DILI, 14 July 2026 (TATOLI) — Timorese students won one gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 11th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO), an international science competition held in the Philippines from July 5 to 11.
The annual competition brings together students from ASEAN member states and the bloc’s three Northeast Asian partners — China, Japan and South Korea — to promote scientific knowledge, innovation, creativity and regional cooperation. It also encourages collaboration on science, sustainability and the development of 21st-century skills.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education said Timor-Leste’s participation reflected the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education by fostering critical thinking, scientific research and innovation among young people.
Timor-Leste was represented by six students from schools in Dili: Alandrinho Corbafo Caunan of Colégio Paulo VI; Angelica da Costa Sequeira of Bidau Akadiruhun Central Basic School (EBC); Mendelina del Carmen Mascarenhas of EBC 30 de Agosto; Nelia Patricio Soares of EBC São Pedro; Peter Carlos Chima Anaje of EBC São José Operário; and Salvador da Costa Pacheco of EBC Esperança da Pátria.
The students were accompanied by teachers Alegrina de Jesus of EBC Bidau Akadiruhun and Helena de Sousa Amara of EBC Esperança da Pátria.
In addition to the medals awarded in the APT-JSO Grand Awards category, the Timorese team received five special awards: Best Carbon Footprint Estimation, Best Performance in the “Wings of Chance” Challenge, the Katuklas Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to innovative scientific discovery, the Kaugnay Excellence Award for promoting collaboration and respect for cultural diversity, and the Kaisa Excellence Award for commitment to climate action.
The education ministry described the results as a source of national pride, saying they reflected the dedication of the students, teachers, schools and partners involved in preparing the national delegation.
The ministry congratulated the participants on their achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening science education, innovation and youth development to support the country’s sustainable development and expand Timor-Leste’s participation in international scientific competitions.
TATOLI
