DILI, 08 january 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste will participate for the first time in the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, following the country’s full accession to the bloc.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, briefed the Council of Ministers on his participation in the meeting and related events, scheduled to take place from January 13 to 16, 2026.
The ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting is the region’s highest-level digital cooperation forum, held annually to set strategic directions, promote common policies, and strengthen regional and international cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy.
According to the presentation, the meeting is ASEAN’s highest-level digital cooperation forum, held annually to define strategic guidelines, promote common policies, and strengthen regional and international cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy.
The 2026 meeting will be held under the theme “ASEAN in Adaptation: From Infrastructure Connectivity to Smart Connectivity.” Discussions will focus on the transition to smart connectivity models, with emphasis on data, artificial intelligence, innovation, digital governance, digital skills development, and the digital sector’s contribution to sustainable socio-economic development in the region.
The agenda includes senior officials’ meetings, ministerial meetings with dialogue partners, thematic sessions, and side events. It will also feature the presentation of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2026–2030 and the ASEAN Digital Awards.
Timor-Leste’s participation is described as particularly significant, as it marks the country’s first appearance at the forum as a full ASEAN member.
The participation is expected to strengthen Timor-Leste’s involvement in regional digital cooperation processes and enable the country to closely monitor emerging priorities and trends in digital transformation at both regional and global levels.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
