DILI, 16 March 2026 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta on Monday conferred Timor-Leste’s state honors on two diplomats from Singapore, recognizing their contributions to the country’s development and regional integration.
The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Ramos-Horta awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country’s highest honor, to Singapore’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Timor-Leste, Hu Yee Cheng, also known as Robin Hu, under Presidential Decree No. 26/2026.
At the same ceremony, the president presented the Medal of Merit to William Chik Kam Weng, chargé d’affaires of the Singapore Embassy in Timor-Leste, under Presidential Decree No. 27/2026.
The Order of Timor-Leste is the nation’s highest decoration, awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the country.
Hu has served as Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to Timor-Leste since February 2023, a period marked by the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. One milestone during his tenure was the establishment of Singapore’s first resident embassy in Dili in April 2024, with Chik appointed as chargé d’affaires to lead the mission.
During their tenure, Singapore and Timor-Leste expanded cooperation in areas including economic development, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges.
The two diplomats also supported high-level exchanges between the two countries, including Ramos-Horta’s visits to Singapore in 2024 and 2025 and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão’s official visit in July 2025.
Other exchanges included a visit by Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay to Singapore in October 2024 and a visit by Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan to Timor-Leste in July 2023. Timor-Leste’s foreign minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas also visited Singapore in June 2024.
Hu and Chik also helped facilitate capacity-building programs under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, including the Singapore–Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (STARS) and Enhanced STARS initiatives. The programs provided training for Timorese officials and supported the country’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.
In his remarks, Ramos-Horta praised the dedication of the two diplomats.
“Ambassador Robin Hu and Chargé d’Affaires William Chik have rendered services of the highest value to the Timorese people. Their dedicated efforts have not only strengthened the bonds of friendship between our nations but have also provided tangible support for our national development and our journey towards full integration into the ASEAN family. With these honors, the State recognizes their significant and lasting contribution to our well-being and progress.”
The Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste is awarded for extraordinary contributions to the nation, while the Medal of Merit recognizes significant service in strengthening social order and national stability.
The presidency said the awards reflect Singapore’s continued commitment to Timor-Leste’s development and the strong ties between the two countries.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
