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam across multiple sectors.
TATOLI
