A delegation of 10 young leaders from Timor-Leste under the banner ‘Futuru Líder ba ASEAN (FLBA)’ concluded a 10-day intensive programme in the Sultanate recently.
Prior to the trip, the participants were briefed by Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Timor-Leste Wan Hadfi Lutfan bin Haji Abdul Latif concerning the country’s history, culture, policies and Brunei Vision 2035.
During the trip, the FLBA delegation led by Valeriano da Silva and Digna Serrão was first hosted by Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam Abel Guterres and the embassy team, supported by immersion coaches.
The FLBA delegation visited various ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they were briefed on the Sultanate’s involvement in ASEAN and the country’s strategies in raising its profile regionally.
The delegation learnt about the Sultanate’s economy and related industries at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Brunei Economic Development Board, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, the Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja, the Royal Brunei Airlines, the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC), the JobCentre Brunei and Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd.
At the Energy Department of the Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation learnt the Sultanate’s efforts to enhance energy security and transition to sustainable energy sources.
The delegation also engaged with the Brunei Youth Council and the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei and discussed youth empowerment and initiatives in developing “future-ready youth”.
At the Department of Councils of State, the delegation learnt about Brunei’s Legislative process and the role of the Legislative Council as the official arena for airing and debating pertinent issues in the country.
The delegation learnt about the work of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports with regard to issues concerning gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion as well as on disaster risk management. They also toured the ASEAN Walk at the Damuan Park where sculptures from each member state were erected.
In addition, the delegation visited cultural and religious sites such as the Royal Regalia Museum, Malay Technology Museum, Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, gaining insights into the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy and the Sultan’s role in preserving cultural heritage.
The delegation also went on a hiking expedition at the Bukit Merikan Park in Bandar Seri Begawan and experienced Brunei Darussalam’s commitment towards environmental conservation in Temburong District.
Additionally, the delegation paid a visit to the Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Universiti Teknologi Brunei, where they received briefings on the universities’ academic programmes and initiatives.
The delegation had a session with the high commissioner of Australia and ambassadors of China, Indonesia and the United States where they discussed the impact of international relations on shaping the dynamics of the Brunei Darussalam-Timor-Leste relationship.
Through these engagements, the FLBA delegation established contacts with various government institutions, private sector entities, academic bodies, and youth organisations in the Sultanate.
The delegation’s visit helped foster the friendly ties between both countries but also created opportunities for economic, educational, and people-to-people collaboration.
The programme is one of Timor-Leste’s strategies for its eventual membership within the ASEAN community and was initiated by the government of Timor-Leste, launched by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn in April this year.
The programme also aimed to nurture young Timorese leaders by learning essential knowledge, skills and connections to become proficient leaders who can effectively interact with ASEAN bodies and facilitate Timor-Leste’s smooth integration into the regional bloc. – James Kon
