SINGAPORE EMBASSY IN DILI – PRESS STATEMENT
The inaugural run of the Basic English Language and Communications Skills Course, supported by Singapore under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), has concluded successfully. Held from 5 to 23 October 2026, the course brought together 30 participants from various ministries across Timor-Leste.
The course aimed to strengthen participants’ foundational English language proficiency and practical communication skills, equipping them with greater confidence to communicate effectively in both professional and everyday settings. Through interactive lessons and practical exercises, participants had the opportunity to develop their speaking, listening and interpersonal communication skills.
Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng congratulated the participants for successfully completing the programme. She underscored the importance of English as the working language of ASEAN, noting that proficiency in English would help Timorese officials communicate more effectively.
Ambassador Teo also encouraged participants to continue practising their English beyond the classroom. She said, “Confidence comes with practice and making mistakes is a natural part of learning”. “I hope that participants would put their newly acquired skills to good use in their workplaces and in their interactions with their ASEAN counterparts”, she added.
Participants also shared positive reflections on their learning experience.
“I learned how to write professional emails and communicate clearly in English. This course has improved my confidence in communicating with international partners and clients. I will apply these skills in my work at the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) to better explain social security services”, Mr Zeferino da Costa Bobo, National Institute of Social Security (INSS)
“The course is highly relevant to our professional responsibilities, as it strengthens our English communication skills, particularly in speaking, writing, and participating in meetings. These skills will help us communicate more effectively and exchange ideas when collaborating with our ASEAN counterparts. The knowledge gained will also enhance our confidence and professionalism in future regional engagements and contribute to strengthening cooperation among ASEAN Member States”, Mr Eliseo Pedro A. S. Borges, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Tourism and Environment
As Timor-Leste deepens its engagement with ASEAN, English language proficiency will play an increasingly important role in enabling its officials to participate meaningfully in regional discussions and cooperation. This inaugural course reflects Singapore’s continued commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s human resource development and capacity-building efforts.Launched in 2000, the IAI aims to narrow development gaps among ASEAN Member States and strengthen regional integration. It supports less-developed ASEAN members through technical assistance, training and capacity-building programmes to enable them to participate more effectively in ASEAN.
