United States supports Timor Leste’s preparation for regional engagement through Strategic English Training
DÍLI, 08 October (TATOLI) – The U.S. Embassy in Dili funded a capstone simulation event for the Professional English for Strategic Leaders program at the Palm Spring Hotel in Fatuhada. The full day event marked the successful completion of a multi month professional English and leadership development program designed to strengthen Timor Leste’s capacity for effective participation in regional and international forums, as the newest full member of ASEAN. As English is the working language of ASEAN, this program directly contributes to strengthening Timor Leste’s readiness for deeper regional engagement and its future ASEAN Chairship.
Participants included government officials, academics, researchers, journalists, NGO leaders, diplomats, professional association members, and community leaders. Over the course of 20–24 weeks (80–96 instructional hours), participants strengthened their English proficiency while developing essential workplace and leadership skills—including meeting participation, presentation delivery, customer service, professional writing, coordination, and management. The program emphasized practical communication strategies, professional vocabulary, and confidence building to support more effective public service and leadership across Timor Leste.
The capstone simulation provided participants with an opportunity to apply these skills in a realistic, high level diplomatic environment modeled after regional meetings such as ASEAN forums. The event opened with remarks from the UNTL Rector Joviano António da Costa and Acting Chargé d’Affaires Charlette Betts.
“This capstone demonstrated the impressive growth of each participant. Throughout the course, they strengthened not only their English language abilities but also the core skills of diplomacy—negotiating, persuading, and building consensus. These capabilities are essential as Timor Leste advances its engagement in Southeast Asia. The United States is proud to support Timor Leste’s growing role in ASEAN and remains committed to investing in the people who will lead the country forward,” said Charlette Betts, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy.
Participants then engaged in structured discussions across five thematic areas—education, economic development, environmental issues, health, and human rights—reflecting the types of deliberations that take place in regional summits. The simulation concluded with a negotiation and consensus building exercise, followed by a press conference, closing ceremony, certificate presentations, and group photo.
The United States congratulates the participants on their achievements and reaffirms its commitment to supporting Timor Leste in developing the skilled human resources needed to advance national priorities and represent the country confidently on the regional and global stage.
TATOLI
