DILI, 10 September 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste has won the Best of the Nations award on its debut at the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition 2025 in Manila, Philippines.
The award was secured in the Culinary Arts category by competitor Ester Araújo Pinheiro.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay congratulated the delegation in an official statement. He described the victory as a historic milestone for the country.
“Congratulations to the entire team and to the people of Timor-Leste,” he said after welcoming the delegation in Dili. “This award shows the potential and dedication of our youth, and it will inspire future generations to believe in their talent.”
Timor-Leste’s participation was coordinated by the National Institute for Workforce Development, led by Isabel Fernandes de Lima. The team included three competitors in Culinary Arts, Restaurant Service and Welding, supported by technical experts.
Lima said the invitation marked the country’s first official appearance at the biennial contest. “This is a valuable experience,” she said. “Our competitors showcased the skills gained in accredited training centres and represented Timor-Leste with dignity. We are proud of Ester Araújo Pinheiro for winning the Best of the Nations title.”
The delegation also included three Timorese who served as judges, contributing to the technical evaluation of competitors.
Ester Araújo Pinheiro expressed gratitude for the support she received in winning the award. “I am very proud to represent Timor-Leste,” she said. “This experience allowed me to learn new techniques and motivated me to continue improving my skills for future competitions.”
The other competitors were Nenilton André de Sousa in Restaurant Service and Fidêncio das Neves in Welding.
Although the team did not win medals, officials said the competition strengthened Timor-Leste’s ties with ASEAN countries and raised the standard of vocational skills among its young people.
The WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 took place over three days at the World Trade Centre Manila, bringing together hundreds of competitors from across the region in technical and vocational categories.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
