DILI, 12 january 2026 (TATOLI) – Applications for the third cohort of Timor-Leste’s national leadership development programme, Futuru Líder Ba ASEAN (FLBA), are now open online from 12 to 20 January 2026, offering young professionals the opportunity to prepare for leadership roles at both national and regional levels.
The FLBA is a 12-month, fully funded program designed to develop 100 future leaders aged between 27 and 38 years, drawn from all sectors and municipalities across the country.
The program aims to strengthen leadership capacity and prepare Timor-Leste’s next generation for ASEAN integration and long-term national development.
The program is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, with day-to-day implementation overseen by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, reflecting the government’s strategic focus on ASEAN-related leadership readiness.
Launched in 2024, the FLBA was created to equip emerging leaders with the skills and networks needed to support Timor-Leste’s ASEAN aspirations. The first two cohorts played a measurable role in strengthening national preparedness, contributing to Timor-Leste’s successful accession to ASEAN on 26 October 2025.
The FLBA is described as a world-class leadership program, requiring full participation in all training sessions, completion of intensive assignments, and engagement in a week-long overseas immersion programme in ASEAN member states. Participants who fail to meet these requirements will not receive FLBA certification at the end of the programme.
There are no education or travel costs for selected participants, as all programme expenses, including ASEAN exposure visits, are covered by the government. However, participants are expected to fully commit to all workshops, assignments, and learning activities throughout the programme.
For ministries and organisations employing participants who attend the FLBA programme, the benefits include enhanced leadership capability, international readiness, leadership networking, and leadership career development.
Through their future leaders, Timor-Leste’s organisations from all sectors become part of a network leading national strategic development. However, sponsoring organisations are required to sign a letter authorizing candidates to be free to participate fully in all FLBA activities and assignments.
Participants are carefully selected through an application process, recommendation letter by their sponsoring organisation and an individual interview. There is no preference given according to political party affiliation or religious faith. Diversity criteria include gender balance, geographical representation from across the country, and inclusion of people with disabilities
Participants must be:
- Age 27-38.
- Fluent in English (all courses and assignments are in English).
- Provide in the application form a letter of recommendation from a sponsor at a leadership level in their organisation.
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