DILI, 21 April 2026 (TATOLI) – President José Ramos-Horta on Tuesday received the credentials of Teo Lay Cheng, the first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Singapore to Timor-Leste, during a formal ceremony at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Teo, a career diplomat with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has held several senior roles both at home and abroad. Prior to her posting to Timor-Leste, she served as Singapore’s ambassador to Cambodia from 2021 and previously led strategic communications at the ministry, including establishing its Strategic Communications Directorate and overseeing a nationwide campaign during Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship.
She also served at Singapore’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta between 2009 and 2013 as Deputy Permanent Representative and Head of Chancery. In recognition of her contributions to public service, she was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2009.
Timor-Leste and Singapore have maintained strong bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were established in 2002, shortly after Timor-Leste’s independence. Singapore contributed personnel to the United Nations peacekeeping mission following the 1999 referendum and has since expanded cooperation across sectors including education, health, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure.
A key milestone in bilateral relations was the opening of Singapore’s embassy in Dili in April 2024, which has helped spur investment and deepen cooperation. Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, more than 1,100 Timorese officials have received training since 2012. Additional initiatives include the eSTARS Package launched in 2025 to support Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration, as well as ongoing agreements in aviation, healthcare and investment.
President Ramos-Horta welcomed Ambassador Teo and expressed confidence in her role in further strengthening ties between the two countries.
“Today marks a historic and meaningful milestone in the friendship between Timor-Leste and Singapore. The presentation of credentials by Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng, our first resident Ambassador from Singapore, is not merely a diplomatic formality—it is a testament to the unwavering solidarity Singapore has shown our nation since before our rebirth as an independent state. From the earliest days of our struggle, through peacekeeping, capacity building, and now transformative investment in our economy and people,” President Ramos-Horta said. “I am confident that Ambassador Teo will build upon this strong foundation, and I look forward to even closer collaboration for the mutual benefit of our peoples and the stability of our region.”
Timor-Leste’s commitment to working closely with Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng to translate shared aspirations into tangible outcomes. As both nations look toward a future of deeper their bilateral relations, the exchange of credentials today stands as a powerful symbol of mutual respect, strategic trust, and a shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous Southeast Asia.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
