DILI, 17 March 2026 (TATOLI) — The first day of the Future Leaders in Business and ASEAN (FLBA) learning sessions kicked off on March 17, guiding participants to step beyond “just a job” and reflect on who they are, what they want, and how they plan to lead in Timor-Leste and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Participants began translating their identity, experiences, and aspirations into a personal roadmap for action.
Over the course of one year, the FLBA roadmap is designed to move participants from potential leaders to capable, ASEAN-ready leaders.
Through a combination of workshops, immersion experiences, national strategy work, and certification, participants build the confidence and skills necessary to contribute at higher levels of government, business, education, and civil society.
“FLBA’s goal is to develop a critical mass of future leaders who are ASEAN-capable, nationally committed, and ready to take responsibility for Timor-Leste’s long-term development,” said in a statement.
Participants form a community of leaders capable of influencing key sectors in the country, while also connecting with regional networks across ASEAN.
At the heart of FLBA is the Personal Enterprise Plan (PEP), which helps each participant chart a long-term leadership career. Through the PEP, participants receive feedback from team members, find mentors, explore opportunities, and engage with ASEAN networks. The program culminates in a final individual interview, where participants articulate what leadership success means both for themselves and for Timor-Leste.
“The PEP enables each participant to reflect on their identity and dreams while translating them into actionable strategies to lead effectively in Timor-Leste and the ASEAN region,” organizers said.
The FLBA program represents a long-term investment in the development of Timor-Leste’s next generation of leaders, preparing them to contribute to national development and regional integration.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
