Two young Timorese shine at Vanuatu International Friendly Skills Competition 2026
DÍLI, 26 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Two young Timorese have won top honours in welding and cooking at the International Friendly Skills Competition 2026 in Vanuatu.
Joselino Ximenes do Rêgo, a trainee from the Don Bosco Training Centre, won first place in welding, while João Ximenes Guterres, from the Comoro Youth Vocational Training Centre (STVJ), secured second place in cooking.
The Vanuatu International Friendly Skills Competition was held from 20 to 22 October, bringing together contestants from Vanuatu, Fiji, Timor-Leste and Samoa to demonstrate their technical knowledge, creativity and practical abilities.
Accompanied by their trainer, António Cepeda, the two young Timorese competed against participants from Vanuatu, Fiji, Timor-Leste and Samoa.
Cepeda said the competition gave the trainees an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, practical skills, and experience alongside other competitors.
He said that their achievements demonstrated that Timorese youth could compete with their international counterparts when given adequate preparation and opportunities.
During the three-day competition, participants were assessed on their knowledge, creativity and practical skills in their respective fields. In the cooking category, contestants had to prepare dishes using ingredients supplied by the organisers, including a “mystery box” challenge that tested their creativity and ability to adapt.
Cepeda said such experiences helped trainees improve their technical skills, meet professional standards and learn to work under pressure alongside international competitors.
He said the competition helped identify areas where Timor-Leste could improve the quality of technical and vocational education and training to ensure trainees meet internationally recognised professional standards.
Joselino Ximenes do Rêgo described winning first place in welding as an unforgettable experience and thanked everyone who supported their participation in the competition.
“I am proud to represent Timor-Leste and compete against participants from other Pacific countries. I never imagined winning first place overseas, especially with 10 contestants in the competition, including local and international participants. I am proud to have achieved this result,” he said.
Meanwhile, João Ximenes Guterres, who secured second place in cooking, also expressed his happiness and pride in the achievement.
“We managed to secure second place in the cooking category. This result is very important to us because it demonstrates that we have the skills and abilities required in the culinary field,” he said.
The team thanked everyone who supported their training and participation in the international competition, including the Government of Timor-Leste, INDIMO, the Don Bosco Training Centre and the Comoro Youth Vocational Training Centre.
Both João and Joselino encouraged fellow young Timorese to pursue their dreams, improve their skills and strive to represent Timor-Leste in international competitions.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Maria Verónica
